Have you noticed a range of coconut products popping up everywhere? Coconut water, coconut oil, coconut milk, cream, coconut sugar, coconut skin care and body care products. It seems like the products are all over the place.

Coconuts have been around a long time, long before this coconut craze. Did you know that nearly 1/3 of the world’s population depends on coconut for their food and economy?

So what’s so great about coconuts? Is it a craze? Is it a trend? Or is there some health benefits? Well a third of the world over thousands of years just can’t be wrong.

The popularity of coconut products has come about because of the increase in allergies and intolerance’s to gluten and dairy, as coconut is naturally gluten and dairy free.

There are 2 kinds of whole coconuts you’ve probably seen at the market. Young coconuts – they’re the white ones. They’ve had the green layer removed and are shaped like a cylinder with a peak at the top. The older brown kinds are the ones we’re used to seeing. They’ve had the husk removed exposing the brown fibres of the actual nut. They’re the kind that contains the coconut meat, whereas the young coconuts contain the water.

There are so many benefits to the water inside these coconuts. I recently wrote a blog called 33 BENEFITS OF COCONUT WATER. What’s been discovered is a balance of electrolytes in there, calcium, magnesium, phosperous, so great for hydration and so amazing that in World War II they actually used the water as an I.V because it so closely resembles our blood plasma.

The water is a great alternative to a sports drink; it’s starting to appear in many different forms, either plain or with added fruit flavours; and has just been added in the vending machine at my gym.

Good coconut water should have no added sugar, no artificial sweeteners. It has naturally occurring sugars; around 5-6gms per 100ml is normal.

What’s inside the older brown coconuts is the coconut meat. We’ve seen shredded coconut or dessicatted coconut around for a long time but now we’ve got coconut chips or flakes. 2 cups of that in a food processor for 10 minutes makes beautiful smooth coconut butter. See our blog http://generationhealth.co.nz/how-to-make-coconut-butter/ for the instructions.

The coconut meat is loaded with nutrition. As the coconut ages, the meat soaks up all the water and you get a nutritious filling snack, full of fibre as well.

The meat is what they use to make coconut milk and cream. A lot of our clients have been scared of because of the fat content in it but it’s actually one healthiest fat for you.

Coconut oil is another product that’s literally taken off. There are two kinds: Virgin and deodorized. The deodorized has had the aroma removed and is a great alternative for butter in baking. If you like the smell though, it’s better to go with the virgin coconut oil. Chantal Organics do a great range and the deodorized kind has been produced with a chemical free process.

So what’s so great about it? Well where do I start? Coconut oil is a medium chain fatty acid and with its unique molecular structure, it is converted by the liver directly into energy. It also assists the liver in its process of elimination, it is a source of energy which increases metabolism, and kilojoule burning, and this is why it is well known to assist with weight loss. They’ve even found these particular fats to support the immune system, be anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal. It has so many amazing health and beauty benefits.

Coconut oil when taken properly has incredible detox effects of the body. One well documented method I discovered recently is called Oil Pulling, a method that draws toxins out of the body by swishing a heaped teaspoon of oil around in your mouth for 10-15 mins first thing in the morning.

Taking coconut oil daily is like taking natural body medicine, you’ll be nourishing, detoxing and cleansing your body. Here are some of the many common benefits:

–          Increased energy

–          Radiant glowing skin

–          Fewer food cravings

–          Improved mental clarity

–          Improved digestion

–          Feelings of lightness and happiness

No wonder people are literally falling in love with coconut products.