Your Inner Badass

Growing up on a tropical island I’ve always been surrounded by coconuts. And I’m not just talking about the people. I suppose I’ve never put too much thought into the importance of the all prevalent palm tree; it sways heavily during a stormy day threatening to shoot a nut or two at a vulnerable window, it bends in the wind and grows sideways allowing one to playfully climb and imagine fantastical games on its limbs, a piece of sticky sweet coconut candy made in school during Chamorro month.

But as for cooking with, incorporating and enjoying coconut and its health properties as a part of my regular diet– well, no, not something I ever gave much thought to. Now I downright relish it! And in fact have even been called out for smelling like a coconut. It’s quite possible am turning into one. Here’s why:

A great addition to a healthy diet

• The coconut is a  SuperFood! Meaning that it has so many health benefits that to list them would be a chore. But here is an attempt: they are antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal and boosts the immune system. It is a  great source of electrolytes to prevent dehydration, can help you to lose or maintain a healthy weight, reduces your risk to heart disease, lowers bad cholesterol, and improves diabetic and digestive disorders, chronic fatigue, and thyroid functions. It also can increase your metabolism and energy levels as wells as rejuvenate your skin and maybe even prevent wrinkles.
• Coconut oil is not only delicious but are made up of smaller compounds of fatty acids that are classified as medium-chain triglycerides, or MCT, that are easier for the body to metabolize. That means your body will use this as a preferred energy source rather than store it as fat around your hips!
• Can be helpful in some cancers and may have some positive effects on immunity and STD’s.
• Remember: the human body needs fat. We can’t exist without it; its incorporated into our cell membranes, is used as an energy source, it cushions and protects our organs, it makes critical vitamins available to us, its important for sex hormones and is vitally important for human health. Just find the right type of fat– like coconut!
• Studies have shown that Pacific Islanders and Asian whose diets are very rich in coconut oil are free from cardiovascular disease, cancer and other degenerative diseases.

Can be extremely tasty and versatile

• Look up coconut based recipes online and take a deep breath. You will be bombarded! I have several favorites but basically I use coconut milk in smoothies, shredded coconut flakes in energy bars, raw cookies, and homemade cereal.
• I use coconut oil in place of vegetable oil and even in replace of olive oil since heating olive oil can compromise its health benefits. Coconut oil must be Extra Virgin to keep it less processed and therefor more beneficial. Also don’t be afraid of the added flavor– the coconut taste won’t be overpowering, trust me on this. Use it for sauteing vegetables, cooking pancakes, making quesadilas.
• Use in place of lotion! I use on my entire body, including my face as a great natural moisturizer. Think about it– if you don’t want to put a bunch of crazy chemicals into your body, why would you want to rub it onto your skin; your body’s largest organ?
• Try purchasing soap and cleansers made of natural coconut oils. They not only will soften your skin and will naturally kill bacteria, viruses and fungi,  but are more environmentally friendly as well. All good stuff!