Thailand has coconut palms all over the place, no photo of our tropical shores is complete without a swaying palm to drape ourseleves over and post all over social media, but the humble coconut has many uses, ranging from medicinal, beauty and culinary.
Southeast Asia makes best use of what nature has given, and Thai food has coconut milk in many dishes including Green and Red curries, Massaman and Penang curries, Tom Kha Gai and lots of sweets also contain coconut milk and cream.
In this article we will look at 12 reasons why coconuts are anything but lazy….
EAT ME
Coconut meat, the delicious edible white flesh that lines the inside of a coconut, is a source of protein, magnesium, manganese, copper, fibre and iron.
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ENDURANCE JUNKIES
Coconut meat contains MCFAs (Medium Chain Fatty Acids). MCFAs are a type of saturated fat that is easier for humans to digest than animal fats. These fats have been proved to boost the endurance of trained athletes.
SMILE
The MCFAs in coconut meat have antimicrobial properties. This can help to kill some bacteria found in your mouth and protect your gums and teeth from cavities and infections.
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LOSE WEIGHT
Help with weight loss. The MCFAs found in coconut meat are associated with fat burning. YAY!
JUICE ME UP
before a coconut gets too old, they’re called ‘young coconuts’ and they have water inside. This coconut water forms naturally in the fruit and contains 94% water and very little fat
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VITAMINS
Coconut water is found in young coconuts and a useful source of fibre, vitamin C and several important minerals including potassium, magnesium, sodium and calcium.
ANTIOXIDANTS
Coconut water contains antioxidants that protect your cells from damage caused by pesky free radicals.
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NATURAL ELECTROLYTE
Electrolytes are minerals that play several important roles in your body, including keeping proper fluid balance. Coconut water may be the perfect beverage for restoring hydration and replenishing electrolytes lost during exercise.
COCONUT OIL
the extraction of coconut oil comes from the dried inner white meat of the fruit.
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COOKING
Coconut oil is great for cooking. It can be bought as a hard oil (you just need to melt it for cooking), or in a bottle ready to pour.
OIL PULLING
is an ancient practice that involves swishing oil in your mouth to remove bacteria and promote oral hygiene.
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MOISTURISER
Coconut oil can be used as a moisturizer for the face and body. It is also a magnificent hair treatment and smells so good.
The list of uses for coconut oil could go on longer, but we think coconuts are possibly best enjoyed ice-cold, with a bamboo straw whilst sitting near the pool at The Lazy Coconut watching the sunset! Don’t you agree?
