Why Is It Called A Superfood?
Coconut, widely used in South India, is a blessing for all of us because of its significant health benefits. “As mentioned before, coconuts are called superfoods because of their immense composition of micro and macro nutrition found in them,” says Preeti. “Being a healthy fat, it is highly soothing and nourishing to our gut health, and hence, it allows the healthy optimum digestion of the nutrients found in food,” she adds. Nmami explains further, “Coconut has anti-inflammatory properties, and it is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. It is good for skin, hair, weight management, good for bones, and keeps you hydrated. Plus, there are several ways you can consume a coconut- you can have coconut water, coconut meat, desiccated or shredded coconut or coconut oil. So many health benefits and versatility of consumption makes it a superfood!”
Some Not So Obvious Health Benefits
Weight Loss, Does It Work?
“Consuming virgin coconut oil, which is extracted from dried coconut meat, may reduce belly fat,” suggests Preeti. This is especially beneficial because excess belly fat increases your risk of heart disease and diabetes. Weight-watchers and serious dieters may want to include the wholesome fruit in their diet as Nmami recommends including coconut in the diet. This, along with physical activity and diet management and reducing the intake of carbs and increasing consumption of protein can significantly trigger the weight loss process.
You may notice Instagram bakers serving pictures and pictures of their vegan bakes and treats made of coconut flour. A healthy alternative to the all-purpose flour, our experts recommend switching to coconut flour as well. Since it is rich in fibre, free of gluten, provides various essential nutrients and a low-carb ingredient that can easily blend in multiple recipes. “Coconut flour is a great replacement for maida because it contains so many micro and macro nutrition, whereas maida is nothing but empty calories!” says Preeti. “From boosting digestion and heart health to lowering down the blood sugar levels- coconut flour can make you all hale and hearty. You can easily ditch the all-purpose flour in baking as this tasty and healthy coconut flour will make your dishes delicious while nourishing your health,” suggests Nmami.
Cooking With Coconut Oil
Many may have doubts about using coconut on all your daily meals as this is high on saturated fats. Our experts bust some myths. Coconut oil is prepared from the white flesh of the matured coconuts. Although it is rich in saturated fats, the type is MCT (medium-chain triglycerides) which makes it different from other saturated oil, and that is the reason why coconut oil can be used for daily cooking. Coconut oil can easily boost heart health, helps in losing weight, elevate HDL (good) cholesterol levels. “Try to pick virgin and cold-pressed coconut oil as it does not contain any harmful solvents,” warns Nmami. Virgin coconut oil contains excellent quantities of antioxidants and provides you with anti-inflammatory properties. Another superb tip by Preeti is to incorporate them onto your delicious baking recipes. Yes, you read that right. “It can also be used for making on pan dishes such as pancakes, omelettes etc. However, care has to be taken not burning the coconut oil above its boiling point, which is quite low for coconut oil. So, a strict no-no for deep frying. The boiling point for coconut oil is 177 degrees C,” she advises.
Got Milk?
Coconut milk has recently gained much momentum in the health and fitness industry. “Packed with various vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin C, E, B Vitamins, iron, selenium, sodium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus that can do wonders to your health like nothing else,” says Nmami. While the entire world seems to be moving to healthier alternatives, you may see the traditional cow milk shelves at your local supermarket being traded off for vegan alternatives. “Coconut milk is known as a tasty and healthier alternative to the milk obtained from the cow with the brownie point of amazing health benefits. Coconut milk is primed from the white flesh of the ripped coconut, and it is extremely dense and taste delicious,” she adds.
“It is a great replacement for milk for vegans. Also, for people with weak gut health, coconut milk should be taken to soothe their gut. Coconut yoghurt is very healthy and rich in probiotics too!” recommends Preeti.
Did you know? Coconut milk contains a good amount of lauric acid – a fatty acid which is also in mother’s milk!
Update Your Beauty And Skincare Routine
While Indians have never shied away from receiving a hot oil champi, (oil hair massage ) this magic tonic has been lauded for nourishing tresses since ages. “Be it hair fall, dry and rough hair or bad scalp, coconut oil can do wonders to your hair health while providing you with a nourishing and supple scalp,” says Nmami. The power ingredient in play here is lauric acid, which is found in coconut oil- your benefactor to strong and shiny tresses. This acid works as a natural potion to boost hair growth. Coconut oil is also rich in antioxidants, which in itself is a great nutrient to strengthen hair growth. “Moreover, this oil contains anti-bacterial properties that can easily eradicate the bacterial glitches from your scalp, which is also a great cause that can hinder the hair growth,” she adds. “However, it is a thick carrier oil and should be used in a proper way for max benefits. Warm up the coconut oil, only below the boiling point, before applying to your hair. Make sure you don’t overheat the oil as well,” warns Preeti.
Want to get on the bandwagon for healthy, shiny teeth? Oil pulling is your answer. Made famous by Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma, we were finally given a peek into her morning-routine which consisted of oil pulling while engaging in a fun bonding session with her upper. Our experts give their nod of approval to Sharma’s method. Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic dental technique that involves swishing a tablespoon of oil in your mouth on an empty stomach for around 20 minutes. It has been used for thousands of years and is a traditional Indian folk remedy,” explains Nmami. “Oil pulling is an excellent way to start your day,” says Preeti. “It’s great for detoxifying your body and maintaining your oral health. I have been propagating this system for my clients for having optimum gut health. It helps in removing all the plague from the teeth, and toxins from the mouth. If done properly, it takes out the toxins from the respiratory system as well!”
How To Select And Store Coconuts
“Dried coconut must be stored in airtight containers and preferably in refrigerators during summer to preserve the healthy properties of the coconut oil that is present in the dried coconut. It will also help the coconut from getting stale or moistened. While fresh coconut must be stored in the fridge and if you make it into any recipe such as coconut chutney, or curry with coconut milk, it should be used quickly and not stored for the next day,” says Preeti.
Another interesting tip by Nmami while purchasing a coconut is to check for the signs of mould and cracking and wet areas around it. Also, one must ensure to shake a coconut before purchasing. When you shake it, you will hear the sound of its water. “More the sound, the more heaviness of the coconut makes it extremely new and fresh, on the other hand, if it has no water in it, it means that is has gone bad and is not fit for consumption,” she says. Storing coconut water for 1-2 days is never a good idea, and consuming it after 2-3 days can create digestive issues as well. Coconut flesh can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for the 2-3 days to reap the maximum benefits. “You can use desiccated coconut over your meals and use it in your smoothies to get the nutrient benefits while also adding to its taste!” Yummy!