Conscious Ingredient: Coconut

Ever since I was a kid, I’ve had a fascination with coconut.  I insisted on having it on any cake we made or bought- (who remembers Pepperidge Farm’s three layer coconut cake?) We also used to crack one open with a hammer, drink the juice and eat the meat.  As it turns out we were doing something very beneficial for our hair, skin, nails and overall health.  Fortunately, we can now get the benefits in easier ways that don’t involve using a hammer.

Photo by Kevin Holler

Coconut water is now becoming the drink du jour for fitness buffs.  It’s a great way to replenish the electrolytes that are lost via sweat including potassium and sodium. It’s also used to maintain the health of the kidneys, urinary tract and bladder. If you don’t like the flavor of it alone, try substituting it for water in your smoothies.  Here’s a recipe that’s perfect for summer.  It’s both cooling and increases energy.

Coco water, mango, blueberries, chia seeds, greens of choice- (dandelion leaves are good for balancing out the sweetness and detoxing the liver.)

When researching remedies for my thyroid issue, I discovered coconut oil. The oil can be purchased in jars or in supplements.  It has a high iodine content which makes it a good source for people suffering with hypo-thyroidism. In addition, it helps in maintaining low cholesterol, metabolism and dental and bone health.  It’s also used to help eliminate candida yeast infections due to it’s anti-fungal properties.  Coconut oil is a very good cooking oil as it remains stable under high heat (360 degrees). When purchasing this product you should look for virgin or extra virgin coconut oil. You want a product that is cold pressed from fresh coconut meat.  It seems to work best when other elements of the coconut are consumed.

Adding to its multifunction, the coconut is not only great internally but topically as well.  Because it’s an antioxidant, it’s perfect to use as a moisturizer for the skin and hair leaving them both soft and well-conditioned.  Sun tanners will be glad to hear that it also protects against UV rays.  Create your own body scrub by combining coconut oil, sea salt and your favorite essential oil.

If you prefer to just use the meat, put some flakes in your smoothies, on top of desserts or in a fruit salad.

In whatever form you chose to consume coconut, it has a plethora of nutrients that  nourish both inside and out. And summer the perfect time for that pina colada so drink up- just use real coconut milk.

Suncear

Suncear Scretchen has had a life long interest in natural and organic products. After a bout of Graves Disease over 10 years ago, she began a quest of integrated wellness. Her research led her to the Institute of Integrative Nutrition and she is now a Health Coach helping clients lead healthier lifestyles. Her passion for achieving awareness in everything we put on and into our bodies is chronicled in her blog Conscious Chick. She is a Wellness Contributor for Creme Magazine and My TempO! with Morgan. For more info on Health Coaching visit SunCere Wellness.