The miracle of the coconut...
The Power of the coconut…
Ahhh… the coconut, the gift from mother nature that just keeps on giving.
The coconut has many healthy and nutritional benefits and is truly a super food powerhouse.
Let's start internally and work our way out.
Coconuts are high in manganese, which is very important in bone health, it also helps in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and cholesterol.
Coconuts are also rich in selenium, and important antioxidant that protects your cells, they are also rich in copper and iron, helping to form red blood cells.
Coconuts are also a great hormone builder; your hormones control a lot of what goes on in your body, so this is an awesome benefit.
The water from a “young coconut” (the young coconut has a green shell, or if the shell has been removed to show a white hull, and is typically Asian coconuts) is a great source of natural electrolytes to keep you from becoming dehydrated. Way better for you than some sugary sport drink.
Coconut water is also low in carbs, calories, and sugars (watch out for flavored coconut water though, the sugars can add up quick) and high in proteins, B vitamins, and ascorbic acid.
Coconut meat (the internal goodness of the coconut) is rich in antioxidants and is also a great source of healthy proteins, fats, and various minerals and vitamins. It helps to restore oxidative tissue damage as well.
Coconut oil is very good for you if you select the right one.
It must be organic, cold pressed at 90-100 degrees F.
The one to avoid is the unrefined, unprocessed and not hydrogenated, avoid this coconut oil for consumption.
Coconut oil is Awesome for external use as well! The use of coconut oil for your skin and hair is becoming more widespread a s people are seeing the great benefits of doing so. It is a great natural moisturizer packed full of vitamins and minerals your skin and hair require to thrive.
Coconut oil is a great source of saturated fat (the good fat). Not the icky long-chain saturated fat, but a medium-chain fatty acid. For many coconut oil is a staple in their daily nutrition. Especially those living a high fat (good fats) lower carbohydrate lifestyle.
Although this is a great fat source for your daily macros, ease into consumption as with any new food you introduce to your body.
Too much in one day may result in a not so good situation in the restroom. Just ease it into your nutrition, no worries.
Coconut oil is also used by many as a great oil to cook in. This is because of the high heat stability that coconut oil offers. Coconut oil is a better cooking alternative than olive oil, which has a much lower stable temp.
I utilize coconut oil all day long. I start in the morning applying coconut oil to my face and hair. I put MCT oil (made from coconuts) in my morning coffee after I break my fast. I also have an afternoon snack of organic coconut butter, organic sunflower seeds, and a good sea salt.
Here are the top ten benefits coconuts (SunWarrior)
Supports immune system health.
- Provides a natural source of quick energy.
- Improves digestion and absorption of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.
- Improves insulin secretion and symptoms associated with diabetes.
- Helps protect the body form cancers through insulin reduction and removal of free radicals that cause premature aging and degenerative disease.
- Reduces the risk of heart disease and improves good cholesterol (HDL).
- Restores and supports thyroid function.
- Helps protect against kidney disease and bladder infection.
- Promotes weight loss.
- Helps keep hair and skin healthy and youthful looking, prevents wrinkles, sagging skin, age spots, and provides sun protection.
Holy cow!......
As you can see, the coconut is an amazing gift from mother nature that we can use to start, and maintain our good health.
Here’s to your health…
Cheers!
