Coconut Nutrition - The Dieter's Dream Come True

By Kathryn Barry

Coconut Nutrition has taken a beating for decades. There is a misconception spread among people that coconut fat is not good for the heart. This is because it contains a large quantity of saturated fats.

In reality the medium chain fatty acids present in coconut's saturated fats actually help to prevent various heart problems such as high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure.

Saturated Fats are Needed by Your Body

Dietary fats are needed for fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E and K to be absorbed by your body. Mineral absorption and the conversion of carotene into vitamin A are also affected by dietary fats.

Saturated fats provide a concentrated source of energy in your diet and they also provide the building blocks for your cell membranes plus a variety of hormones and hormone like substances.

Saturated fat works closely with Omega 3's inside your body.

Your cell membranes should be made of approximately 50% saturated fat. This helps your cells better communicate with each other.

Coconuts are an important source of saturated fat for Vegans or Vegetarians who don't eat animal products.

Coconuts and Mother's Milk

Coconut's saturated fat is special because it contains a large amount of medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) or medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs).

Mother's milk is another source of these powerful fatty acids which help newborns to develop their immune systems properly.

Coconut Nutrition and MCTs

These fatty acids digest more easily in your body and put little strain on your digestive system.

MCTs are instantly converted into energy - similar to a carbohydrate.

One of the most powerful fatty acids found in coconuts is called lauric acid and it has the ability to kill germs and parasites.

MCTs stimulate your metabolism by encouraging your thyroid to function optimally.

Coconuts are Good for Your Cholesterol

Lately, studies show no connection to high serum cholesterol or to high coronary heart disease with the consumption of dietary coconut oil.

It is now thought that coconut oil actually helps to raise your Good or "HDL" cholesterol levels.

Studies done in the past reported that the fats found in coconuts raised people's cholesterol levels and was a heart disease risk.

Hydrogenated coconut oil was used in these studies and the properties of the coconut oil were changed by the hydrogenation process.

Hydrogenated oils is what creates heart disease and higher serum cholesterol levels. So why use a hydrogenated oil in a study?

What's more people in tropical areas who consume large amounts of coconuts are rarely overweight and do not suffer from many of the disease that plague people in the Western World.

Organic Coconut Cream is a Rare Treat

Eating organic coconut cream is the tastiest way to enjoy a coconut. Coconut cream and coconut milk have a similar taste, but coconut cream has a much thicker and dense consistency. This nutrient rich and sweet tasting cream actually is more nutritious than coconut oil.

Coconut Nutrition and Raw Cream

Unlike coconut oil, which is fat soluble, coconut cream is both fat and water soluble.

Raw coconut cream has the ability to break up your stored plague, plus you'll still receive all the benefits found in coconut oil.

This powerful solvent can break up stored plague created by consuming cooked fat, cooked cholesterol, and certain medications.

Best Way to Eat Coconut Cream

Makes a wonderful coconut ice cream

Using this fat in smoothies makes it very satisfying and healthy

Rice dishes become much more interesting when you add some coconut cream. Try adding it to stews and soups for a new depth of flavor.

Making Your Own Coconut Cream

You'll need two things to make great tasting coconut cream. Organic coconuts is the best type of coconut to use and a Green Star Juicer makes it so easy.

Basically, you would crack the coconut open, drain the coconut water or drink it, scoop out the fresh coconut meat, and then feed it to the Green Star Juicer and presto - freshly made coconut cream. - 17269

About the Author:

For more info and ideas on adding coconuts into your life, go to Coconut Diet. To have a healthy mind, you must eat the right foods! Find out what might be lacking from your diet by visiting Healthy Foods.