Coconut
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The coconut is one of our favourite trees, not just because it makes us think of whiling away lazy tropical afternoons on white sandy beaches, but because of all the amazing natural and healthful gifts it gives us.
Coconuts evolved to disperse by sea – they can float, and survive exposure to saltwater until they wash up on a suitable beach. Can you believe, they have even been found floating off the coast of Norway!
Just think of the many great products that come from coconut: milk, cream, water, butter, oil – all of which are far healthier than their dairy ‘equivalents’.
Coconut oil contains a lot of saturated fats, but one of the most important of them, lauric acid, actually helps lower cholesterol levels in the body making it a great option for cooking with.
Coconut milk is made from the flesh of the coconut and coconut water, and is a key ingredient in Thai and Indonesian cuisine. If you’re really counting calories, you can look for ‘lite’ versions instead, without sacrificing that amazing flavour.
Coconut water could be the ultimate natural hydrating sports drink. As well as its super-refreshing taste, it contains a lot of potassium, which we tend to lose when working out or running.
The white flesh of coconuts is very low in carbohydrates, making it Banting-friendly, but packs a powerful fibre punch…
And if you do find yourself on that tropical beach at lunchtime, it’s good to know that the hearts of coconut palm buds are very edible. In Seychelles, for example, they are made into a traditional Creole delicacy called millionaire’s salad.
Fortunately, as coconut is one of the most widely-cultivated trees in the world, you don’t have to be that wealthy to enjoy the great taste and serious health benefits of all the different products that can be obtained from this amazing and beautiful tree.
On her recent trip to Dubai, Antonia enjoyed drinking coconut water ‘straight from the nut’ so watch out for more coconut-inspired recipes coming soon. They will definitely be worth getting out of your hammock for!
A great way to enjoy the health benefits of coconut today is to try Antonia’s new one-ingredient coconut butter – check it out here http://lgcafe.blogspot.co.za/2016/03/coconut-butter-this-one-ingredient.html
What about a delicious snack of Coconut Cashews...? Fill up your pantry today with all the delicious coconut treats and snacks from the Leafy Greens Cafe' & shop.
#eatwelldogood #eatclean #eatraw @antoniadeluca
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