When you think about all the different ways we can consume/use coconut, it really should get an award for its diversity! Not only can you use it in a variety of ways (oil, milk, water, flour, shredded, toasted, you name it!), but the oil has other uses for skin, hair, or even as a natural eye makeup remover!
Yes it’s diverse, but I’m sure you’re asking “what can it do for my health?” While keto dieters love it because of its rich fat and low sugar content, studies have shown that it has positive effects on bone health, the immune system, and the digestive system just to name a few.
Other than that, it’s just gosh darn tasty! If you want to jump on the coconut train, here are a few ways to start incorporating it into your diet.
1. Swap Out Milk
There is no shortage of people who have a lactose intolerance. It has been found that up to 65% of adults have a reduced ability to digest lactose properly after infancy!1
Even if you aren’t lactose intolerant, coconut milk is an excellent, dairy-free swap for your morning coffee, cereal, or smoothie.
It is packed with medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) which has been linked to weight loss in several studies. It’s been shown that MCT’s in a diet could be used as anti-obesity interventions because of their ability to balance out gut microbiota.2
2. Use Coconut Oil to Cook
Coconut oil has a high smoke point and longer shelf life than other fats. It’s great for sautéing and stir-frying. It also adds a rich flavor and a little bit of texture to certain foods. It is especially excellent for veggies.
This oil brings out a deliciously, rich taste to roasted veggies like cauliflower and brussel sprouts. Trust me, it’s a game changer. It can actually be substituted 1:1 for butter and other oils in baked goods as well.
It doesn’t just have to be used for cooking. You can add it to hot beverages like tea and coffee, or to yogurt, soups, and smoothies. Beware, if you’re adding it to something cold, melt it first and add it in slowly to avoid clumping.
3. Try Out Some New Recipes
The possibilities for coconut dishes are endless! Sure it can be used in plenty of sweet treats, but try making it for dinner! You can experiment with this Coconut Chicken Curry or even a Coconut Lime Pea Soup. If you want something that’s more of an appetizer, try this Almond Coconut Veggie Dip.
Don’t feel like you have to make some fancy dish to start eating more, though. You could simply use unsweetened coconut and coconut flour to make a crust for baked chicken or fish. It’ll make for a truly easy, unforgettable dish. You could even just use the oil as a marinade instead of standard olive oil.
4. Choose a Coconut Snack
Why not just eat it by itself in all its glory? If you’re looking for shredded coconut to snack on, be sure to check for added sweeteners on the package. If you’re a true coconut lover, you’ll appreciate these delicious coconut protein bars. Dark chocolate. Light chocolate. Toasted. This protein bar pack has got you covered!
https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/lactose-intolerance#statistics
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4882694/
