Superfood of the week- Coconut

THE HEALTH AND WELLNESS CORNER WITH DANA

The word coconut makes most people think of cute little umbrellas and tropical islands.

When I hear coconut I think detox and replenish!

Referred to as kalpa vriksha (Sanskrit for “the tree that supplies all that is needed to live in ancient India, the coconut palm has been recognized as a top immune booster, antifungal, antibiotic, antiviral and antibacterial remedy for thousands of years all over the world.

Here are just a few more things coconuts can do for you; lower cholesterol, provide healing hydration, detoxify your body and even replace blood plasma in an emergency.

To give just one example of coconuts’ life-saving properties, they were used extensively in the Pacific during World War II. Since blood plasma supplies were scarce, it was very common for medics to siphon pure coconut water from young coconuts to be used as emergency plasma transfusions for soldiers who were injured. Since coconut water is nearly identical to human blood, it was suitable for people of all blood types. Wow! I had no idea!

This fruit is considered one of the most treasured foods of all time. Coconut flesh, coconut water, coconut oil, and coconut cream each deliver superb health benefits in different ways.

Coconut oil, for instance, is considered the best and safest oil to use for cooking — even superior to extra virgin olive oil when it comes to giving the body what it needs for optimum health. Unlike other fats and oils that we typically use for cooking and baking, coconut oil does not form polymerized oils or dangerous trans fatty acids in our bodies, which can raise our cholesterol levels; clog our arteries and even make our skin sag and wrinkle. It can also give your body important antioxidants that can help build stronger cells and improve your overall health and well-being.

Coconut water is excellent in providing hydration because they are loaded with natural sterile electrolytes which feed your ph and muscle function.

This fruit is the perfect post-holiday indulgence to detox and balance out your body.

What is the best part? It is relatively inexpensive and available at any grocery store.

Happy Healthy Living!

Dana