Natural Remedies: Coconut

I touched on some of the amazing benefits of coconut and its products in my recent In the Veggie Kitchen: Labor Day post, but wanted to expand on all of its pluses, both internally and externally, as well as share some of my favorite products, from body balms to baking.

Coconut Oil & Coconut Milk

Coconut oil is made from the dried fruit of a coconut palm tree, and a great way to implement the benefits of coconut into your diet. It contains a unique combination of fatty acids that your body quickly burns for energy, and can not only curb appetite, but also boosts thyroid function to increase metabolism and endurance. In addition, coconut oil has been shown to support heart health and the immune system – not bad for something that can make your favorite foods taste so good!

Packed with vitamins and minerals, coconut milk has a variety of wonderful uses, both in the kitchen and bath. With many of the same benefits as coconut oil, it can also serve as a crucial part of any plant-based diet, replacing milk without sacrificing taste or consistency.

Cooking and Baking

Through the help of my fabulous classes with Pamela, I have come to see how easily (and deliciously) coconut products can be used in the kitchen. Coconut oil, in particular, is a great replacement for oil in baking. Some tips from Pamela: Remember to always use unrefined oil, as refined oil has already been processed and has oxidized, making it pro-inflammatory and harder to digest. Also, no need to keep coconut oil refrigerated – it should be kept at room temperature.

Some products to try: Spectrum Natural’s unrefined organic coconut oil and Barlean’s extra virgin coconut oil, which is in a dark container (great for oils!).

Also great for baking: Let’s Do Organic’s Unsweetened Coconut, Native Forest Organic Coconut Milk, and for gluten-free desserts, Bob’s Red Mill Organic Coconut Flour.

Hair & Body

Coconut products have a variety of beneficial uses for the external as well, from deep-conditioning, frizz-fighting hair treatments to ultra-rich moisture and protection for the skin. When used topically, these natural products have been shown effective in preventing free radical damage and stalling premature aging.

Some of my very favorites: VMV Hypoallergenics Know-It-Oil and RMS Beauty Raw Coconut Cream. Both of these unrefined virgin coconut oils are incredible moisturizers for body and face, and can also double as a gentle, yet incredibly effective, make-up remover.

Coconut Water

Rich in natural vitamins (especially B vitamins) and minerals, and packed with electrolytes and antioxidants, coconut water is a low sugar, light, and incredibly refreshing beverage that my whole family goes crazy for.

My favorites: Pressed Juicery’s Coconut H20 and Harmless Harvest’s 100% Raw Coconut Water – Rip loves it when the raw ones turn pink.

I also love buying whole coconuts, drinking their water, and then opening them and sprinkling the inside with cayenne and lime – a delicious and addicting snack. I just ordered this CocoDrill and these stainless steel straws to help! XXJKE