Nuts about coconut!
Who doesn't love the refreshing taste of coconut water? I'm not talking about the pre-packaged/store bought kind, I'm talking direct from the coconut itself!! Today I'm giving you the scoop on coconuts!!
What type of coconut?
Good question! You would be forgiven for thinking that all coconuts have brown shells. However, there typically 2 main types -green and brown. You may have seen a white one, but that usually has had its outer layer stripped away for ease of the consumer.
Green
The Green variety are referred to as young coconut. They usually contain more of a sweeter liquid and the coconut flesh (or endosperm) is more of a jelly/softer consistency which is what is used in making coconut milk.
Brown
Your brown coconuts in constrast are known as mature. The liquid content is often less and carries a sharper taste compared to the young. The coconut flesh also becomes thicker but still can be grated and used in culinary delights!
Health Benefits
Coconut water is often referred to as natures energy drink, as it contains 5 electrolytes that the body needs after strenuous exercise or activity. These include sodium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and
potassium. All of these help to rehydrate the body, stabilise blood sugar levels and give the body that boost!! The flesh also contains healthy fats which are good from improving heart health.
Coconut oil is also perfect for helping to retain moisture when applied to the skin and hair. No wonder coconut is being used more and more in the hair and beauty industries!
How to open a coconut?
With great difficulty!! Lol that was my experience when trying to get to the water. A hammer and screwdriver (thank God for You Tube!!) were essential for me to pierce a hole and it felt so rewarding to get in there!!!
But coconut oil is a saturated fat?
Yes coconut oil is considered a saturated fat as it contains fatty acids and is solid at room temperature. However, it is the cheaper, refined form of oils that you need to be wary of. The cheaper ones have been chemically treated with a lot of the goodness stripped away. However, the raw coconut oil will cost you a bit more but is nutritionally dense and actually smells of what is says it is with no additives!
Best served?
Chilled! I kept my young coconut in the fridge and it made it all the more satisfying. It can be enjoyed on its own or the flesh can be blended in a smoothie, soup or curry.
So with all that said, I hope I have inspired you to add a little coconut into your diet!
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2004/03/10/coconuts.aspx
Who doesn't love the refreshing taste of coconut water? I'm not talking about the pre-packaged/store bought kind, I'm talking direct from the coconut itself!! Today I'm giving you the scoop on coconuts!!
What type of coconut?
Good question! You would be forgiven for thinking that all coconuts have brown shells. However, there typically 2 main types -green and brown. You may have seen a white one, but that usually has had its outer layer stripped away for ease of the consumer.
Green
The Green variety are referred to as young coconut. They usually contain more of a sweeter liquid and the coconut flesh (or endosperm) is more of a jelly/softer consistency which is what is used in making coconut milk.
Brown
Your brown coconuts in constrast are known as mature. The liquid content is often less and carries a sharper taste compared to the young. The coconut flesh also becomes thicker but still can be grated and used in culinary delights!
Health Benefits
Coconut water is often referred to as natures energy drink, as it contains 5 electrolytes that the body needs after strenuous exercise or activity. These include sodium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and
potassium. All of these help to rehydrate the body, stabilise blood sugar levels and give the body that boost!! The flesh also contains healthy fats which are good from improving heart health.
Coconut oil is also perfect for helping to retain moisture when applied to the skin and hair. No wonder coconut is being used more and more in the hair and beauty industries!
How to open a coconut?
With great difficulty!! Lol that was my experience when trying to get to the water. A hammer and screwdriver (thank God for You Tube!!) were essential for me to pierce a hole and it felt so rewarding to get in there!!!
But coconut oil is a saturated fat?
Yes coconut oil is considered a saturated fat as it contains fatty acids and is solid at room temperature. However, it is the cheaper, refined form of oils that you need to be wary of. The cheaper ones have been chemically treated with a lot of the goodness stripped away. However, the raw coconut oil will cost you a bit more but is nutritionally dense and actually smells of what is says it is with no additives!
Best served?
Chilled! I kept my young coconut in the fridge and it made it all the more satisfying. It can be enjoyed on its own or the flesh can be blended in a smoothie, soup or curry.
So with all that said, I hope I have inspired you to add a little coconut into your diet!
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2004/03/10/coconuts.aspx
