The Wonders of Coconut
The Wonders of Coconut
This week I thought I would write on ‘the wonders of the coconut’ because it is so versatile and it products are very nutritional alternatives to cow’s milk products.
Coconut milk and water are very rich and balanced in the minerals potassium, phosphorus, sodium, calcium, iron and magnesium. Some recent research has suggested that coconut milk is great for the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, the cardiovascular system and blood cholesterol levels.
Kara Coconut Milk – ‘Kara’ Coconut Milk is a great alternative to cow’s milk and soya. Kara coconut milk is made from freshly pressed coconut milk and is ideal for anyone with an intolerance to lactose, cow’s milk, soya or gluten. It is delicious tasting and has the same calcium and fat levels as semi-skimmed milk. I often use kara coconut milk on my muesli in the morning and have a hot cup of it just before bed. It is a delicious alternative to cow’s milk in your cupper.
I would not suggest it as an alternative to cow’s milk in children under 12 months old.
Coconut oil – Try to buy organic cold pressed virgin oil which is hard at room temperature. This is believed to be the only type of oil stable enough to heat to high temperature during cooking. Olive oil is great in salad dressings but is damaged during heating and cooking.
Coconut Water – Coconut water is the juice found inside young, green coconuts. It is a thirst quenching drink full of mineral electrolytes ideal for people post-exercise and helps prevent muscle spasms and cramps. It helps maintain water pressure within the blood enabling the body to rehydrate quickly. It contains high levels of lauric acid which has an anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties that support the body’s immune system.
Beward of drinking too much as it can have a diuretic and laxative effect.
