A Healthy Alternative: Coconut
Meet my coconut family. A year ago, I didn’t use any coconut related foods regularly. Now coconut oil, coconut flour, coconut milk, coconut sugar, grated coconut and coconut flakes have all become a staple of my diet.
My coconut family – only thing missing is coconut water which is more hydrating than water and a better source of potassium than bananas!
You can learn more about the many health benefits of coconut here – I mainly use it because it is often a good alternative to other foods and I love the taste!
Extra Virgin Coconut Oil: It is vital to buy a good quality, extra virgin oil. I use this mostly for cooking as it has the highest smoke point of any oil but I also like to spread it on crackers or bread like butter.
Coconut flour: I just bought this to try it out as an alternative to gluten and cereal flours. It is very popular with people following the Paleo Diet, a diet based on how our ancestors ate before the agricultural age. I just made coconut bread using this recipe and to be honest, I am not sure I will buy it again! It tastes a lot drier than other flours, but has a lovely smell when you open the pack.
Coconut milk: At the moment I am trying to reduce my dairy consumption, so I have been using coconut milk instead of yoghurt or cream in curries and soups, but also occasionally adding a little to morning smoothies. It gives a nice creamy consistency to food.
Coconut sugar: I found this today in my organic food store for the first time and am very excited to try it! It can be used in the same way as brown sugar, but is supposed to be a healthier alternative.
Grated coconut: I use this mostly in cookies and cakes to add bulk, taste and moisture.
Coconut flakes: I love adding these to my morning porridge, oatmeal or smoothie. They can also be roasted for an even more special taste.
My favorite combinations: I find coconut especially divine with raspberry and cacao.
Despite appearances, I am actually quite moderate in my consumption of coconut foods as I think it is important to not overuse too much of any one food or ingredient, no matter how healthy!
Coconut bread – a little dry but extremely filling!
