I am CoCo-nutty for Coconut! - 5 Ways to Sneak it into your diet!

Are you Coco-nutty for Coconut?

5 Easy Ways to sneak the Amazing Coconut into your diet!

Previous to the last few months, I thought that the only great things that came from coconuts were pina coladas!....O how the times change. As my family started on our healthier- more organic- eating journey, I found that  the coconut was actually responsible for many items that are now staples in my kitchen and easily found in its organic form. Just taking a quick inventory of my kitchen...I see coconut milk, coconut oil, yogurt made from coconut milk, and even some ice cream. Once thought to be a "bad fat", it is now said to relieves stress, promote increased immunity, boost metabolism and weight loss, and even to fight viruses.There is even some evidence that it may help with blood pressure, diseases, and Alzheimer's.

Coconuts are an excellent source of nutrition and have a healthy meat, juice and oil. The oil is definitely the most nutritious of the three and has many health benefits. Coconut oil is over 90% saturated fat and has antimicrobial, antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Coconut oil is said to:

1. Lower Cholesterol-Coconut oil contains a saturated fat called lauric acid. Lauric acid is said to increase the amount of  good HDL cholesterol in the blood to help improve your cholesterol ratio levels. (This is even according to Dr. Oz...)

2. Boost Metabolism and Weight Loss -When coconut oil's special healthy fats break down in the liver, they help to increase the efficient burning of energy and an increased metabolism. Again, the famous Dr. Oz did a study and said that women who ate 2 tablespoons of coconut oil daily for 12 weeks were able to shed some pesky abdominal fat! It is even reported that coconut oil will also help with thyroid issues and stabilizing blood sugar levels.

3. Fight Aging - Some people make everything from coconut oil! They make beauty masks, hair are items and even saving cream from it! It s a fantastic non-greasy moisturizer and is said to help fight wrinkles by applying it to skin. It is also an excellent moisturizer for sun burned skin!

Okay--- so now you are wondering how you are going to sneak it into your diet? If you are like me, you already have enough drinks, supplements, and LIFE going on to remember to take your daily coconut....So sneak them into the things you are already doing!

Here are 5 ways to sneak the super-healthy coconut into your diet!

Try Coconut Water!

1. Cooking Oil: This is honestly my new favorite oil. It comes in a solid state but when warmed becomes an oil. It is great for lightly pan frying foods and I even use it in baking!
2. In Smoothies: Add coconut oil or coconut milk to your Green Smoothie or Fruit Smoothie to make it creamy and to pack in all of the health benefits of the coconut! Check out the Green Smoothie Challenge!
3. Homemade Mayo: Making your own mayo is easier than you thought! Use this easy recipe and  Instead of using all olive oil, split it half olive oil/half coconut oil. This homemade mayo is made with only 5 ingredients and gives you NONE of the added chemicals found in store bought mayo! Actually - it will be GOOD for you!
4. In Coffee or Hot Tea: Putting the coconut oil in your beverage may take a little getting used to because it is a little oily but it serves the purpose and provides you an easy way to get your coconut oil in! This will also leave your lips feeling super soft! You can also opt for coconut milk which will provide tons of vitamins, minerals, and be easier to drink!
5. Swap out your water!: Swap out one glass of water a day for the sweet taste of coconut water. cocnut water is actually the "juice" of the coconut and is very easy to drink! Coconut water is also said to be a potent treatment for diarrhea. It is used because the water's natural electrolytes and minerals work to quickly re-hydrate patients. If you experience a lot of  bladder or kidney infections, coconut water can flush out these organs and detoxify and purify the entire urinary system!

Stay tuned for Part 2 where I will list out the MANY beauty benefits of the coconut and the ways to use it in an easy beauty routine!

Once misunderstood, this fruit is now being hailed for its health benefits and organic properties. Why not get coco-nutty with me?!?

Shared at http://www.thismindbeinyou.com/2013/05/farm-girl-blog-fest-31.html