You’d think coconuts have just been discovered with all the attention they have been getting lately. But the truth is, coconuts have long been a staple of many countries’ diets and has been used in traditional medicine around the world for thousands of years. Much more than a tasty and tropical treat, the benefits of coconut are numerous, as it’s considered a functional food whose attributes go well beyond nutrition.
Author of The Coconut Oil Miracle, Bruce Fife, N.D. says, “Coconut oil is the healthiest oil on earth.” While the jury is still out on some of coconuts’ miraculous qualities, check out these reasons why people seem to be going nutty for this particular nut.
1. Coconut Water
If you’re not drinking coconut water after a workout where have you been? Coconut water is naturally sweet and packed full of potassium and electrolytes. However, it still contains calories and sugar which can add up—so while it’s not the the miracle post-workout pick-me-up it was hyped to be, it’s still better than Gatorade. Try it next time instead of a flavored water.
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2. Vegan Cooking
One of the greatest benefits of coconut is its rich flavor, making it the perfect vegan substitute for butter, oil, and milk.