Sunday, May 2, 2010

Crazy about coconuts.....


Coconuts are the unsung heroes of the Superfood world. Even though they have been used for literally thousands of years as a tonic and medicine, in recent years they have fallen onto hard times in nutrition and sports circles. That is about to change. Despite much bad press about coconuts being a saturated fat and therefore to be avoided in the case of both diabetes and weight issues, the scientific research suggests otherwise. It has been shown to be effective in stabilizing blood sugar levels and normalizing thyroid function. likely originating in the Philippines it has spread throughout the world and is a foundational food source for the South Pacific.
Coconut in the ancient Indian language of Sanskrit literally translates to “the tree that supplies all that is needed to live”. A perfect example of this occurred during the mid 20th century on a then unpopulated Magnetic Island off the coast of North Queensland. A pair of men were marooned there for some 9 months and forced to live off nothing but coconuts. When they were finally rescued despite their robust appearance, doctors feared that this sparse diet may have caused major deficiencies and ran many tests on the men. To their shock not only were they the picture of health but many of their previous ailments had disappeared. Such an example gives us a valuable insight as to the healing powers of coconut.
Coconut Water
The water of the coconut is nearly identical to that of human blood plasma meaning that when combined with a green juice such as wheatgrass it becomes an instant and refreshing blood transfusion. The electrolyte rich water is naturally filtered for nine months inside the nut to create the best sports drink ever. The water is also filled with b vitamins and other valuable minerals.
Coconut Flesh
The flesh of a coconut consists of a pure saturated fat that can repair damaged tissue, increase nerve function and restore sexual fluids in males. Unlike the saturated fats found in animal sources coconuts have shorter chain fats that require less energy to burn. This means that they make for a quick burning and readily accessible food source and a gentler fat for the liver. These two factors create a leaner and more energetically functional body.
Coconut Oil
Unquestionably the true magic lies in the oil found in the flesh. When extracted and concentrated the powerful healing benefits of coconuts can really be accessed. The oil of coconut is antiviral, antimicrobial, and antifungal. It can therefore be used both inside and outside the body to great effect. Here is a list of some of its many benefits:
  • Improved digestion and absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
  • Increase the absorption of calcium and magnesium
  • Supports immune system
  • Powerful antioxidant capability
  • Lauric acid present in oil great for skin
  • Doubles omega 3 uptake when used in combination with O3 rich foods
  • Assists hormone regulation
  • Anti aging precursor
  • Increase thyroid thus allowing body to burn excess fat
  • Displace bad fats that have been previously ingested
  • Contain no cholesterol
  • Can assist in fungal overgrowths such as Candida and fight viral infections
Coconut oil for us is a mainstay and helps slow the release of the sugars when added to smoothies. This is the best part of the nut and we are blessed that we can get good quality organic oils that are toxin free. Another fun form though is young Thai coconut. These can be purchased from supermarkets and Asian grocery stores everywhere. They are easy to use once you know how. We have put a video as to how to open these so don’t be intimidated. They are great for beginners and taste awesome with cacao in smoothies. Their soft flesh is easily digestible and offers lots of energy giving goodness. The water is sweet as it is a hybrid nut so it goes down a treat. For now have fun and enjoy their sweet creamy taste!


Post provided by Julze Serendipity

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