Going coconuts over oil
Welcome to the Coconut oil obsession! It has a great reputation for a good reason, it’s a super functional food with so many benefits.
Coconut oil contains fatty acids known as medium-chain saturated acids (MCFAS). MCFAs are triglycerides, a type of saturated fat, but not the nasty ones. Their unique chemical makeup allows it to bypass peripheral fat (adipose) tissue unlike the unhealthy triglycerides which are stored in adipose tissue and can lead to health concerns such as cardiovascular disease.
Research on Coconut oil has shown involvement of MCFAs in energy metabolism, assisting with healthy weight due to its thermagenic properties especially abdominal weight, supporting cardiovascular health and even type 2-diabetes. Personally, I have found my skin integrity has improved and my dermatitis has calmed down since I have incorporated this oil into my diet.
Another advantage is Coconut oil has a high smoking point. This means coconut oil can be heated at high temperatures without oxidising or going rancid which makes it a great alterative to use when frying or heating food at high temperatures.
I use Coconut oil as a spread on my toast, in my smoothies and lattes, when cooking stir-fries and in general cooking. It has a mild coconut taste and scent that doesn’t overpower your food. Look for coconut oils that are organic, unrefined that are made from the first pressing of fresh, raw coconut with no additives or chemicals. The one that I’m using at the moment is Loving Earth Cold Press Coconut Oil, but I also like the Melrose one as well.
Try this recipe that contains coconut and see what you think:
Cocao, Coconut and Date Bliss Balls
– 12 Medjool dates
– 1 cup almond meal
– 1/2 cup shredded coconut, plus 1/3 cup extra for rolling
– 1/3 cup coconut oil
– 1/3 cup cacao powder
– 1 tablespoon chia seeds
1. Place dates in a medium bowl and cover with water. Stand for 1 hour. Drain and discard seeds.
2. Process dates, almond meal, shredded coconut, coconut oil, cacao powder and chia seeds until mixture comes together. Transfer to a bowl and stand for 20 minutes for chia seeds to soften.
3. Place remaining coconut in a shallow dish
4. Roll level tablespoons of mixture into balls. Roll in coconut to cover.
*Date balls can be frozen for up to 1 month
I highly recommend getting on board this healthy trend. Enjoy!
With gratitude,
Clare (Naturopath)