Why not forget about making resolutions and instead make an effort to change our life styles to becoming more healthy? A healthy life style means eating more fruits and vegetables, controlling fat intake, controlling portions, and exercising more.
A few years ago, I learned about a flavorful alternative to use in place of butter or cooking oils. It is Coconut Oil. In 2011 when I helped a friend relearn how to cook to accommodate food allergies, Coconut Oil became even more valuable in my pantry. As I did research about Coconut Oil, I was fascinated with all of the research that indicated its many health benefits. When I blogged about using it to create vegan ice cream, Kelapo Coconut Oil noticed me and asked if I would mind sharing some of my recipes that feature Coconut Oil. I was delighted to accommodate them, and for the next six months I’ll be featuring a recipe every month that uses Coconut Oil.
Coconut Oil is new to many people but it is much like olive oil. Extra virgin coconut oil is extracted from the meat on the insides of the coconut through a cold press. It is white in color and has a fresh coconut smell. Its flavor is light and sweet, with subtle hints of coconut, and it can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. Coconut Oil differs from olive oil because most of the fats in this oil are saturated fats; but Coconut Oil also benefits from not having trans fat or cholesterol. Professional athletes use Coconut Oil as fuel to build lean muscle. Coconut Oil also helps absorb important nutrients and minerals, eliminate harmful bacteria, and fight the signs of aging. In tropical regions, where coconut oil has been consumed daily for hundreds of years, there are fewer cases of heart disease, cancer, obesity, and other illnesses, than reported in the US.
Scientists are currently researching the connection between extra virgin coconut oil and brain function. Over time, glucose inhibitors can limit the amount of energy to the brain, causing a decrease in cognitive function. Consuming regular amounts of Coconut Oil can lead to ketone production. This helps restore brain activity.
Don’t give up your olive oil, but try to include coconut oil in some of your recipes. Use olive oil in cold dishes, like salads. Try coconut oil for stir frying and also for baking. It is a fabulous substitute for both butter and shortening.
How will you use coconut oil in your recipes this year? I invite you to share your inventive recipes with me!
Below are 10 suggestions for using Coconut Oil in the kitchen:
1. Add it to your stir fry recipe to infuse veggies with a tropical flavor.
2. Toss it into a blender with your other favorite fruits—strawberries, mangoes, oranges, bananas, etc.—to make a refreshing and healthy smoothie.
3. Spoon a little into a bowl of oatmeal.
4. When making popcorn for movie night, add coconut oil instead of butter.
5. Spread creamy coconut oil on bread, toast, or crackers.
6. Add Coconut Oil before baking or frying chicken and fish.
7. Boil pasta and rice in a combination of water and coconut oil. Finish off your dish with a bit of coconut oil before serving.
8. Mix Coconut Oil with your favorite herbal tea, cider, or coffee for a wonderfully soothing beverage.
9. Roast red potatoes with Coconut Oil or use Coconut Oil to mash potatoes.
10. Impress friends with delicious cakes, brownies, and muffins made with delicious Coconut Oil.
RELATED SITES:
