Difference between revisions of "Coconut"

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accept the bitter to get better

Coconut Pandak 4years old

Dwarf Coconut 4 years old

Harvested Coconuts. Some are already husked. Ready to be split and baked.

Dietary supplement is a product that contains vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and/or other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has special labeling requirements for dietary supplements and treats them as foods, not drugs.

Manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements and dietary ingredients are prohibited from marketing products that are adulterated or misbranded. That means that these firms are responsible for evaluating the safety and labeling of their products before marketing to ensure that they meet all the requirements of DSHEA and FDA regulations.

Husked Coconut

Split Coconut

Dwarf coconut grove

Coconut The Giving Tree
by Franklin H. Maletsky

Coconut tree

The common names for the coconut are coconut palm, coco palm, and of course the coconut tree. The scientific name is cocos nucifera. The scientific name cocos nucifera was derived from the Portuguese language. Cocos is Portuguese for monkey, in reference to the face that appears on the stripped nut. Nucifera means nut bearing. The coconut tree is an ever giving tree. Almost every part of the coconut tree is useful. The Coconut Palm or coconut tree (Cocos nucifera) is the only species in the cocos family that grows to 30 meters or almost 100 feet tall. The term coconut refers to the fruit of the coconut palm or coconut tree.

Coconut trunk

The coconut trunk can be used for lumber. In most of the countries where coconut trees are grown, the coconut tree is protected by the government due to rampant harvesting even of young coconut trees for coco lumber. The coconut tree can live to over 60 years. The coconut trunk narrows as it towers to the sky and close to 100 feet tall. The older the coconut tree, the better it is for lumber. The old coconut trunk can be so tough that a 4" nail would bend as it is hammered in. The softest part of the coconut trunk is the middle since it is the newest growth or part of the tree. The coconut trunk gets harder and tougher as it moves away from the center. The hardest part of the coconut trunk is the part immediately under the coconut tree skin because it is the oldest part of the coconut tree.

Coconut sap

The coconut sap is used to produce coconut wine, coconut vinegar and coconut gel. The sap of the coconut is gathered from the unopened coconut bud. The coconut bud is cylindrical in shape that tapers at the top and bottom (like a torpedo). The tip of the bud is cut with a sharp blade before it opens to flower. The coconut bud is then secured with strings around it from the top to bottom so that it may not open and flower. A container is then positioned to receive the dripping coconut sap from the cut bud. The sap is collected daily and the bud is cut again or "bled". The cut is usually about an eighth of an inch per day. A mature coconut tree can yield up to a gallon of sap daily. Some people like to drink the coconut sap fresh from the coconut tree. Others prefer to drink it after it ferments for a few hours thereby raising the alcoholic content of the sap. When this coconut sap is distilled it can produce about 96 proof coconut wine.

Coconut leaves

The coconut leaf is used for several things. firewood, broom, thatch roof, baskets, and other containers.

Coconut fruit

From the coconut fruit derives the:
	coconut meat Copra Coconut Oil Virgin Coconut Oil coconut husk (coir) coconut shell Charcoal coconut water or juice.

Coconut Meat

The most common product of the coconut meat is coconut oil. There are three ways of making coconut oil; one is RBD (Refined, Bleached & Deodorized), home cooking, cold pressed. The RBD oil is produced (by large factories) from copra (dried coconut meat). Making copra is accomplished by drying the meat either by sun or by fire. Home cooking is accomplished by grating the coconut meat, squeezing the juice out of it, then cooking the juice in a pan over an open fire. Cold pressed is where VCO (virgin coconut oil) comes from. This method can be home made or commercialized by big factories.

Virgin Coconut Oil

Cold pressed coconut meat from the mature coconut produces VCO. You can use a blender or a food processor to grind the coconut meat. Get a clean empty glass jar. Put a cloth filter at the mouth of the jar. Squeeze the shredded coconut meat and let the coconut juice (milk) flow into the jar through the filter. This coconut milk is approximately 40% oil.

Let it sit for about 24 hours and the VCO will separate from the water. After it sits for 24 hours the coconut cream will divide into three parts.

The very top (about 25%) will be the cream (Curd). The curd is soft but solid enough that you can simply scoop it out.
- do not throw away. You can use it for cooking.
The middle part about 40% will be the oil.
The bottom part is water.
- Do not throw away the water separated from the oil. You can still use it for medicinal value. It will help soften skin.

After clearing or scooping out the curd, the best way to pour out the water would be to refrigerate the content in the jar. (Below 76F* [24*C] VCO will solidify) The VCO at the top of the jar will harden and the water will be at the bottom. Break the hardened VCO in half and pour out the water. Now you have pure VCO. Store the VCO in a cool area and the VCO will turn liquid again. (At 76F* [24*C] and above VCO will liquefy.

Reade more about VCO >>>>

Coconut shell

Used for ornamental products and charcoal. Used as a piggybank.
Used as a bowl: When the coconut is split in half, with the "eyes" facing up or down, the other half without the "eyes" can be used a bowl. The bottom of this half shell is not flat so it leans to the side. In order to use the half coconut shell as a serving bowl a base must be made. The base is usually made out of any piece of wood (4"x4"x2"). The center of this base is carved out, so there is a hole in a form of a circle in this base. The coconut bowl is then placed in this hole of the base. It is a perfect fit. The hot soup in the bowl won't spill as it passed around the table.

buttons from Coconut shells
Halved Coconut Shells
Old coconut shell on Beach
Kalamay Packed in coconut shell
Coconut dipper and tea set

Coconut flowers

coconuts

Most coconuts are self-pollinating. The coconut tree continuously bears flowers.

The coconut flower starts off as a pod or bud shaped like a torpedo. When the coconut bud opens there are several pistils. The pistils are connected to the stem of the flower and they are staggered. The stem where the pistils come out can be 10 to 12 inches long. Each pistil that extends out from the stem is about 10 to 16 inches long. The coconut flower looks like an oak tree without leaves.

There are several "seeds" in each of these pistils. Not all the "seeds" mature. Each of these seeds that mature turn into the coconut fruit. There can be 5 to 12 coconuts attached to the coconut flower.

After the harvest, these coconut flowers are sometimes used as brooms or rakes.

Coconut Husks

The husk is the outer layer of the coconut. The coconut husk surrounds the coconut shell. The skin of the coconut husk is very smooth.

Coconut Coir

The fiber between the outer shell and the skin of the husk is called the coir. Coir is twisted and prepared to be made into rope. The coconut coir is used for flower pots, filters, seat cushions, and other creative things.

Rewinding of coconut coir pith rope
rolled Rope made from Coconut Coir
Ropes from Coconut Coir

Coconut root

The coconut tree does not have a tap (prime) root. The root system of the coconut tree is fibrous. The coconut root is about 1/3 of an inch thick. Used as medicinal concoction for stomach aches Some of the uses of the coconut root:

Medicine for diarrhea (dysentery)

Dye

I remember using the root also as toothbrush. Get a root and fray it. Usually available only from coconuts with partially exposed root system.

Coconut "Blanket"

As the coconut grows, the very tip or the shoot of the coconut is surrounded by this "blanket". It looks like a woven thread, it is interlaced. As the leaves form and grow out, this blanket surrounds the trunk of the coconut tree. As the leaves grow old and fall out of the tree so does the "blanket". The common folks use this "ginete" as a natural filter. In fact the "tuba" or coconut sap gatherers use this "blanket" as a filter to filter the "tuba" before they pour it into the final container.

Virgin Coconut oil the best antidote against obesity and diabetes

By MEDIATRIX P. CRISTOBAL

For several decades, man's search for sensible weight loss program remained futile. People buy to the hype of fast, exercise-free diet pills, and often times end up either frustrated because of unfulfilled results, or worse with yo-yo effects.

Dr. Nestor Fuertes, a respected Australia-based Filipino doctor and Virgin Coconut oil advocate, said the most effective weight loss supplement had been right under our noses â€“ the VCO. "The difference with VCO (compared to other diet pills) is that you take it, it basically feeds your cell immediately. The fats are instantly converted into energy, so no fats deposited in your body." He added.

Foods taken everyday, such as pork or hamburger, usually contain bad fats, which are deposited and accumulated in the body - usually in the mid-torso section, or locally known as "bilbil."

VCO's medium chain triglyceride is the good kind of fat, set highly apart from all the other fats found in our everyday food. "Once we actually swallow the VCO, it immediately goes to the liver and it will be redistributed immediately into the cell. It repels attraction with fatsâ€¦after it is absorbed by the cell, it is immediately converted to energy." He explained.

He added that VCO has a thermogenic effects on the body, that slowly, but effectively increases the body's metabolic rate making it easier for the body to burn fats and perform better. VCO is famous for the plethora of health benefits it offers. Over the years, it gained popularity and has been ubiquitous in the local grocery aisles. It is only recently that health practitioners advocate on its potential slimming effects. Typically, an individual taking VCO regularly may lose 4 to 6 pounds in just a month.

He cited a study in a prestigious university in Australia which notes overweight men who took high doses of VCO have lost a significant 3-4 kilograms in just four months. But Fuertes said such pace is not usually recommended, because high doses of VCO causes loose motion syndrome and 4-6 pounds weight loss is too drastic for the body system.

Fuertes recommends taking 1 to 2 tablespoons of VCO at least half an hour before meals. Anyone who've just been introduced to VCO may start with a lower dosage of ½ teaspoon. A person needs to take the required dose twice a day to achieve the desired results, he said. Though it has no claims of any therapeutic effects, VCO's potential to cleanse clogged arteries out of the bad fats had been proven effective not only here. His patients abroad have testimonies about the effects of VCO in their health and wellness.

"VCO may actually push you right back into being normal and healthy," he added. He cited too much fat deposit in the body retards its functions and is oftenly manifested in the fastest growing lifestyle diseases nowadays known as obesity.

The 2006 world health organization figures said that 3.3 million Filipino female's aged between 20 to 25 are over-weight. Half of them are obese. About 1.2 million Filipino males on the other hand are overweight and half of them are obese. What makes the figures alarming is it occurs to population who are at their productive stage, peaking at the age 35 and half of these obese population are likely to be diabetic, hypertensive and are at risk of heart attack.

"Why do we need to get into this stage before we do something?" he said. "Taking 2 tablespoon of VCO twice a day coupled with a sensible diet and exercise may stop you from progressing from being obese to hypertensive, diabetic, etc,." he advised.

Dr. Conrado Dayrit, eminent Cardiologist, Professor Emeritus at the University of the Philippines, and then President of the Philippine Heart Association, published a book entitled “The Truth About Coconut Oil, The Drugstore in a Bottle”. Dr. Dayrit published..

“Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) prevents HEART DISEASE. Coconut oil, like other vegetable oils, has no cholesterol. In fact, VCO intake in substantial amounts keeps cholesterol low, between 170 and 200 milligrams per deciliter, by promoting the conversion of cholesterol into pregnenolone to be utilized in the production of adrenal and sex hormones. VCO’s cholesterol-lowering effect is a regulatory action since it can also beneficially raise cholesterol when it is too low for the body’s needs, thus maintaining the healthy ratio between low density lipoprotein-cholesterol and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C).

On the other hand, the lowering of total cholesterol by the omega-6 oils (corn and soybean oils) is not beneficial since it also lowers the good HDL-C, subsequently depositing the lost oxidized cholesterol in the arterial plaque, which could clog the arteries. While statins block cholesterol synthesis, this does not address the inflammatory nature of atherosclerosis. VCO does, having the ability to kill major types of atherogenic bacteria and viruses in the blood while exhibiting anti-inflammatory action in synergy with omega-3 fatty acids."

News About Coconut

Did you know these amazing health benefits of coconut water?

Source:http://www.thehealthsite.com/fitness/coconut-water-more-health-benefits-than-you-know/

By Dr Anitha Anchan

Coconut water has gained its popularity as a niche health food. It is 100% sterile, contains 94% water, is low in calories, and has zero cholesterol all of which make it a healthful beverage. Additionally, it is packed with B vitamins, amino acids, cytokinins and minerals like potassium, magnesium and manganese and potassium. Here are more reasons why you should add coconut water to your daily diet.

1. Drink it for your heart’s sake

Coconut water could be a remedy for more than just your thirst. According to a study, drinking coconut water may lower the rate of heart attacks. High amount of potassium in coconut water has been found to significantly reduce hypertension by increasing water excretion from the body, claims another study.

2. Reduce risk of kidney stones

Reduce the risk of kidney stones by regular consumption of coconut water. It contains potassium and magnesium and is an effective diuretic. And if you already have stones in your kidney, it can help eliminate them by expediting the flow of urine.

3. Remedy for diarrhoea

Had a bout of diarrhoea? Just replenish your body with coconut water to replace not only the fluid that you’ve lost but also the electrolytes and minerals. It will help flush out the toxins faster too. Coconut water is naturally isotonic. It has electrolyte levels similar to those found in our body. Since the water in an undamaged coconut is naturally sterile, it has also been used as a short-term alternative to an intravenous drip!

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Home / Fitness / Did you know these amazing health benefits of coconut water? Did you know these amazing health benefits of coconut water? Coconut water is very popular in India, especially on coastal regions. Read more to find out about it's many health benefits! Dr Anitha Anchan | Published: February 2, 2015 12:35 pm 7 Shares

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Tags: Healthy food Coconut water Coconut Health benefits Fitness coconut-water

Coconut water has gained its popularity as a niche health food. It is 100% sterile, contains 94% water, is low in calories, and has zero cholesterol all of which make it a healthful beverage. Additionally, it is packed with B vitamins, amino acids, cytokinins and minerals like potassium, magnesium and manganese and potassium. Here are more reasons why you should add coconut water to your daily diet. Also, read coconut water- celebs’ secret to glowing skin.

1. Drink it for your heart’s sake

Coconut water could be a remedy for more than just your thirst. According to a study, drinking coconut water may lower the rate of heart attacks. High amount of potassium in coconut water has been found to significantly reduce hypertension by increasing water excretion from the body, claims another study. (Read: Take the natural route to heart health – home remedies that work!)

2. Reduce risk of kidney stones

Reduce the risk of kidney stones by regular consumption of coconut water. It contains potassium and magnesium and is an effective diuretic. And if you already have stones in your kidney, it can help eliminate them by expediting the flow of urine. You may also want to read 10 simple ways to prevent kidney stones.

3. Remedy for diarrhoea

Had a bout of diarrhoea? Just replenish your body with coconut water to replace not only the fluid that you’ve lost but also the electrolytes and minerals. It will help flush out the toxins faster too. Coconut water is naturally isotonic. It has electrolyte levels similar to those found in our body. Since the water in an undamaged coconut is naturally sterile, it has also been used as a short-term alternative to an intravenous drip!

4. Hydrate on a hot day!

The scorching sun during summer dehydrates the body easily due to excess sweat and perspiration. Want a soothing food to comfort you in the heat? Nothing better than coconut water – one of the most refreshing drinks because it contains less carbohydrate and sugar content and abundant electrolytes. Either have it as it is or mix it with lime juice for a healthy and refreshing drink.

5. Refuel during and after exercise

Staying hydrated is very important during exercise and workouts. Coconut water can be a natural sports drink – with no preservatives or artificial sweeteners! It helps refuel and rehydrate post-exercise dehydration. It’s low in calories, high in potassium and can help replace lost fluids.

6. Rejuvenate your skin

Want to put back life into that dull skin? Fresh coconut water makes the skin soft and brings a glow to it. Using it twice in a day on hands and face can prove beneficial. The cytokinins present in coconut water can have anti-aging effects too.

7. Relieve usual pregnancy-related problems

Coconut water is naturally sterile. Hence, it is considered to be safe during pregnancy. It is generally recommended for pregnant women as a natural remedy to help ease constipation, acidity and heartburn. 8. Carry a knocked-out tooth

Coconut water is biologically pure and sterile. If you cannot place a knocked out tooth back into the socket or store it in the cheek, coconut water may be used as a storage solution for the tooth until you can see a dentist!

Beauty benefits of coconut

Source:http://www.thehealthsite.com/beauty/beauty-benefits-of-coconut/

By Priyanka Ganwani

Coconut be it in the form of water, milk or oil is ideal to tackle any beauty problem. A splash of fresh coconut water can give you glowing skin instantly.

Coconut is packed with lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid, which make it antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and consist of exceptional soothing qualities. It is thus a natural treatment for most of the beauty, be it hair or skin problems.

We list out the beauty benefits of coconut in its various forms.

Coconut water

For hair: Washing your hair with some refreshing coconut water is not only good to help tame down dry and frizzy hair but helps increase blood circulation at the same time. As it increases blood circulation in the scalp, the hair follicles are strengthened, preventing it from breakage. It is also a relief for dandruff, itchy scalp, dryness and any infection as it is anti-fungal and anti-bacterial in nature.

How to use: Massaging your scalp with coconut water daily will help manage rough and frizzy hair better. For better hair texture, you could make a conditioner with some cocoa butter and coconut water. Once you are done shampooing your hair, apply this mixture and wash thoroughly after 30 minutes.

For skin: If you are looking for a an effective and natural face wash, coconut water is the ideal choice. It is refreshing and it’s cleansing properties work well for your daily skincare regime. It also acts as a skin moisturiser and toner. Oily skin can be managed better with coconut water, as it has a non greasy application. It helps clear out acne and blemishes and is best for skin lightening treatment. The cytokinins present in coconut water can have anti-ageing effects too.

How to use: To get rid of acne and pimples, a face mask with sandalwood powder, turmeric and coconut water would prove beneficial. Mix and apply these ingredients all over your face. Coconut water also work great as part of an anti-tan mask with fuller’s earth. It helps get rid of dark spots and tan, naturally.

Coconut oil

For hair: Coconut oil contains the essential nutrients required for healthy hair. It provides for the much needed proteins our hair feeds on. Coconut oil is an essential part of any haircare regime.

This oil provides for one of the best oils for hair, as it penetrates well within the hair shaft and prevents hair from losing it’s moisture. This protects from damage and keeps its volume intact. It strengthens the hair, reduces split ends, is great for grey hair and simply makes your hair easier to manage. It is also beneficial to thicken hair growth especially on the eyebrows. The lauric acid in coconut oil is rich has significant action against viruses, bacteria and fungi and this ensures you keep away from infections of the scalp.

How to use: For grey hair, take about six to eight teaspoons (depending on hair length) of coconut oil. Mix three teaspoons of fresh lemon juice in the oil and apply it on hair. Keep it for an hour and wash your hair with a mild shampoo.

For skincare: Coconut oil is a great source of moisture. It helps moisturising the lips when dry and keeps them well hydrated. It also provides for a smooth shaving cream as it makes the skin resistant to any burns or skin irritation, after shaving. The anit-bacterial properties present in coconut, help reduce pimples and acne instantly. Applying some coconut reduces wrinkles and dark circles. Skin elasticity and flexibility is intact due to the the copper content in coconut oil. Coconut oil is a relief for skin affected by sun exposure and sun burns. Additionally, coconut oil is a great make-up remover, especially for eye make-up and also helps soften nail cuticles.

How to use: To get rid of acne, apply some coconut oil onto the affected area and leave it for about 15 minutes. Then wash it off with warm water and let your skin air dry. Ensure, you don’t apply any other products after this.

Coconut milk

For hair: Coconut milk is protein rich and is an answer to most hair problems. Applying some coconut milk regularly is a great way to nourish the hair right from the root to the tip. It is useful to get rid of split ends, balding, and helps regain lost lustre, and strengthens weak, brittle hair. It makes the hair free of any tangles and is a great conditioner.

How to use: For better hair conditioning, you could mix some coconut oil with your preferred shampoo, during a hair wash. To use it as a leave-in conditioner, apply some coconut milk to wet hair, from the roots towards the tips. To get rid of the dreadful tangles, just apply some coconut milk and comb your hair through it.

For skin: Coconut milk is the best way to pamper dehydrated skin and soothe it with its moisturising properties. The vitamins, proteins, iron and calcium present in it, supply the required nutrients for healthy skin. It solves skin issues like sun burns, and improves skin elasticity thereby reducing wrinkles and sagging skin. It is also beneficial in soothing skin irritation often caused due to psoriasis, dermatitis and eczema. Besides, sipping on some coconut water regularly helps keep the system hydrated, along with the skin.

How to use: For healthy and glowing skin, take a cup of rose petals, half a cup of rose water and a cup of coconut milk and add to lukewarm bath water. Soaking in this bath for about 15 minutes will help your skin regain its moisture. You can also rub coconut milk on your skin and leave it for 30 minutes till it gets completely absorbed.

Coconut in any form is highly beneficial for healthy skin and hair. It is a great way to to manage beauty problems without having to run to the salon.

Coconut Oil: Doing Good, Inside & Out

Source:http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/emily-cursonbaker/coconut-oil-doing-good-in_b_13056026.html

By Emily Curson-Baker

I love coconut oil and I am crazy about coconuts! There, I said it! Recently, I’ve been delving a little deeper into this wondrous drupe and exploring it’s many facets, leading me nicely on to, skin nourishment and the benefits of the topical use of coconut oil.

Coconut oil can nourish us from the inside out. In cooking, coconut oil is the preferred choice over alternatives such as vegetable oil, as it is able to withstand high temperatures without the nutritional goodness of the oil or the food, being affected. But, do you know about the goodness it can provide to the outside?

Let Me Tell You More...

Coconut oil is anti-viral, anti-microbial, anti-fungal and antiseptic - not many other foods can claim to carry out so many jobs, all at once!

Coconut oil is fantastic for our hair and is even used in dog grooming by adding shine to the coats of our furry friends! If it’s good enough for them, it’s good enough for us, right?

It’s good to note here, the different types of coconut oil that you may come across. Not all coconut oils are the same and we see words like, “pure” “mature” and “refined” on the labels of coconut oil containers. As a rule, these types of coconut oils are not the preferred option. These oils come from older coconuts that contain mycotoxins (moulds!) and ‘purifying’ processes take place whereby the coconut meat is bleached and refined, thus exposing it to chemical processes, increasing chemical intake on consumption of the coconut.

Keywords to watch out for are “raw”, “virgin” and “cold-pressed” - all of which refer to young coconuts that undergo less processing and provide you with a nutritional coconut oil that is great for using with cooking as well as on the body too.

Coconut Oil For Skin Nourishment

Skin complaints like, eczema & dermatitis or dry skin benefit from applying coconut oil - apply just before bed and allow to sink in overnight.

Recently, I developed a very painful crack in the side of my mouth which was causing me great discomfort. I decided to try some coconut oil on the affected area; I applied it before bed and left it to allow it to sink in overnight. The next day, it took me a number of hours to remember the discomfort I had experienced the day before and that was because, the pain and the crack, had totally disappeared! I was godsmacked and thrilled all at once!

In the kitchen, I occasionally catch myself on the cooker and find myself with mild burns as a result. I have found that, after running the affected area under cold water (as directed by First Aid procedures), applying a good thick layer of coconut oil works very well in soothing the sore as well as aiding speedy healing. Yet another benefit of coconut oil!

For skin nourishment and the benefits of coconut oil, try to crowd out processed food with the help of fresh vegetables, fruit nuts and seeds. If you suffer with skin complaints, the following foods should be avoided as they can upset the metabolism of fatty acids, encourage inflammation and create stress responses within the body:

Processed/ Refined foods

• Enriched foods

• Wheat (all kinds: bread, pasta, cereals)

• Sugar (sucrose, honey, maltose, dextrose, corn syrup and agave)

• Dairy (all kinds: milk, yoghurt, cream, cheese and dairy containing products).

• Hydrogenated oils (such as margarine, sunflower oil and vegetable oils as these contain harmful fats that will not help and could cause harm to the build up of the essential fats)

•Stimulating drinks (containing caffeine such as black tea, coffee, coke and energy drinks).

•Soya

•Nightshade Vegetables:

•Potatoes (not including sweet potato)

•Aubergine/ Eggplant

•Peppers (red and green)

•Paprika

•Tomatoes

My homemade coconut salve

At night apply extra virgin coconut oil/ almond oil directly onto skin, allow to soak in and go to bed. Try this for a fortnight.

Coconut oil for tooth and gum health

‘Oil Pulling’ has become pretty big and you can use extra virgin coconut oil for this too. The oil pulling helps to remove toxins from the teeth and gums, with its anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-septic properties it makes it very good for oral hygiene.

Keeping those toothly pegs white

Pair coconut oil with turmeric! Grab a jar and give this recipe a whirl:

- 4 tbsp. coconut oil

- 2 tsp. organic turmeric powder

- 0.5-1 tsp. peppermint oil (optional) - can use peppermint extract used in baking, just check ingredients for no sugar.

Place all the ingredients into the jar, mix well to form a paste. Use a teaspoon and try it out. If you prefer to have more peppermint oil, increase to 1 tsp.

How to use

Use a teaspoon of mouth oil everyday. Let the oil melt in your mouth, then swoosh and pull it through your teeth from 5 mins to 15 minutes a day.

Spit it into a tissue- (to avoid clogged drains). Be prepared, your toothbrush may turn yellow if brushing teeth afterwards. If teeth still look yellow rinse mouth with water, run the hot tap to ensure the coconut oil stays liquid through your drains! Keep in an airtight jar in your bathroom cupboard and use daily.

What are the health benefits of coconut oil?

Source:http://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/news/article.cfm?c_id=6&objectid=11747653

(Washington Post)

Although it's been more than five years since coconut oil began its meteoric rise in the U.S. marketplace, the confusion about it has not waned a bit.

"Should I switch to coconut oil?" is consistently one of the most common questions that come across my desktop - not surprising given that you could throw a dart at the Internet and hit a claim about the oil's amazing healing power.

Mostly, there has been a paucity of good science on it, but a meta-analysis (a systematic review of the existing research) published this year in Nutrition Reviews has shed some light on the topic. I spoke with the lead researcher, Laurence Eyres, chairman of the Oils & Fats Specialist Group at the New Zealand Institute of Chemistry, for further insight.

The study found that coconut oil, which is 92 percent saturated fat, raises LDL (bad) cholesterol less than butter does, but significantly more than unsaturated plant oils do.

So when it comes to heart health, Eyres puts it plainly: "It would be dangerous, and rather silly, to replace your extra-virgin olive oil with coconut oil."

There - that question is answered. But there are plenty of details and nuances where that came from, so read on.

Coconut oil has a lot going for it from a culinary perspective. It has a lovely, distinctive flavor that gives dishes a sumptuous tropical taste.

It is solid at room temperature, a quality central to many recipes. But unlike most other solid fats, it is vegan, so it appeals to the ever-growing legion of plant-based eaters.]

Also, like other saturated fats, it is very stable in heat, so it is good for stir-frying and sauteing. (Contrary to a common myth, monounsaturated fat such as olive oil is also quite stable in heat, and good-quality olive oil is excellent for high-heat sauteing. Polyunsaturated oils such as corn oil are less stable in heat, and nut oils should not be heated much at all.)

But one of the biggest things coconut oil has behind it right now, unfortunately for the consumer, is a lot of marketing hype that makes it out to be a miracle food. "There is nothing wrong with coconut oil in moderation, but it is not a cure for everything or a wonder fat," Eyres says.

Many of the purported benefits of coconut oil point to it as a source of medium-chain fatty acids (MCTs), a type of fat that is processed differently by the body so it is absorbed and metabolized more efficiently than other fats. But the research on MCTs cannot be extrapolated to coconut oil.

At issue is that lauric acid, a predominant fatty acid in coconut oil, is often cited as a medium-chain fatty acid, but, Eyres says, while "chemically it could be defined as either medium- or long-chain, [lauric acid] behaves like a normal long-chain fatty acid in the body."

He says that "coconut oil has less than 3 percent MCT. MCTs are as different to coconut oil as chalk is to cheese."

When it comes to coconut oil's impact on cholesterol, you often hear the argument that even though coconut oil raises LDL, it also raises HDL (good) cholesterol, resulting in a neutral - even beneficial - overall effect.

But Eyres says butter raises HDL, too, and with coconut oil, "it's particularly the rise in small LDL particles that are worrisome because they are really atherogenic," meaning they promote the formation of plaque in arteries.

Touching on a broader issue facing the nutrition community, there is considerable discussion as to whether saturated fat, even with its cholesterol-raising effect, is truly problematic and how much it actually contributes to heart disease. It's a debate you can't miss, considering all of the "butter is back" cover stories in recent years.

But when you read past the headlines, there is wide agreement that even if saturated fat turns out to be neutral when it comes to heart disease, unsaturated fats, especially antioxidant-rich oils such as olive oil, are actually protective, so there is good reason to make them your go-to fats.

Eyres adds: "The cholesterol picture is very simplistic. There are many factors to consider with regard to heart disease."

Case in point is the discussion in his study of coconut products in the traditional diets of Pacific Island populations.

The people there have historically consumed a lot of saturated fat from coconut products (although notably not as coconut oil per se, but as grated coconut flesh, coconut cream and coconut flour, all of which are rich in fiber), but they have low incidences of cardiovascular disease.

Importantly, these traditional diets have also contained plenty of fish, fruit and vegetables, and little to no refined sugar, processed foods and soft drinks.

Eyres points out in his study that in the context of this traditional eating pattern, consuming coconut products that contain fiber (not necessarily coconut oil, which has none) does not pose a risk for heart disease. But the use of coconut oil as a major player in a typical Western diet does.

So, go ahead and use some coconut oil in a vegetable saute or add shredded coconut to a smoothie - if you do that instead of grabbing takeout for dinner or snacking on chips, you'll be ahead of the game.

Just don't buy into the coconut as cure-all hype, and do stick to unsaturated oil for everyday cooking.

Health Benefits of Coconut Water: The nutritional goldmine

Source:http://pulse.com.gh/health/benefits-of-coconut-water-id4940546.html

By Ruth Asiam

When I was pregnant, an elderly woman who lived in my neighborhood advised me to drink coconut water almost every day if only I could afford it. She said my baby was going to have lots of hair if I do so.

“If you can afford it drink coconut water every day so that your son will be fair and have lots of hair,” she said.

Though I didn't believe her mythical reasons entirely, I figured her intentions were good so I drank coconut water almost every day..

Whenever I see people drinking coconut water at the various coconut joints I wonder if they know the benefits they are getting from this drink.

Unlike any other beverage on the market, coconut water contains five essential electrolytes that are present in the human body.

These include: calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium and sodium. Coconut water has no artificial additives or sweetener, low in carbohydrates and it is fat free.

Here are some health benefits of coconut water you didn't know.

It regulates blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol.

Research has proven that the presence of the vitamin C, potassium and magnesium makes it the best agent for controlling high blood pressure and reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Many women during pregnancy suffer from hypertension which can complicate health issues to both the mother and the unborn baby. Drinking coconut water can reduce blood pressure levels.

Coconut water can facilitate weight-loss.

It flushes out excess toxins from the body due to the high concentration of fiber and aids in the prevention of indigestion. The health benefits of coconut water helps reduce the occurrence of acid reflux and provides relief for persons who encounter difficulty during digestion. The presence of bio-active enzymes also aids digestion and boost fat metabolism. Coconut water contains no fat or cholesterol, which means that when you drink it on a regular basis you do not have the risk of putting on weight.

Coconut water is also the ultimate hangover remedy.

Too much alcohol robs the body of water which causes hangover. Drinking a glass of coconut water will boost hydration and bring back relief to the body.

To prevent dehydration you need coconut water. It can also be used to rehydrate the body in case of fluid loss due to diarrhea, vomiting or excessive sweating.

Drinking coconut water also helps relieve pregnant women of morning sickness and acidity that are common problems during pregnancy.

Coconut water has good effect on the human skin.

For a perfect skin, people with pimples/acne or other blemishes on the surface of the skin can apply coconut water on the affected area to clear them. It also moisturizes the skin.

Coconut water can help in reducing migraine attacks.

Migraine mostly occurs as a result of low levels of magnesium. People with common headaches and migraines are therefore advised to drink water from coconut because of its richness in magnesium.

It doesn’t hurt in anyway of you drink coconut water a day. It is only 2 cedis on the average but the health benefits are enormous.

Natural drink for a healthy day

Source:http://www.thestatesman.com/news/life-style/natural-drink-for-a-healthy-day/172528.html

By Deepa Gupta (thestatesman.com)

There is nothing better than to start your day with a slosh of a healthy drink. Not will it only pump you with energy but will also take care of your nutritional needs. One of the many advantages of the health drink is not just energising your body but to also refresh your mind so that you can handle the tasks of the day with ease.

What better way to start your day with a cool sip of coconut water! It is mild sweet and slight nutty taste makes it a one of its kind drink. Apart from the lesser amount of sugar in it, coconut drink is known to be instantly absorbed by the body. It's ability to wash out toxins from the body makes it a popular choice for those looking to cleanse out their system.

When we speak about a healthy drink, you can never replace it with sports drinks having artificial flavours and high sugar content. We don’t have to worry about any of such things when it comes to coconut water.

After a long night sleep, your body needs hydration and coconut water re-hydrates your body better than pure water! It happens because the minerals and the salt naturally available in coconut water speed up its absorption by the body. Also the fibre in coconut water helps regulate bowel movements. Bowel regularity is the foundation of physical health.

Food that we eat, contains many indigestible elements, including toxins. These toxins should be eliminated from the body at earliest to avoid several diseases.

Consumption of coconut water every morning is best to flush out these unwanted elements from the body keeping it fit and fine. Because of the fibre content, coconut water keeps you feel full for longer with liveliness. It is an exceptional health tonic containing minerals, amino-acids, cytokines, B-complex vitamins and many other beneficial phytochemicals. It keeps the body light the whole day as its high potassium content helps the kidneys to flush out excess water from the body keeping it light.

The arginine content present in coconut water relaxes the blood vessels leaving the body and mind calm and flexible. It is immensely beneficial for people suffering with hypertension, bad cholesterol, heart problems and diabetes.

This low-calorie, thirst quencher can detoxify our body and give a healthy glow to our skin. With so many benefits packed into this wondrous drink, we should include in our daily diet for our overall improved fitness.

Amazing Reasons Why It Is Good To Drink Coconut Milk

Source:http://www.boldsky.com/health/nutrition/2016/reasons-to-drink-coconut-milk-105550.html

By Asha Das

Coconut milk, the delectable white liquid extracted from grated coconut meat or pulp is salubrious for all if consumed in moderate amount. From ages, the health benefits of coconut milk have been discussed and are used widely across the world. Usually, coconut water is confounded with coconut milk by many. Coconut milk is made from pressing grated coconut. The process will be easier if you add some warm water to the grated coconut before pressing.

Some women use a mixer as well to extract coconut milk. Coconut milk is loaded with vitamins, minerals and calories. And that is why, it makes it one of the reasons to drink coconut milk. According to experts, health benefits of coconut milk are enormous, but intake of too much can cause bad effects on your body. Apart from making tasty dishes by adding coconut milk, you can use this for improving your overall health. No matter whether it is for health or beauty, coconut milk can do wonders on your body. Let's discuss about the health benefits of coconut milk. Knowing this will definitely force you to make coconut milk a part of your regular diet.

Helps Manage Arthritis:

One of the important reasons to drink coconut milk by people suffering from arthritis or joint inflammation is that it contains a huge amount of selenium, which is an antioxidant. It relieves arthritis and reduces pain.

Lowers Cholesterol:

Unlike milk, coconut milk carries saturated fats that help in lowering the cholesterol level overall. In studies, it is found that the saturated fat in coconut milk is effective in increasing the good cholesterol level.

Helps Keep A Check On Weight Loss:

According to some of the studies, one of the health benefits of coconut milk is that it helps in weight loss. Virgin coconut oil, made by boiling coconut milk, is widely used in weight reduction.

Boosts Immunity:

With many nutrients like vitamin C and lauric acid, coconut milk helps the body to boost immunity. If cough or cold is a regular issue, add coconut milk to your diet. Daily intake of coconut milk, in a small amount, also helps avoid many ailments.

It Is Good To Obtain Stronger Bones:

Yes, coconut milk has both calcium and phosphorous that help you to get stronger bones. Not only that, it is said that coconut milk lowers the risk of bone fractures. So, if you want stronger bones, drink coconut milk.

Regulates Blood Sugar:

A huge amount of manganese in coconut milk helps to regulate your blood sugar. The main function of manganese is to help in metabolism. Manganese in coconut milk also prevents inflammation.

Good For A Healthy Heart:

Drinking coconut milk, or including it in your cuisine, helps to prevent heart diseases. Lauric acid that is present in coconut milk gives you a healthy heart. This acid also has certain antibacterial and antiviral properties that improve your heart.

Prevents Alzheimer’s Disease:

A recent study claims that by consuming coconut milk daily, the chance of getting Alzheimer's disease becomes very less. With regular intake of coconut milk, patients with Alzheimer's show some effective changes. Therefore, for a healthy brain, coconut milk is the best.

Miraculous beauty benefits of coconut oil

Source:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/beauty/Miraculous-beauty-benefits-of-coconut-oil/articleshow/50806862.cms

By Srishti Ghosh Shinde (TNN)

We all are aware of the health and beauty benefits of coconut oil, and that they most work to promote hair growth and stop hair fall and improve the quality of your hair. However, not many know about the other beauty benefits that this oil brings to us. Here are five of them.

For the skin

Simply mix some sugar with coconut oil and rub it on to your skin, keep it for about ten minutes to remove all the dead cells present on your skin. This will also help smoothen your skin if used regularly. While replacing sugar with salt will help your skin get rid of infections, pimples and blemishes, if used on a regular basis.

For the teeth

Other than the several brands of toothpastes available in the market that have a variety of ingredients, this is one of the safest and chemical free toothpastes you can use. Rub some coconut oil and salt on your teeth for about three to four minutes to get healthy, cavity free and sparkling teeth.

For the hair

Of course, we all know that coconut oil helps prevent hairfall and helps its growth. But did you know that mixing coconut oil with lemon juice and applying it on the hair and scalp is one of the best ways to reverse greying of hair, as well as stop grey hair from appearing.

For the foot

The healing properties of coconut oil are not unknown, however applying coconut oil on your foot every night before you sleep, and wearing socks can actually treat cracked feet and heal them within a week.

For the lips

Not many know that coconut oil has amazing moisturising properties, applying coconut oil on chapped lips and keeping it overnight can help you make your lips soft and supple. In fact, they also make your lips pink, if used on a regular basis.

Top 7 Health Benefits Of Coconut Oil

Source:http://www.boldsky.com/health/wellness/2016/top-7-health-benefits-of-coconut-oil-105298.html

By Somya Ojha

Coconut oil has been used extensively worldwide for treating a wide array of health issues. Often classified as a superfood, coconut oil is a powerhouse of essential nutrients and minerals that can prove to be highly beneficial. There's no doubt health benefits of coconut oil are plenty, and we've listed most of them, here.

Over the last few years, several studies have been conducted to find out the health benefits of this remarkable natural ingredient. And researchers have found that coconut oil comprises of healthy saturated fats, fatty acids and several essential nutrients.

So, today at Boldsky, we've brought together a list of top 7 health benefits of coconut oil. Many of these benefits are backed by several medical researches.

Other than being considered good for the heart, it is also known to be effective in improving memory power.

The medicinal and therapeutic properties of coconut oil are well known. That is why, many people have integrated it in their diet to reap the benefits.

However, it is extremely important to consult a specialist before including coconut oil in the diet. Especially, if you're suffering from a health problem, you must check with your dietitian first.

Bearing that in mind, read on to know more about these health benefits.

1. It Can Help Lose Weight

Coconut oil is considered particularly effective in burning abdominal fat. Just a spoonful of this oil is replete with certain fatty acids that can burn belly fat. Integrate it in your diet to fasten the weight loss programme.

2. It Can Boost Immunity

Coconut oil is considered good for strengthening the immune system. Certain properties of this are capable of fighting off the infection-causing bacteria. So, include this in your diet to boost immunity and keep infections at bay.

3. It Can Lower The Risk Of Heart-related Problems

Consumption of coconut oil can effectively raise the level of good cholesterol. Especially, virgin coconut oil is known to possess certain remarkable compounds that can lower the risk of heart-related problems.

4. It Can Help Build Muscles

Several muscle-building products are known to have coconut oil as an essential component in them. A few studies have also found out that other than burning fat, this incredible natural ingredient can help fasten the muscle-building process.

5. It Can Prevent Tooth Decay

Over the last few years, the technique of oil pulling has managed to get worldwide popularity because of its effectiveness in preventing tooth decay and other oral issues. Do this on a regular basis using coconut oil for promoting oral health and keeping infections at bay.

6. It Can Improve Brain Memory & Function

Coconut oil is a powerhouse of nutrients and fatty acids that are known to improve memory and overall functionality of an individual's brain. Including this in your diet can preserve your brain's health.

7. It Can Treat Yeast Infection

The antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties of coconut oil can help treat yeast infection. In addition, it is a good source of protein that can fasten the healing process and prevent the infection from recurring.

15 Amazing Benefits of Coconut Water You Should Know!

Source:http://www.healthaim.com/15-amazing-benefits-coconut-water-know/62900

By Vinay Patel

Naturally fat-free, coconut water is super hydrating and an excellent choice for the body. Benefits of coconut water extend beyond just hydrating the body.

The delicious coconut water can help battle a series of conditions like hangovers, kidney stones, fever, infection, and a lot more.

Coconut water is fast emerging as a popular health drink in America. And why not? This magical drink is a guaranteed boost to your body immunity, health and well-being.

Here is a look at the benefits of coconut water:

1. Unlike sweetened drinks, coconut water is sans the calories. It is rich in vital minerals and nutrients so it nourishes the body without adding fat.

2. Athletes are often seen endorsing the benefits of coconut water, WEB MD reports. Rich in natural nutrition, coconut water helps restore energy levels of the body.

3. One of the big benefits of coconut water is that it helps in weight loss. Yes! The water keeps the body hydrated and makes you feel full as well.

4. It cleanses the body of toxins and gives you glowing skin. Daily drinking coconut water can help you get rid of blemishes, marks and other skin troubles.

5. Coconut water is also a good hangover remedy. It replenishes the lost nutrients of the body and helps you get back to your senses.

6. This water is also high in fiber content. So, if you have daily digestion problems shift to drinking coconut water daily.

7. Coconut water is rich in potassium and therefore an excellent hydrant for the body. Use it when you are out in the sun.

8. Life Hack reports it also helps in controlling blood pressure levels as well.

9. Coconut water is a healthy drink that takes care of a major chunk of the body’s nutrition.

10. In some countries, coconut water is also used as a supplement of human plasma. The concentration of this water is very similar to the plasma in the body. When administered intravenously, it hydrates the body.

11. A key benefit of coconut water is that it is a health tonic for the heart because it works well to lower cholesterol.

12. The composition of coconut water also helps treat headaches.

13. You can also use this drink as a supplement to the regular water. Quench your thirst and boost your health as well!

14. Even if your thirst is quenched, drinking coconut water encourages you to drink more fluids which is actually healthy for your body.

15. It’s a wholesome meal because you drink the water and eat the tender part of the coconut on the inside as well.

The virgin coconut oil story

Source:http://health.asiaone.com/health/health-news/virgin-coconut-oil-story

(AsiaOne)

The rich claims about the health benefits of coconut oil, in particular virgin coconut oil (VCO), are mainly centred around the fact that much of the oil is made up of medium-chain triglycerides (MCT).

The main MCTs in coconut oil are lauric acid, caprylic acid and decanoic acid - over 63 per cent of normal coconut oil is made up of MCTs.

These MCTs are also saturated fats - but they are processed rather differently from other saturated fats.

No MCT is known to be an essential fatty acid; they are not digested in the same way as other fats, and the body cannot store them easily as adipose (fat) tissue.

They are processed more by the liver rather than via the normal digestive system and the calories from ingested MCTs are therefore normally expended rather faster and more immediately than for the other fats churning through the digestive system.

While the fact that MCTs cannot be quickly turned into fat tissue may be a benefit, the effect of loading the liver with excessive MCTs would appear to be an increase in liver fat (resulting in a higher propensity for diabetes), according to a Swedish study.

Also, the saturated fats in coconut oil have been shown to increase the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) count (hence increasing the cholesterol circulating through the body), though not as much as butter but rather more than unsaturated plant fats.

There is a dearth of validated research to support the claims for VCO - particularly about alleged benefits such as coronary artery disease (CAD) prevention, stroke prevention, sustained weight loss, insulin regulation or a cure for Alzheimer's.

Most of what you can read are unverifiable anecdotal claims or results from small private studies with little statistical relevance.

Some side effects associated with consuming MCTs have also been reported, usually related to digestive problems and oddly, some minor cognitive issues.

The main noted benefit is that MCTs tend to have a high smoking point, making them particularly suitable for use as oils for frying - though the price of VCO would make this prohibitive.

Please note that industrial coconut oils used for commercial cooking generally tend to be partially hydrogenated (especially in tropical countries), rendering it rather detrimental for consumption - so if you must use coconut oil, then please do check on its suitability as hydrogenation turns the oil into unhealthy trans-fats.

What we can infer

In the absence of hard research about quantifiable health benefits, we can use some general demographics to infer the health properties or otherwise of coconut oil - and as one of the major health benefits claimed for coconut oil is prevention of CAD, the statistic chosen is the global death rates due to CAD published by the WHO in 2014.

In 2011, the country credited with the highest consumption of dietary coconut oil per capita in the world is Sri Lanka, followed by Fiji, Guyana and Indonesia.

In the WHO table of CAD death statistics, out of 172 countries, Sri Lanka was ranked 31st worst in the world, Fiji at 19, Guyana at 14 and Indonesia came in at 97.

The relatively random distribution in the table of these countries suggests that MCTs are probably not a root cause of cardiovascular problems, even though three of the top coconut oil consuming countries (Sri Lanka, Fiji and Guyana) are in the top 19 per cent of the number of CAD deaths.

It also suggests strongly that even if coconut oil has an effect on CAD, there are other (unknown) factors which are more compelling in determining CAD.

To put things in perspective, countries such as Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan were ranked in the top 3 for CAD-related deaths - the death toll in Turkmenistan was a staggering 212 per cent higher than Guyana for the number of deaths per 100,000 of population. These countries definitely do not include MCTs in their diets.

Curiously, the countries with the lowest CAD deaths are South Korea, France, Japan, Luxembourg and the Netherlands - and the diets in these countries are also almost exclusively devoid of coconut oil, and MCTs in general.

So, from the data, it would be inaccurate to assume any link between the low consumption of MCTs and general heart health as both the worst and best countries both consume very low levels of coconut oil MCTs.

Similarly, a high consumption of coconut oil does not demonstrate any obvious CAD benefits either.

All that can be said with any degree of certainty is that the high consumption of coconut oil does not immediately appear to have any direct statistical relevance on death rates due to heart disease - hence the staunch claims about the CAD benefits from ingesting coconut oil (and VCO) are somewhat questionable, or at least still open to detailed investigation.

The case of strokes

The same random distribution also applies if we look at the general death statistics for strokes - prevention of strokes is another alleged health benefit of consuming coconut oil.

In this statistic, Indonesia is the very worst country out of 172 countries studied, followed by Sri Lanka at 105th worst, Fiji at 96 and Guyana placed very high at 4th place.

However, as mentioned, this is a rather crude, simplistic analysis to see if there exists any immediately discernible health trends about strokes linked to the consumption of coconut oil - and it appears that there are none.

Or more accurately, if there are any coconut oil-related health benefits against strokes, then they are quite seriously outweighed by other unknown factors, especially in Indonesia and Guyana.

It should be noted that the countries with the lowest incidence of strokes are Switzerland, Canada, Israel, Qatar and France - with the notable country being France as whatever they are doing or eating, it certainly seems to maintain low death rates from CAD and strokes.

What about the Pukapukans and Tokelauans?

On the claimed promise of coconut oil promoting sustained weight loss, there are two atolls in Polynesia called Pukapuka and Tokelau - and studies on the populations on these islands have been used to disprove the suggestion that coconut oil cannot cause obesity (or that coconut oil can somehow "burn" off existing fat).

In summary, researchers determined that some 63 per cent of the Tokelauan diet came from ingesting coconut products compared to 34 per cent in the Pukapukan diet - and the simple (predictable) end result was that the Tokelauans were in general considerably heavier and fatter than the Pukapukans.

Heart disease was quite rare for both populations though - but this may be due to other factors, such as their relatively quiet lifestyles with little stress.

To be fair, both sets of islanders were consuming coconut-derived foods, and not just the oil - and the significance of this is unclear at present.

What is rather clearer is that an April 2016 review of eight trials and 13 studies involving coconut oil came up with the somewhat soggy suggestion that replacing coconut oil with normal unsaturated fats "would alter blood lipid profiles in a manner consistent with a reduction in risk factors for cardiovascular disease".

Basically, the review concluded that on balance, normal unsaturated fats are better for heart health than coconut oil.

Good news for diabetics?

One sanguine use of coconut oil was reported in spring 2015 when it was announced by a Sri Lankan university that coconut oil can drastically reduce the calories available from rice, or at least push the Glycaemic Index (GI) of rice down to safer levels.

It has already been known for some time that fried rice or rice cooked in oils have rather reduced GI ratings compared to steamed or boiled rice - and the simple act of boiling rice in water containing 3 per cent by weight of coconut oil (and then chilling it for hours) was claimed to reduce the rice calories significantly, around 10-15 per cent.

There have been no new developments on this research since last year, though I do check up on it occasionally.

Mainly I am fascinated about how coconut oil can "wedge" its way into the glucose structures of rice and rearrange them into "very tight bonds" which are more resistant to digestion, as asserted.

In chemical terms, the big deal was that they have discovered a simple method to infiltrate the starches in rice (known as amylopectin and amylose) with coconut oil and turn them into less-digestible retrograde starches.

At least that is the theory, though it is not certain if the cooking techniques of various cultures may also have an influence. For example, some cooking conventions may require the chilling or overnight storage of cooked rice.

More pertinently, I would like to know if using other oils also has the same effect or whether this is a special property of coconut oil. Regardless, the news was big enough to be presented at the American Chemical Society's national meeting in 2015.

If something sounds too good to be true

Sometime ago, at the urging of a friend, I bought an expensive jar of VCO, looked at it a few times, did some research and gave the jar away.

This is not to say that VCO or coconut oil is bad for health in any way, provided it is consumed in moderation - it is just an example of my personal reaction to extravagant claims which don't (currently) make any sense.

In summary, it is always reasonable and fair to confer the benefit of doubt when encountering something new - but in the absence of any further illuminating or supportive data, my general principle is that if something sounds too good to be true, then it is almost certainly a bad idea to believe in it.

Coconut Milk vs. Coconut Water: Which is Better for You?

Source:http://www.cheatsheet.com/health-fitness/coconut-milk-vs-coconut-water-better.html/?a=viewall

By Nikelle Murphy

It used to be that the only thing coconuts were good for was as a vessel for piña coladas during island vacations. But now it seems as if the world, or at least kitchens all across the United States, have been taken over by the coconut. Coconut oil is replacing the olive and vegetable varieties, coconut cream is used in drinks and desserts, and coconut flour is even making an appearance in the baking aisle at the grocery store. But none are quite so popular as coconut water and milk. To the uninformed they might seem like very similar things, but they’re actually quite different, in terms of health benefits and how they’re used.

Starbucks made headlines in mid-July when it launched a new drink with a base made of coconut milk. It’s the first beverage served by the coffee giant that highlights the coconut byproduct, though the chain has offered coconut milk as an alternative to other types of milk for a while. The company said it was a perfect starting point for the new Iced Coconut Milk Mocha Macchiato, since it’s lighter than normal milk and can have a more refreshing flavor.

Ultimately, both have their places in a healthy diet, but in each case moderation is key. When you keep both liquids as pure as possible, without incorporating sugars and other additives, they can be very good for you. If the only thing you know about coconuts is that you’re served fruity drinks with curly straws in them, it’s time to take a closer look. Here’s everything you need to know about coconut milk and coconut water.

Coconut milk

Aside from being the hot ingredient at Starbucks, coconut milk is best known for being used in cooking, particularly in dishes from Thai or other Eastern cuisines. Coconut milk is a mixture of coconut water and coconut milk. As Epicurious explains, it can be made by simmering freshly shredded coconut meat in water to extract the flavor and juices (and later straining out the coconut pieces).

The BBC notes that coconut milk is lactose and nut ingredient free, making it a great alternative for dairy and other nut milks. It can come in cartons when it’s fresh (though it doesn’t last for very long), or more commonly is canned and sold in many grocery stores. The canned versions are less modified, Epicurious reports, and are more commonly used in baking and cooking.

Coconut milk is one of those ingredients that health experts disagree about. It’s a natural substance, but is extremely high in fat, particularly saturated fats. According to Eating Well, one cup of coconut milk typically contains about 445 calories and 48 grams of fat, 43 grams of which are saturated fats. Eating Well suggests using the “lite” versions of coconut milk, which often eliminate two-thirds of the calories and fat.

However, some health experts say that even the full-fat version can be good for you, in small and moderated servings. The saturated fat in coconut milk is something to be careful about, but it’s made up of compounds that raise your HDL (good) cholesterol — not the LDL (“bad”) cholesterol that’s raised when you eat bacon and other animal-based saturated fats. Jo Lewin, a nutritionist and contributor for the BBC, also reports that the saturated fats contain lauric acid. Lauric acid is converted in the body into an antiviral and antibacterial agent, and some experts now believe that coconut milk can help ward off infections.

If you consume limited portions of the milk just one to two times per week (some experts recommend ¼-cup servings of the full-fat versions), the product shouldn’t have any negative effects. Plus, that quarter-cup of milk contains large amounts of manganese, which assists with several vital functions in the body including metabolism, forming connective tissue, and nerve functions. It also contains copper, magnesium, iron, and potassium, among other vitamins and minerals.

Energize yourself with coconut oil

Source:http://amestrib.com/living/energize-yourself-coconut-oil

(Wheatsfield Co-op)

Coconut oil is a saturated fat composed of about 65 percent medium chain

Pictures of the Coconut Fruit and Tree

Cutting coconuts in Seychelles 1970's
Tall Coconuts in Jamaica
Split Coconut for Sun Drying
Coconuts left on the Bunch
Coconut Tree with Ladder
Coconut Meat, Direct Source of Virgin Coconut Oil