For many island populations, coconuts are a diet staple and often serve as the major source of food and nutrition. Nearly a third of the world’s population depends on the coconut to some degree as a food source. So, it should be no secret that this tropical fruit (yes, coconut is a fruit), supplies your body with a wealth of health benefits, which can be enjoyed in countless tasty variations.

Nutritionally speaking, coconuts are high in dietary fiber, protein, potassium, thiamine, vitamin C, and iron. In addition, they are low in sugar and carbohydrates. Coconut flesh is also high in saturated fat, but coconuts contain a good form of saturated fat which can actually facilitate weight loss. But, due to the amount of saturated fat, moderation when eating the meat of a coconut is recommended. But, drinking coconut water and milk can deliver tremendous nutritional benefits without the fat content.

Just some of the proven health benefits of coconuts include:
• Decreases inflammation in the body and helps with inflammatory conditions
• Boosts energy and enhances athletic performance
• Promotes tissue repair, wound healing, and aids immune function
• Functions as a protective antioxidant
• Improves insulin secretion and utilization of blood glucose
• Reduces gas build-up in GI tract, relieves stomach ulcers, and alleviates constipation
• Excellent for skin health (moisturizer, wrinkle reducer) and hair strength
• Good for kidney and urinary problems
• Helps protect against osteoarthritis

Coconut can be consumed in a number of forms – raw (flesh), milk, water and oil. Below, each is described with ways to enjoy the fruit which falls from “the tree of life”:

• Raw coconut flesh:
Coconuts are very high in fiber, which is essential for maintaining a healthy diet, aiding weight control, and promoting proper digestion. In fact, coconut has one of the highest percentages of fiber among all plant foods. Seventy-five percent of the total carbohydrate content in coconut is fiber. Coconut meat is also extremely helpful for intestinal health by feeding friendly bacteria in the gut and increasing GI motility. Also, dietary fiber like that found in coconut is known to slow down the absorption of sugars thus helping to keep blood sugar under control. Therefore, supplementation of coconut for diabetic or pre-diabetic individuals is highly recommended. Coconut meat also aids in mineral absorption, allowing you to reap the full benefits of the healthy food you eat (or should eat).

Raw coconut can be taken directly from the coconut itself or can be bought shredded at the grocery store. From there, you can add the meat or flakes directly to your favorite foods. Shredded coconut is perfect for shakes, baked goods, trail mix, or grab a handful and eat it all by itself.
*Body Purification Center carries Coconut Bliss, amazing coconut based frozen dessert products that are soy, dairy, and gluten free. ***COMING SOON***

• Coconut oil:
Considered by many in the health world as “the healthiest oil on earth,” for its nutritional value and medicinal properties. Coconut oil differs from other foods like vegetable/canola oil and unsaturated fat sources like meat, milk, eggs, and plants which contain long-chain fatty acids (LCFA), because it contains medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA). This is important because MCFAs are very different from LCFAs. MCFAs do not have a negative effect on cholesterol and help to protect against heart disease. MCFAs also help to lower the risk of both atherosclerosis and heart disease. It is primarily due to the MCFA in coconut oil that makes it so special and so beneficial. Coconut oil is one of the few known sources of MCFAs available through food sources.

Coconut oil is a stable cooking oil just like olive oil, so you can simply replace other oils in your diet with coconut oil. (Note: coconut oil is not suitable for cold salad dressings because the liquid oil will become solid when mixed with cold ingredients). It can also be used as a butter/margarine substitute when cooking as well as adding it to hot drinks like tea and protein shakes. Some people even eat it by the spoonful since it is solid at room temperature.
*Coconut oil can also be used topically to heal, protect, and beautify your skin and hair.

• Coconut Water/Milk:
Coconut water is the purest liquid on earth second only to water. It is chock full of electrolytes, calcium, potassium, magnesium; basically everything that is good for you. Coconut water is taken from unripe coconuts and is excellent for hydration, kidney/bladder function, intestinal health, and is an antibacterial agent. Coconut water has even been used to hydrate the body intravenously when standard hydration fluid is not available, since coconut water is almost identical to blood plasma in nutrient content. Instead of chugging a sugarbomb sports drink like Gatorade or Powerade, opt for coconut water which provides significantly more electrolytes, far less sugar (or fake sugars which are even more scary), and less calories. Coconut water also tastes delicious and coconut water companies have even added natural fruit flavorings like berries, guava, passionfruit to add variety.

Coconut water’s counterpart, coconut milk is extracted from mature brown coconuts and contains high amounts of vitamins, potassium, and chloride which can be a terrific source of nutrients for health and hydration. Coconut milk also contains lauric acid, which is a nutrient found in mother’s milk, and is excellent for tissue repair and healthy growth. Coconut milk can be used for cooking or any other purpose just like regular cow’s milk.