Coconut in All Its Glory

The Philippines has an abundance of coconut.  The fruit has been quickly gaining popularity all over the world because of its numerous uses and health benefits.

Coconut Water.  This is one of the most light and refreshing drinks ever!  It has been branded as a natural sports drink.  Coconut water doesn't contain any fat, cholesterol and is low in calories.  It is rich in potassium and electrolytes providing quick hydration to replenish the water and salt your body loses when you do sports or work out.

Coconut water also provides a remedy for kidney stones and urinary tract infections.  It helps cleanse and flush your system.  It is also said to lower cholesterol and provide healthy skin.

Fresh Coconut Juice

I personally love taking it fresh from the shell.  It is now conveniently available in bottles, cans and tetra packs.

Some popular brands in tetra packaging: Vita Coco, Zico and O.N.E.

Coconut Meat.  The white fleshy meat of the coconut is used to make delicious desserts like Buko Pandan or Halo Halo.  It can also be blended to make shakes.  According to Livestrong, one cup of coconut meat contains 7.2g of fiber.  It is also rich in manganese which supports our body's immune and nervous system.

Halo Halo

Coconut Milk.  This is a staple in a lot of Asian food recipes.  Coconut milk is used to make curry, pies, desserts, sweet drinks among a few.  Coconut milk is also commonly used as a hair treatment and skin moisturizer.  It conditions the hair and hydrates the skin.  It also has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial purposes for wounds and infections.

Coconut Milk

Coconut milk can be bought freshly grated and squeezed from vendors or it is readily available in cans.

Desicated Coconut.  These are dried coconut flakes commonly used for baking.  My favorite treats that uses this as an ingredient are mochi, granola bars and macaroons.

Coconut Macaroons

Virgin Coconut Oil.  I'm pretty sure you've heard of the wonders of Virgin Coconut Oil, there are tons of benefits and uses.  In the article "Is Virgin Coconut Oil Healthy?" of Livestrong, it states:

"Virgin coconut oil is healthful. It will not raise your LDL, or bad cholesterol, and it will not contribute to obesity so long as you are not exceeding your caloric requirements. Dr. Bowden reports that coconut oil is full of antioxidants that help destroy free radicals that can attack your cells, damage your DNA and create oxidative stress. Coconut oil can also help your body better absorb amino acids and minerals such as calcium and magnesium."

Virgin Coconut Oil

VCO can be used for cooking, baking and flavoring.  It is be used directly to the skin as an oil cleanser or as skin products like soaps, shampoos, lotions and massage oils.  You can also use it for oil pulling.

Coconut Sap or Coconut Sugar.  This is a great healthy substitute for refined sugar.  It is high in mineral, potassium, magnesium and zinc.  This is a safe sweetener for diabetics.  I use this in place of regular sugar when I take my coffee and when I bake some goodies.

Coco Sap from Natural Health Ph

Coconut in all its forms are readily available, affordable and healthy.  There are countless possibilities for its various forms!