In case you haven’t noticed, I am a huge fan of coconut! Whether it’s coconut milk, water, dried & shredded or raw coconut meat- it’s ALL good! Sadly, over the years, coconut, which is rich in saturated fat, has been wrongly labeled as a “bad fat” causing most people to pass on this delicious seed (yes, it is a seed) and its health-promoting properties. This being the result of 1980s research that was published indicating coconut oil (and other tropical oils) increased cholesterol and risk of cardiovascular disease, according to Udo Erasmus, author of “Fats that Heal, Fats that Kill”. However, Erasmus explains that the problem was not the coconut, but the fact that the oils used in the studies were all hydrogenated coconut oils, thus greatly altering the outcome.

You will be happy to hear that coconut is not only safe to eat, but coconut oils contain immune-boosting medium chain fatty acids (lauric acid and capric acid) that are antimicrobial and antiviral, helping to fight disease! According to Dr. Mary Enig, Ph.D., nutritionist/biochemist and one of the world’s leading authorities on fats and oils, approximately 50% of the fatty acids in coconut fat are lauric acid. Also, these medium chain fatty acids are easily accessible by the body to provide an excellent source of energy.

Dr. Jon J. Kabara, PhD and Professor Emeritus of Michigan State University says, “Never before in the history of man is it so important to emphasize the value of Lauric Oils. The medium-chain fats in coconut oil are similar to fats in mother’s milk and have similar nutriceutical effects.”

Now that we’re aware all of the healing properties of coconut, here are a few ways to enjoy it:

1. Try coconut milk instead of cow’s milk in any food. Coconut milk is the ultimate coffee creamer! It’s sweet & smooth.

2. For a delicious dessert, pour coconut milk over frozen berries and top with slivered almonds.

3. Replace vegetable oil with coconut oil when you cook.

4. Try this coconut hot chocolate recipe courtesy of Lynne Conde, Bauman College faculty:

Boil 3/4 cups water
Whisk in 1 tablespoon organic cocoa powder until blended well
Stir in 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Stir in a dash of cayenne powder
Whisk in 1/4 cup of whole coconut milk
Serve immediately and enjoy!

You can buy coconut milk, water, oil, butter and whole coconuts at Kroger, Whole Foods Market & Good Food’s Co-op.

Watch the ingredient lables on the ”Less Fat” or “Fat Free” Coconut Milk cans, sometimes they will add flour to keep the same consistency as regular coconut milk!