• Home
  • What is Paleo?
    • About Paleo
  • Easy Paleo
    • Coconut
    • Convenience Items
    • Grass-Fed Beef
    • Good Fats
    • Modern Food
    • Treats
    • Wheat
    • Eating Out Paleo
    • Sleep
    • Supplements
    • Fitness
  • Must-Have Resources
    • Documentaries
    • Featured Article
  • Interview Series
  • Recipes
    • Jennie’s Originals
    • The Food Diary
    • Meal Suggestions
    • Recipe Challenge
    • Whole30

The Amazing Coconut

By Jennie 13 Comments

If you have read much of anything about Paleo eating, you have probably noticed that coconut is a top ingredient choice.  And it comes in so many forms!  Let’s take a look:

Coconut Milk: Coconut milk is typically seen in curry dishes, but it is good for so much more!

It is a great source of calcium, zinc, manganese, selenium, zinc, and iron.  It is also a good source of fat (healthy fat!).   When purchasing coconut milk, look for the kind in the can (usually in the International Foods aisle).  Get the full-fat can, as the “lite” kind is just a watered down version.  Choose a brand that that doesn’t have alot of extra ingredients.  The only acceptable stabilizing ingredient is guar gum (unless you have an allergy to guar gum).  I usually get Thai Kitchen Coconut Milk.  This is the stuff that you will want to use in all your recipes calling for coconut milk.  It is also a good substitute for milk, half-and-half, heavy cream, etc.

When I first started eating Paleo, I did not really like the taste of coconut milk.  It is definitely thicker than regular milk, and it has an interesting “sweet” taste.  Now I use it all the time, and even enjoy a big spoonful over some fresh fruit.

I drink coconut milk in my coffee, with a little cinnamon stirred in.  It is creamy and delicious!  I sometimes use it to thicken smoothes.

I *sometimes* use So Delicious  Coconut Milk.

This version is much thinner than what you find in the can, but it does contain a few preservatives, so it is not permitted in a Whole30.

So Delicious is also yummy in smoothies.  Be sure to get the UNSWEETENED version to avoid all the extra sweeteners.

Coconut Oil: This has become a favorite ingredient of mine.  It is great for sautéing, baking, and frying.  This oil is perfect for high-heat-cooking (did you know that olive oil is NOT?).  It gives food a delicious flavor.  It can be used as a substitute for shortening too! It also has some amazing health benefits!

According to this site, “There is a misconception spread among many people that coconut oil is not good for the heart. This is because it contains a large quantity of saturated fats. However, coconut oil is beneficial for the heart. It contains about 50% lauric acid, which helps in preventing various heart problems including high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure. The saturated fats present in coconut oil are not harmful as it happens in case of other vegetables oils. It does not lead to increase in LDL levels. It also reduces the incidence of injury in arteries and therefore helps in preventing atherosclerosis.”

Coconut oil is also helpful in building strong immunity, good digestion, prevention of diabetes, increased bone strength, balanced metabolism, and a host of other health benefits.  It has many gut-healing qualities as well, which is helpful for people coming off a diet heavy in grains.

According to this site, “It actually acts like a carbohydrate in that it is quickly broken down in the liver and used as quick energy. It is NOT stored like other fats. It boosts one’s energy and endurance. Many athletes use it blended into their drinks. It also supports thyroid function and increases your metabolism (great if you want to lose weight).”

I like using Wilderness Family Naturals Coconut Oil.  I get it at Lizzie’s Herb Shop in Kernersville.  It is organic, unrefined, and virgin.

Coconut Flakes: Coconut flakes are a great flavor-packed snack, and are used in many recipes.  They can be added to smoothies or to trail mix.  Since they are part of the coconut, they are a great source of good fat.  Be sure to choose the unsweetened version. 

Coconut Water: This is a tasty beverage that is great to drink after workout to replenish electrolytes.  However, even if you get the unsweetened kind, it is a sugary beverage (similar to fruit juice).  You are better off drinking regular water, but coconut water is great for an occasional treat.

Coconut Cream: Coconut cream is just like coconut milk, only thicker.  It is more like a thick paste.  The cream is the part of the milk that rises to the top of the can.  This ingredient is often used in cooking.

Coconut Flour:  According to Tropical Traditions, “Organic coconut flour is fiber from the coconut meat after most of the oil has been extracted to make Virgin Coconut Oil. It is unsweetened, and has not been treated with sulfites. It is high in dietary fiber and protein, and is gluten-free. It has more fiber than gluten-based grains.”  Keep in mind, though, that coconut flour is VERY dense, and a little goes a LONG way.

Coconut Butter: Coconut butter is sometimes called “coconut creme concentrate.”  It is a delicious snack, especially when combined with a little almond butter.  For some health information and recipes, click here.

You may be asking: “since coconut oil is a saturated fat, why is it so good for me?”  Here is the answer (from this site): “Coconut oil is 92% saturated. But unlike animal fats like beef tallow and lard, coconut oil is predominantly (two-thirds) Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT). There are actually very few that are essentially MCTs. In fact, almost all other fats and oils (saturated or unsaturated, plant- or animal-based) are entirely Long Chain Triglycerides (LCT). The oil of the humble coconut is nature’s richest source of health-boosting MCTs!”

Now go out and explore what you can do with the amazing coconut!

 

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pocket
  • Google
  • Pinterest

Filed Under: Coconut, Good Fats Tagged With: Coconut, Coconut cream, Coconut milk, Coconut water, Guar gum, Saturated fat

Comments

  1. Amy says

    September 25, 2011 at 2:33 pm

    Coconut, coconut, how do I love thee? I cook with canned coconut milk, make smoothies with So Delicious coconut milk, and slather coconut oil all over my body!

    Reply
    • Jennie Harrell says

      September 25, 2011 at 6:31 pm

      hahaha! Amy, that’s great!

      Reply
  2. Keri says

    January 3, 2012 at 1:16 am

    I am amazed at this great food. I love it! Your site is great! I’ve recently started eating paleo. I was on the atkins diet for so long, but it seemed so unhealthy with all the fake and processed foods you are allowed to eat. I just stuck with the more natural foods, and forgot about the frankenfoods. I was doing paleo the whole time, just didn’t know it! I love Rob Wolf too. So funny!

    Reply
    • jennie says

      January 3, 2012 at 3:36 pm

      Keri, that’s awesome! Welcome to Paleo!

      Reply
  3. Karla says

    February 26, 2012 at 1:50 pm

    Thank you for all you write! I love to read your posts. You make it so much easier, even though I already enjoy eating Paleo, your posts help one want to keep on keeping on!

    Reply
    • Jennie says

      February 26, 2012 at 2:08 pm

      Karla, THANK YOU! That made my day. -Jennie

      Reply
  4. Cathy says

    February 26, 2012 at 2:10 pm

    You forgot coconut “flour” and sugar. Just the thing when you crave a bit of baked goodness! Love, love, love your site.

    Reply
    • Jennie says

      February 26, 2012 at 8:31 pm

      You’re right! I definitely need to add coconut flour… not sure about coconut sugar though. Haven’t heard of that one. -Jennie

      Reply
      • Kelly says

        February 26, 2012 at 8:49 pm

        Coconut sugar is marketed as palm sugar. It’s made from the nectar of coconut palm trees. It’s low glycemic, high in many minerals and has a slightly caramelly brown sugar taste. If you need to use sugar at all it’s a great alternative to white or brown sugars. I have the Navitas Naturals brand.

        Reply
        • Jennie says

          February 26, 2012 at 8:51 pm

          Interesting!

          Reply
  5. similar web page says

    May 14, 2013 at 12:12 pm

    Good blog you have here.. It’s hard to find high-quality writing like yours these days. I seriously appreciate individuals like you! Take care!!

    Reply
  6. Tyrone says

    June 18, 2013 at 3:58 am

    My brother suggested I may like this website. He was entirely right.
    This submit truly made my day. You can not imagine just how so much time I had spent for this information!
    Thank you!

    Reply
  7. Jason says

    December 30, 2013 at 3:43 pm

    We thought corn and soy were pretty amazing multitaskers until fairly recently as well. The pessimist in me has to wonder how long before we regret replacing all of our flour, milk, oil, water and cream with coconut (not that I haven’t done just that myself).

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Explore:

Learn More:

Recent Articles:

  • Best Ever Snickerdoodle Recipe – Grain and Dairy Free Pumpkin Cookies
  • Easy Paleo Ketchup Recipe
  • Best Paleo Pumpkin Recipes: 20 Ways
  • Is Bone Broth Good for You? Let Me Explain It’s Benefits.
  • Why Eat Gluten, Michael Pollan? It is Inferior Food


Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner


Obligatory Disclosure

Yes, friends...feel free to assume that I get a Lamborghini any time you click a link on this site OR possibly a few dollars in affiliate commission. We monetize the site with various affiliate links, but only to products to make YOUR life easier that we also use and love.

Copyright © 2021
Privacy/Disclaimer      Contact Us

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.Accept Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy