Things you may not know about coconuts

I love coconuts!!  I love the taste, the smell and the different ways you can use coconut. They have had a bad rap for far too long due to their saturated fat content yet for years they have been eaten all over the world with only good effects.  But now, with the change in thinking around saturated fats, coconuts have once again become one of the topical "superfoods" which is well justified - they are a fantastic form of healthly fats. 

Coconuts contain a different type of saturated fat to those found in animal products and these are Medium Chain Fatty Acids (MCT's) which are used for energy.  50% of these fatty acids are Lauric Acid and published research shows that they are very helpful for killing off harmful pathogens from bacteria, fungal infections and viruses.

  Other studies show that coconut oil speeds metabolism and encourages weight loss, the fat content can leave you feeling fuller longer therefore suppressing appetite, it can supply energy to the brain cells of those with Alzheimer’s and poor cognition, it can improve blood cholesterol levels protecting against heart disease, reduce seizures in epileptic patients and benefit moisture levels of both hair and skin. The water straight from a fresh coconut is sterile and a perfect mix of electrolytes and has been used successfully in place of a saline drip for serious dehydration.

Due to coconuts resurgence in popularity there are a variety of great products being produced - coconut yoghurt, coconut milks, coconut kefir, a great alternative for those who are dairy free and a delicious alternative for those who are not. 

I was lucky enough recently to visit the Pacific Island of Niue where, in the morning market I came across something that I'd never seen before - a sprouted coconut. Apparently these are the crème de la crème of coconuts and coveted by Pacific Islanders and other coconut producing countries.  It seems that coconuts contain a small seed like ball that floats around in the coconut water inside the shell.  When the coconut falls off the tree, this seed starts to absorb the water which turns into a spongy mass and fills the entire inside of the coconut as it sprouts.  The texture is slightly spongy, slightly crispy and tastes to me like an appley, coconuty, chestnut!  Thoroughly delicious and super nutritious due to the fact that it’s a seed and sprouted so concentrated nutrition.  In Niue it’s known as "Coconut marshmallow"!  Look out for it when in coconut country!