Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
If you were stranded on a deserted island and could have one item with you, what would it be? Your ipod? A guitar? Matches? Your Easy Bake Oven? I don’t know what mine would be, probably the new Harry Potter book. Something to entertain me definitely. And as long as there are a few coconut trees I think would be fine.
Besides making a stylish bikini, coconuts are quite good to eat. The main components of the food that we eat are carbohydrates, protein, fats, and water. Coconuts have all of those components. It just might be the most perfect food. The meat is also a great source of fiber at 12 grams per cup. Coconuts contain calcium, potassium, thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin. It’s also rich in amino acids.
But the real health benefits lie in the oil. People are now taking it by the spoonfuls as a daily supplement to treat aches and pains and aid in weight loss. Here are some of the benefits in coconut oil.
• No oxidation (Can handle higher temperatures meaning no Trans fats.)
• Auto-immunity (Using it in Africa to fight aids)
• Lauric acid (a component of mothers milk) is anti-microbial and anti-viral
• Younger skin, hair, and nails
• Brain food (Focus and attention) (Depression)
• Rich in MCI (medium chain fatty acids) This means that the fat will be used for energy right away instead of storing it for later.
• Weight loss.
• Controls Candida
• Reduces carbohydrate cravings
Oh yeah and the taste! Coconut milk makes a great creamy curry sauce for stir-fry dishes, dried coconut is great in granola and desserts, and the oil makes a yummy cheese cake, or you can fry sweet potato wedges in it too. 
March 6th, 2007 at 1:03 pm
What do you think about shredded coconut you buy in a bag. Will this give you the same kind of nutrients?
March 6th, 2007 at 2:59 pm
Coconut is one of my favorite fruits to just snack on or prepare it as a drink, but it is not easy to crack on of those puppies open… any suggestions for easy access?
March 6th, 2007 at 7:41 pm
What about coconut in can?
March 7th, 2007 at 12:23 pm
i found your article very informative. In refering to the question about coconut in a can, if you buy coconut milk in a can, does that still have the same nutrients as fresh milk? What about Light coconut milk?
March 12th, 2007 at 1:24 pm
That’s great information, Shauna. I remember a few years ago people were told not to consume tropical oils. But it really depends on what type of oils they are. For sure, any hydrogenated oils are BAD news.
I won’t feel guilty for loving coconut anymore, that’s for sure!
bobbi c.