(NaturalNews) Many people are wheat intolerant or simply prefer alternatives to wheat flour, such as rice flour or rye flour. Coconut flour provides an excellent alternative to wheat flour for baking and cooking. In addition, other products of the coconut such as oil and milk help to reduce weight, help with first-aid and are delicious in recipes.
Want to bake some delicious sugar-free muffins? Grab some coconut flour. Interested in a creamy sauce topping for tonight's vegetable dish? Try using coconut milk. Need a first-aid treatment? A weight-loss aid? Reach for the coconut oil.
Many health food stores and supermarkets stock organic coconut milk, green coconut water, unsweetened coconut flakes, high fiber coconut flour and fresh ripe or green coconuts.
Coconut flourCoconut flour is high in protein and fiber, is low in carbohydrates and has a great texture and appealing sweetness, since organic coconut flour contains natural sugar. Organic coconut flour is fiber from the coconut meat after the oil has been extracted.
Banana coconut muffin recipe
Ingredients:
1 cup organic coconut flour
6 free range eggs
2 ripe bananas (mashed)
2 tablespoons melted organic butter
2 tablespoon coconut oil
2 tablespoons organic, raw milk
3 tablespoons raw honey
1 teaspoon aluminum free baking powder
pinch salt
Method:
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
In a mixing bowl, beat eggs gradually then add milk, honey, coconut oil, butter, vanilla and salt.
Add the
coconut flour, baking powder and mashed bananas.
Grease 12 muffin cups with coconut oil. Fill greased muffin cups with the batter.
Bake for 12 - 15 minutes.
Coconut MilkTraditionally used in Indian curry dishes or Thai cuisine, coconut milk is used in a variety of dishes, and is a healthy replacement for dairy products. Make sure coconut milk is free of sugar or preservatives when purchasing and use up quickly before it spoils.
Virgin Coconut OilMuch has been said on Natural News on the outstanding health benefits of unrefined coconut
oil. Naturopathic practitioner Dr Bruce Fife describes it as "the healthiest oil on earth".
Coconut oil facilitates the absorption of key nutrients by the body. It helps the body absorb calcium and magnesium, necessary for the development of bones and teeth.
The medium-chain triglycerides found in
coconut oil not only are beneficial for general health, but may also help those who are trying to lose weight.
It has even been found to help prevent those addicted to nicotine.
Extra virgin coconut oil has a slightly sweet taste and fresh coconut scent. Take care when purchasing organic as cheaper brands or products with false labeling can be denatured, bleached and/or highly processed.
Almond and coconut oil scones
Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups almond flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/3 cup date sugar or 5 tablespoons maple syrup
1/4 cup coconut oil
2 free range eggs
1 cup chopped apricots
1 cup chopped almonds
1 cup dried, shredded coconut
Method:
Preheat oven to 330 degrees Fahrenheit.
Mix dry ingredients.
Stir in wet ingredients.
Stir in apricots, almonds and coconut then shape scones into small rounds.
Bake on parchment paper line sheet pan for 15 - 20 minutes, keeping a close eye on them.
Sources:
http://www.freecoconutrecipes.com/gluten_free_coconut_flour_recipes.h...http://www.suite101.com/content/coconut-oil-a215879http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/CoconutAbout the author:Fleur Hupston is a professional freelance writer. She is passionate about natural, healthy living and is currently studying to be a naturopath. She divides her time between studying, writing and home-schooling her children.
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