Going Co-Co-Nutty!

Coconuts fell out their tree onto the superfood scene a little late and didn’t look all that impressive with their hairy brown exterior and watery interior, if you even managed to crack them open! However, once eventually opened they spill out what every wellness warrior wishes for, a multitude of benefits and even more ways in which to use them!

Coconuts are a rich source of vitamins and minerals, these tropical temptations are rolling around filled with copper, zinc, iron and magnesium, just to name a few.  Copper helps with energy production and the absorption of iron and zinc helps combat fatigue and poor appetite.  Iron helps with anaemia and magnesium is excellent with kidney problems.

The most popular food trend with coconuts is coconut oil. This is excellent for cooking with as it contains medium-chain fatty acids which produce a whole host of health benefits. These MCFAs go directly to your liver, that then converts them into energy and helps to stimulate your metabolism. This is perfect for when you’re low on energy and looking for something super healthy to give you the kick you need. Coconut oil can be used instead of butter or vegetable oil when cooking or baking, this comes highly recommended as it is fructose free! Fructose is a simple sugar that is instantly absorbed by the body and results in a sugar rush, where as coconut oil allows your body to have sustained energy while encouraging thyroid activity and increasing weight loss.

Overall coconut is a naturally sweet ingredient that can be added to almost anything - mix it into your breakfast granola or morning porridge instead of honey or sugar. If you’re looking for a snack in the afternoon, when that slump strikes and you aren’t sure how to handle the cravings, reach for a handful of toasted coconut flakes. Their ratio of fat to protein is perfect for providing you with long lasting, slow releasing energy that will help you keep going until supper time arrives. We recently developed a recipe for Creamy Coconut Porridge and now it’s a firm favorite of ours that we;ve been dying to share with you!

Here it is …

Creamy Coconut Porridge

For one serving:

1/3 cup oats (as natural as possible, but jungle oats can be used as well)

1 cup hot water

4 Tablespoons or 50 ml coconut milk  (can buy this from most grocery stores in a tin)

1 generous Tablespoon of almond butter (try and find one that is not homogenized and as natural as possible)

1 Tablespoon of coconut oil (the Crede one is best)

1 ripe banana (needs to have spots on it)

1 small Table spoon of Maca

Topping ideas:

A pinch of chia seeds

A pinch of hemp seeds

A pinch of pumpkin seeds

A drizzle of raw honey

A pinch of goji berries

Fresh raspberries or blueberries

Method:

In a sauce pan on a low heat, pour in your oats, warm water and coconut milk. Stir when you see it needs it. I used a wooden spoon for this. It should take about 10 minutes for the liquid to be almost absorbed into the oats. Just before it's completely ready and more lumpy, mix in your almond butter and chop in your banana. Mix it all up. Then add the coconut oil (for extra creaminess). Lastly you can add and mix in the maca. Pour into a bowl, add the toppings and enjoy!