The exotic coconut is making its way back into the healthy cooking world after new studies uncovered its many healing properties.
Coconut Oil's Bad Rap
Over 40 years ago coconut oil became coco-non-grata after studies claimed that it was a contributor to high cholesterol and unhealthy fat that leads to heart disease. All these years later, new studies revealed that the samples tested that resulted in the original bad rap were based on hydrogenated coconut oil - not natural, pure coconut oil. Hydrogenation is the process of manipulating the chemical structure of the oils ions to force hydrogen ions to bond to any open spots along the fatty acid chain in order to increase shelf life.
Coconut Oil's Good Rap
Pure coconut oil actually has health benefits, including possible cholesterol lowering effects. Approximately fifty percent of the fatty acid in coconut oil is lauric acid, which is an arch nemesis of bacteria, fungi, yeast and enveloped viruses (HIV, measles, Herpes simplex virus, influenza and cytomegalovirus.) Studies are even being done to investigate its possible role in treating AIDS. Lauric acid is something that is also a main part of breast milk, playing a large immunoprotective role.
Another seven percent of the oil's fat content is capric acid, another anti-microbial stimulant.
Not only does coconut oil not cause heart problems, according to Mary Enig, PhD, FACN's study, but it may even help prevent them as well as other health issues.
Benefits of Coconut Milk
Coconut milk is the result of pressing (or ricing, then pressing) the white coconut meat and mixing that 'cream' with water. Coconuts in general contain a rich array of vitamins and minerals along with the properties mentioned above in the oils, also possibly lowering bad cholesterol and raising the good.
The water that is contained in the coconut upon first cracking it open is coconut water, not 'milk'. This has a very pleasant taste and is usually drank straight from the coconut.
Cooking with Coconut Milk
Where fresh coconut milk is not available, it can usually be found in tins in the local supermarket. Tinned coconut milk must be shaken vigorously before using.
Coconut milk lends its unique flavor to a variety of dishes, from curries to desserts. It can also be added to replace part of the liquid required to cook rice - especially suited to Jasmine Rice. The coconut milk seems to mellow the taste of many curries, whether they are simple Thai curries or the more exotic Indian curries.
Environmentally Friendly Coconuts?
After the oil, flesh, milk and water are used, the coconut still has plenty of uses. Dried shells are made into kitchen utensils in Thailand as well as musical instruments and other uses. The green, fibrous outer layer is used as a fuel and also for making thatched roofs and stuffed mattresses. Palm sugar is made from the seed pods of the coconut.*
While a coconut is technically just a large seed, this super-seed is not only kind to the body, but kind to the earth.
*Thailand (2001) Available: www.kidcyber.com.au
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