Going nuts for Coconuts from the Tree of life

Been going nuts for coconuts since day one. I have been obsessed with every great benefit they offer… On top of packing some serious flavor, we can help aid our body in healing itself! Something about busting open a raw coconut just makes me feel like a savage. For thousands of years, people like myself and Pacific Islanders have used coconuts as their primary source of food and medicine, and as a result, have always been among the healthiest, longest-lived people in the world. Many cultures around the world have been drinking pure coconut oil as a health tonic from treating digestive disorders, viruses, autoimmune diseases like Chrohns, and so much more. But Pacific Islanders are not the only people soaking up the many benefits of Coconuts.. We have studies in the US by Medical professionals like Job Kabara, Ph. D., professor of chemistry and pharmacology at Michigan State University as well as Dr Bruce Fife who featured a ton of awesome studies in his book The Coconut Oil Miracle wouldn’t know this from our modern so-called diet and health experts.

A few of the many many features of el coconut:

• Coconut oil – One of the highest smoke points for all cooking oils. Gives a beautiful taste, great for stir-fry, baking fish, pancakes, smoothies, lubricant, skin care, plus sooo much more!

• Taste
  Foods cooked in coconut oil taste better longer. If left at room temperature unsaturated oils turn rancid fairly quickly. However, even after one year at room temperature, coconut oil shows no evidence of rancidity.
• Rich Source of Antioxidants
  Coconut oil is packed with antioxidants, and it also reduces the body’s need for vitamin E.
• Promotes Thyroid Function
  Coconut oil stimulates thyroid function. This, in turn, stimulates conversion of production of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol into the anti-aging prohormones and hormones pregnenolone, progesterone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). These valuable agents prevent heart disease, senility, obesity, cancer and other diseases associated with premature aging, as well as chronic, degenerative diseases.
• Antimicrobial Properties Coconut oil has tremendous antiviral properties. It’s a miracle!!!!

Low Glycemic Index (GI) measures how fast available carbohydrates in food raise blood sugar levels.  Coconut fiber slows down the release of glucose, therefore requiring less insulin to utilize the glucose and transport it into the cell where it is converted into energy.  Coconut also assists in relieving stress on the pancreas and enzyme systems of the body, in turn, reducing the risks associated with Diabetes.  Coconut Nectar and Crystals have a very low GI of only 35 (compared to honey with a GI of 55-83, and sugar with a GI of 65-100.)

Reduces Sweet Cravings and improves insulin secretion and utilization of blood glucose.  The healthy fat in coconut slows down any rise in blood sugar and helps to reduce hypoglycemic cravings.

Improves Digestion and many of the symptoms and inflammatory conditions associated with digestive and bowel disorders, by supporting absorption of other nutrients including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids while also providing beneficial dietary fiber.

Quick Energy Boost that provides a super nutritious source of extra energy.  Coconut is utilized by the body to actually produce energy, rather than to store it as body fat.  It supports improved endurance during physical and athletic performance. As well, it promotes healthy thyroid function and helps to relieve the symptoms of chronic fatigue.

In addition, coconut contains No Trans-Fats, is Gluten-Free, Non-Toxic, Hypoallergenic, and also contains Antibacterial, Antiviral, Anti-fungal, and Anti-parasitic healing properties.  Coconut helps to aid and support overall Immune System functions.Improves Heart Health by providing healthy short chain and medium chain fatty acids (MCFA) that are essential to good health.High in Dietary Fiber rivaling other fiber sources such as psyllium, wheat bran, oat bran, and rice bran.  Coconut supplies an impressive 61% dietary fiber!   Foods contain two types of carbohydrates – digestible and non-digestible.  Digestible carbohydrates (soluble fiber) consists of starch and sugar and promote calories. Non-digestible carbohydrates (insoluble fiber) contains NO calories.  Since the body cannot digest the dietary fiber in coconut, no calories are derived from it and it has no effect on blood sugar.

Helps Prevent Obesity by speeding up metabolism, providing an immediate source of energy with fewer calories than other fats. Positive effect on the thyroid to promote healthy hormones. Eat them up ladies to keep those hormones in check!

We have the other nutrient all star counterparts:

• Coconut water – superfood filled with minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, amino acids, enzymes, and growth factors. I have been using coconut water daily for re-hydrating and as a delicious base to smoothie mixes!
• Coconut flour – dietary fiber, organic, gluten-free, unrefined, low calories, low carbs, low fat, aids digestive health, helps balance blood sugar, great healthy alternative for baked goods
• Coconut Kefir -  aids digestion of all foods. It has a tonifying effect on the intestines, even flattening the abdomen! Liver cleansing, minerals, aminos, cleansing, enzyme rich, oh my!!

A few ways you can grab some of these easy benefits:
1. Use Coconut oil in your cooking and use much less other vegetable oils.
2. Eat Coconut and Coconut products as a regular part of your diet
3. Apply Coconut oil directly to your skin and hair in order to absorb its healing benefits directly into your body.

Substitute for butter in recipes, add a tablespoon to smoothies for texture and health boost, or try out a couple of these ease recipes:

Healthy Hash Browns
1 Medium sized sweet potato
2 tablespoons coconut oil
seasoning to taste.. try sea salt and cayenne!

Coconut Banana Bread
1 cup coconut oil
1/4 cup honey or natural sweetener
4 eggs
1 cup Coconut flour
1 cup shredded coconut
1 teaspoon Sea Salt
1 cup vanilla based plant protein (hemp, brown rice, or pea)
1/2 cup flax or almond meal

Easy Coconut crusted Fish
Thawed fish filet (cod, salmon, halibut, etc,,,)
Tablespoon of coconut oil
¼ cup Coconut flour
Teaspoon Cayenne
Teaspoon Lemon Pepper blend
Coat fish with oil on both sides, cover in spices, and pan-fry for 2 minutes on each side or wrap in foil and bake for extra flavor. Simple and delicious. If you’re feeling ambitious you can crunch up some nuts like macadamia’s for an extra crunchy flavor boost.