The word ‘coconut’ leaves many of us dreaming of a white sandy beach with palm trees on a beautiful deserted island, but did you know that coconut is deemed a wonderfood as well?
The coconut provides a nutritious source of meat, juice, milk, and oil that has fed and nourished people all around the world for generations. Coconut is highly nutritious and rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is classified as a “functional food” because it provides many health benefits beyond its nutritional content. Coconut oil is of special interest because it is said to possess healing properties far beyond that of any other dietary oil.
In traditional medicine around the world coconut is used to treat a wide variety of health problems. Modern medical science is now confirming the use of coconut in treating many conditions. Published studies in medical journals show that coconut, in one form or another, may provide a very wide range of health benefits. The list is long, but the benefits that could be interesting for women with pelvic pain and endometriosis are that it:
Kills bacteria that cause urinary tract infections
Provides a nutritional source of quick energy
Boosts energy and endurance, enhancing physical and athletic performance
Improves digestion and absorption of other nutrients including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids
Improves digestion and bowel function
Relieves pain and irritation caused by hemorrhoids
Supports tissue healing and repair
Supports and aids immune system function
Helps relieve symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome
Supports thyroid function
On top of this, coconut is said to have no harmful or discomforting side effects and is completely non-toxic to humans!
As coconut is a source of meat, juice, milk, and oil, there are many ways in which to include coconut in your daily routine. Note you will get the most benefit from using pure organic coconut products, so always aim to get the best on the market.
Coconut oil. This is today’s preferred choice of oil for high-heat cooking, as it does not form harmful by-products when heated to normal cooking temperature, like vegetable oils do. Coconut oil’s saturated fat is of the medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA) variety and are digested more easily and utilized differently by the body than other fats. Whereas other fats are stored in the body’s cells, the MCFAs in coconut oil are sent directly to the liver where they are immediately converted into energy. So, when you eat coconut oil, the body uses it immediately to make energy rather than store it as body fat. Because this quick and easy absorption puts less strain on the pancreas, liver and digestive system, coconut oil “heats up” the metabolic system and is an excellent support for the whole process of elimination and detox.
Coconut milk & water. Coconut milk and water are widely available these days and an excellent replacement for dairy if you are making smoothies for example. Try coconut milk in your coffee for an exotic booster!
Coconut spreads. Delicious alternative for butter on your bread or crackers.
Coconut yoghurt. This is great for breakfast with some home-made granola for a strong start of the day.
Coconut cream. Excellent addition to your own curries, or poor some over your favorite fruit for an afternoon snack.
Coconut meat. And of course, the actual meat is great tasting as well. Try it with some fresh mango for an amazing treat.
In addition to tasting great, coconut can also be used as a great smelling and nourishing oil on your skin. Fantastic for a massage or as a moisturizer!
(See Research to read some of the published studies regarding the use of coconut products.)
Do you love coconut as well? Let’s hear about your favorite recipes!