Foods for Better Health & Wellness

Kalee Carson

Coconut

“Put the Lime in the Coconut…”

Hello Everyone!

“Practical Magic” is one of my favorite movies of all time and the ‘Midnight Margaritas’ scene where they are dancing around to the song by Harry Nilsson “Put the Lime in the Coconut…” has been a favorite since childhood. This week I am going to tell you about such a versatile and useful item that it takes the place of both a supplement and a food and that is Coconut!!

First though, I’d like to tell you all a little about myself. I had a difficult childhood, and unfortunately my marriage was emotionally and psychologically abusive. Needless to say, my self-esteem was non-existent and by the time I had my son, I weighed more than I ever imagined I could. I did finally divorce, and after that I started to realize that I needed to do something. Since I was a single mom, I knew I needed to be around for my son. My college education and work was in the medical field (for over 25 years total). One of the doctors that I worked for was an Osteopath and a Godly man. He taught me about natural remedies of many different kinds, nutrition and other types of alternatives to modern medicine that can be just as effective. He started me down the path that I have never strayed from since, and with lots of research and self-study, I have learned how to keep myself healthier, lose weight (down 165 lbs. now and still going) and help others.

As with anything in life that is worth having, natural remedies, supplements and healthy lifestyle changes are not a magic bullet. They take time, patience, consistency, and effort. Many times I would try something and after a time, thinking I was not getting the expected result, I would stop the given supplement/remedy only to find that, in fact, I was getting results, but they were more subtle than what we would expect from modern medication. So be patient and be kind to yourself. In many cases, the problem or ailment you are treating did not appear overnight and may not go away overnight either!

Now about my absolute favorite water, oil, milk, and flour; and all from one fruit - a coconut!!! Bet you didn’t even know that some of those things even came from a coconut, now did you? It is truly one of the most versatile fruits in the world.

Coconut Water

First, I will start with the young green coconuts that we all think of when we think of a tropical Island, palm trees, and digging our toes into the sand! Think of a coconut in your hand, ice cold with the top cut off and a little umbrella sticking out with a straw… Did you know that coconut could save your life? In fact, during World War II, many soldiers who needed blood transfusions in the South Pacific, too far from any medical units to receive the real blood that they needed, were given infusions of coconut water instead! It saved their lives and enabled them to be transported to hospitals in time. Coconut water is the closest thing on earth to our own plasma. We now know that the very same coconut water is better than any energy drink (think Gatorade® or PowerAde®). It contains the right balance of electrolytes to hydrate our bodies perfectly and NATURALLY.

Other Uses For Coconut Water-

• Relief of urinary problems- Drink along with medication to relieve symptoms of infection
• Anti-bacterial
• Controls and reduces vomiting- during gastrointestinal problems and as a hangover relief

Coconut Milk

Next, let’s talk about coconut milk. It is actually produced by mixing the meat of the coconut and water in a blender or by cooking together and then straining the mixture through a mesh. The resulting liquid is the coconut milk. It is used in cooking, baking, and for smoothies, shakes, and in sauces and curries. It is very healthy and is a primary milk replacement for vegan/vegetarians, people with milk allergies and those who are lactose intolerant. It is packed with vitamins C, E, B1, B3, B5, and B6 as well as iron, selenium, sodium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. Coconut milk contains Lauric acid which can help to boost the HDL (good) cholesterol level, helping to balance the HDL-LDL ratio. It is good both topically and internally to prevent wrinkles, and used topically can help to relieve sunburn!

Coconut Flour

Next, let’s talk about coconut flour. It is made from the pulp that is left over after the process of making the milk. It is put into a dehydrator, dried completely and then ground into a very fine powder, just like any other flour. It can be used in baking and cooking, and tastes wonderful. It is low-carb, gluten free and high in fiber and is a good addition to any recipe where you might want to lower the carb count and increase your fiber intake. However, please let me say this, coconut flour does not behave like regular flour, it is very “thirsty” and can require 2-3 times the amount of liquid that wheat or nut flours require, so please do not try to use it 1:1 in a recipe. If you are interested there are many good sites out there with tried and true recipes, from chocolate cake to pizza dough, using coconut flour to get you started, try those first!

Coconut Oil

Now, I have saved the best part of the coconut for last! Coconut Oil, which in my opinion is nothing short of a miracle! The oil is pressed from the meat of mature coconuts by a couple of different processes resulting in the virgin and extra virgin grades sold on the market today. This oil is very sensitive to temperature and can fluctuate between a liquid and a solid state depending on the room temperature in which it is stored. This does not affect its quality or usability. It is, in fact, the most useful and versatile of all oils. It is antimicrobial, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal/yeast, and prevents and treats parasitic infections.

There are so many uses for coconut oil, from cooking, to health and beauty, to pet care, and many more! Again, the oil is rich in Lauric Acid which is great to boost the HDL as I mentioned previously. I use it for cooking and baking. I replace butter in many recipes with the oil. I have replaced Pam® cooking spray with coconut oil cooking spray, as a much healthier alternative. It has a high smoke point so it makes great oil for sautéing, and stir fry. The possibilities are truly endless.

In the areas of health and beauty, I hardly know where to begin. It makes a wonderful makeup remover and literally melts away mascara, even waterproof! It is truly amazing for acne, as it balances the pH of the skin and the antibacterial properties will help clear the acne. Ladies, stop spending $$$ on all of those face creams and lotions that are full of chemicals and toxic ingredients to get rid of wrinkles and lines on your face! Coconut Oil is one of the best natural wrinkle creams around! It plumps skin making fine lines less visible within minutes! Over time, it makes deeper lines and discolorations disappear, making skin smoother and younger looking. Some other health and beauty uses are:

Beauty Uses-

• Soothe chapped lips
• Deodorant
• Protect against UV radiation/sunscreen lotion
• Scar remover
• Dental care/toothpaste/mouthwash

Health Benefits-

• Improve athletic performance
• Acts as a protective antioxidant
• Help to keep blood sugars in balance (good for diabetics)
• Improve energy
• Staph infections
• Gingivitis and periodontal disease
• Athlete’s foot and most fungal/yeast infections
• Helps prevent and treat viral infections
• Helps stop bleeding

These are just the tip of the iceberg. Just in case you thought I forgot, there is one more category that coconut oil is useful for, and that is for use as massage oil and as a personal lubricant. It is easily absorbed, organic, tastes great and is totally good for you! Please be aware that it may not be compatible with some condom material so check before using with condoms to be sure, especially latex type. Many ladies have had resolution of chronic yeast symptoms with the use of coconut oil in place of traditional lubricants because of its natural anti-fungal properties, and find it very comfortable and pleasing to use.

I truly hope that I have introduced some of you to a new item and broadened the view of others to the versatility of the coconut. It is truly a wonderful fruit and science continues to find new uses all the time!!

Until next time, “Put the lime in the Coconut and drink it all up!”

Love,
Kalee

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