Why I am Cuckoo for Coconuts!

Lately I have discovered a fruit that I don't think I could ever live without; in fact, I am contemplating moving to a climate where I can grow them in my backyard.

It is a super-fruit, a magical, mystical, anti-microbial wonderment of nutrition.  It is the coconut. That is right, the coconut.

Although I love coconut cream pie (a lot) and pina-coladas, this is not why I love the coconut.  I love the coconut for two reasons that I have just found in the last year. Now I am hooked and want to scream it to the world (or at least across the street).

Reason #1. Coconut Milk. Not the can of coconut milk often used in Thai cooking. Nope, coconut milk that can be used just like any other milk. It is dairy-free and soy-free and it is full of all sorts of things that are good for you, MCFA's (medium chain fatty acids) that contain lauric and capric acids, which have anti-viral and anti-microbial properties. The body also utilizes MCFA's as energy instead of storing them as fat) Best of all, it is low in calories and tastes great! It is sold by the half gallon and can be found in sweetened, unsweetened and flavored versions. It is heaven in my smoothie! I like the unsweetened organic coconut milk which is only 50 calories per serving. I use it in my morning smoothie and it is amazing.  There are two brands that I have seen on the market right now. Silk and So Delicious, both can be found at Kroger and are in the neighborhood of about $3.50 per half gallon. However, the So Delicious brand has been on Bonus Club for $1.99 per half gallon. So Delicious has an organic option but Silk does not.

So Delicious also makes coconut milk ice cream (called frozen dessert), coffee cream and yogurt.  All are dairy-free and soy-free and very good. The ice cream comes in flavors like, Turtle Trails and Cookie Dough (also gluten free)

Reason #2. Coconut water. Yes, a fruit that produces water and milk ... nice!  I discovered Coconut milk last year while training for the Freep Marathon. I was looking for a good sports hydration drink and all of the products I found were filled with artificial colors, artificial flavors and artificial sweeteners. I try to keep away from all three of these things, but when you are exercising, sometimes you need to replace your electrolytes quickly. One day my husband read an article about coconut water and the rest is history! 

Coconut water contains more potassium (about 294 mg.) than most sports drinks (117 mg.) and most energy drinks. Coconut water has less sodium (25 mg.) compared to sports drinks that have about 41 mg. It also has only 5 mg. of natural sugars compared to sports and energy drinks, which range from 10-25 mg. of altered or artificial sugars. Coconut water packs over 15 times the electrolytes as sports drinks!

And, it tastes great! I like the mango coconut water which does have a little more sugar, but very tasty! It is great after a long run. Recently when my kids came down with the stomach flu, I was able to give them coconut water to re-hydrate with confidence that I wasn't giving them anything artificial.

You can find Vita Coco Coconut Water at Kroger and Better Health stores in single serve packages 

 Yes, I am cuckoo for coconuts!  Try them!