RawFoodBlog

Coconut water is one of the most refreshing drinks nature has to offer. Also known as ‘the fluid of life’, it is the juice found inside a young, tender and green coconut.

Coconut water has many beneficial properties along with being very nutritious. It is believed to have been successfully used intravenously during the World War II, to replenish blood plasma levels.

Coconut water comprises ninety-five percent want, while the remaining five percent consists of vitamins B, C, and minerals like potassium, magnesium and sodium.

A pure cup of coconut water has about forty-six calories, three grams of fiber and two grams of protein; it does not contain any preservatives, unhealthy fats or cholesterol.

Since it is all natural and pure, there are no likely side effects and can be safely consumed by people of all age groups. Coconut water has about eight broad benefits among others.

1. Restores EnergyAs coconut water is rich in potassium and magnesium, salts and sugars, it is often used to rehydrate if a person loses a large amount of fluids due or soon after a vigorous workout.It is also being considered as a better choice by athletes instead of sports drinks available in the market. It helps fight fatigue and restores energy. Furthermore, it works as a great hangover cure.
2. Helps in Losing WeightIf you are well hydrated your body is restricted from storing fat which in turn will raise your body temperature and a higher body temperature will affect themetabolism in a positive manner. Therefore, it will help you shed the excess weight.Drinking coconut water will keep you hydrated, in addition it will also act as a diuretic that will help pass out the waste from your body with greater ease and speed.
3. Lowers Blood Pressure and Boosts Cardiovascular HealthCoconut water might lower blood pressure levels as it can increase the effect of medicines used for the same. Some researches and studies have shown positive changes in blood pressure levels in individuals who drank coconut water on a regular basis possibly also in place of plain water.It is loaded with potassium, magnesium and vitamin C, and these nutrients are directly connected to general health benefits apart from lowering high blood pressure levels.

   Recent studies and researchers have also discovered that coconut water may actually help lower the LDL (bad cholesterol) and increase the HDL (good cholesterol).

4. Facilitates Muscle BuildingAfter a heavy workout muscles tend to be sore, coconut water helps the body by replenishing the lost energy. It further adds to building up the endurance capacity, and facilitating muscle and tissue repair. It is rich in amino acids and potassium which is essential for the proper functioning of muscle action in the body.
5. Good for SkinBeing hydrated is the secret to a beautiful skin. Though dehydration can cause many illnesses that affect various organs of the body, having insufficient fluids in the system will cause the toxins to be removed by the body via the skin as well, which may lead to acne and other skin problems.Keeping yourself hydrated is a fundamental rule to a good skin, what better way than by drinking all natural and pure coconut water that will not only hydrate your body but also detoxify it in the process.

   Moreover, it contains cytokinins that have anti-aging effects. Other than drinking, coconut water can also be used as a mask on the face or to simply wash it with.

6. Improves DigestionCoconut water is said to contain Lauric acid which is converted by our body to form an antibacterial that helps with digestion and fighting against intestinal worms, and other infections and parasites in both children and adults by facilitating as an antibiotic as well.Plus, being an alkalizing agent, it relieves heartburn caused by a highly acidic diet. Furthermore, coconut water strengthens the immunity of the body too.
7. Detoxifies BodySince coconut water also acts as a diuretic it cleanses the body of toxins, aiding the kidney in its function along the way. Besides, medical research has shown that drinking coconut water helps dissolve kidney stones.It is said to balance sugar levels as well; therefore, making it safe for people with diabetes as well. Moreover, tender coconut water aids in the treatment of liver ailments such as hepatitis.
8. Helps Against DiabetesA person suffering from diabetes may experience numbness and tingling of the feet, their kidneys are affected along with their eyes. This happens because the blood is unable to circulate properly.Coconut water has the ability to improve the blood circulation and by doing so, it will provide some relief against the symptoms. Moreover, being high in fiber and low in carbohydrates, coconut water is ideal for people with diabetes.

   Coconut water benefits almost every individual and because of all the natural goodness that it contains like raising energy levels that in turn make a person feel more comfortable and motivated to follow an exercise regime.

   Regular exercise, in turn helps achieve the desired weight, which eventually helps the person maintain a healthy body weight. Needless to say, a healthy body wards off illnesses, thereby making it easier to maintain overall wellbeing.

Read more about 8 Health Benefits of Coconut Water at Speedyremedies.com

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-8730/how-to-make-a-better-version-of-coconut-oil.html

12 Magnificent Ways To Use Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is highly beneficial for health as it boosts your energy and endurance. Besides, it stimulates the metabolism, controls cravings, aids in digestion, facilitates nutrient absorption, and improves thyroid function.

Furthermore, it protects against heart disease, controls diabetes, and promotes weight loss. Hence, you can consume about three to four tablespoons of coconut oil per day. When consuming or using coconut oil for other purposes, it is best to opt for extra virgin coconut oil.

Here are some fabulous ways to use coconut oil.

1. It can be used as a toast spread. You may look for recipes for delicious yet healthy toast spreads that you can create using coconut oil.Besides, you can replace butter with coconut oil while baking brownies, cookies, muffins, etc. It also makes a healthy substitute for vegetable oil used for cooking. You may add a little coconut oil (molten) in your smoothies, too.
2. Coconut oil works as a fabulous eye makeup remover. For this, you just need to dab a little coconut oil on a cotton scab and use it to remove your makeup. In addition, you can use it to clean your mascara brush.
3. Application of coconut oil helps in getting rid of lice infestation. For this, you need to massage your hair and scalp with organic coconut oil and then, comb through the hair with a lice comb at least twice.Next, shampoo your hair. After drying your hair, again apply coconut oil liberally and leave overnight. Comb your hair in the morning. Finally, shampoo and condition your hair.
4. You can even feed organic coconut oil to your pet as it can improve your pet’s skin and hair coat. Plus, it controls fleas and fights fungal infectionsbecause it contains caprylic acid.Moreover, it relieves arthritis, and works as a natural internal deodorizer, thereby eliminating bad breath in dogs. Thus, you can add a teaspoon of coconut oil in your pet’s food or water.
5. You may also use coconut oil for preparing a variety of homemade productssuch as homemade soap, deodorant, insect repellent, lip balm, body scrub, and even toothpaste.
6. It can be used as an after shave to relieve razor burn and heal the skin. You can use it as a pre shave as well.
7. Coconut oil can be used as a sunscreen, especially for those with dark skin. It has an SPF of about 4 to 6.
8. It is excellent for managing frizzy and flyaway hair.
9. Interestingly, coconut oil works as a leather moisturizer. Hence, you can put a small amount of coconut oil on a clean cloth and work it into your leather shoes to moisturize and increase their shine.
10. You can rub a little coconut oil on the inside of your nostrils to prevent nosebleed due to dry, cracked skin on the inside of your nose.
11. Expectant mothers can regularly apply coconut oil on the abdominal area (from the seventh or eight month of pregnancy) to prevent and reduce stretch marks.The oil is great for newborns as well, because it works as a natural diaper cream that moisturizes the baby’s soft skin and fights bacteria.
12. Coconut oil can be used to remove chewing gum from hair, clothes, shoes, etc. You can leave it on the sticky area for about 30 minutes so that it becomes easier to remove the gum.

Read more about 12 Magnificent Ways To Use Coconut Oil at Speedyremedies.com

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-7612/why-you-should-put-down-that-conditioner-and-use-coconut-oil-instead.html

Why You Should Put Down That Conditioner! (And Use Coconut Oil Instead)

By Elizabeth Rocchino

If you’re looking for a deep hair conditioner that’s chemical-free, look no further than virgin coconut oil. It’s one of the best hair conditioners and if it’s virgin and organic, it’s chemical free and natural.

Coconut oil is one of the best natural treatments for hair. It’s been used by indigenous people around the world, from South America, Africa, India and Asia.

It brings back the softness to your hair thanks to its bountiful medium chain triglycerides (or fatty acids).

While other conditioners work from the outside in, coconut oil is able to work from the inside out. It’s an excellent conditioner and helps in the re-growth of damaged hair as it stimulates blood circulation in the scalp. Here’s why.

Coconut oil keeps your hair full (and won’t make it fall out).

It’s well established that coconut oil is high in antioxidants, which helps to prevent free radical damage to the body, including heat and environmental damage.

Most conditioners on the market use processed vegetable oils that actually create free radicals and are completely stripped of their original antioxidant power, causing hair to lose protein and fall out over time. One of the reasons behind hair loss is microbial action on the scalp and hair roots.

So, to protect hair against them, what we need is an antimicrobial agent. Lauric acid in Coconut Oil is one of them. It’s basically a triglyceride which yields a monoglyceride called Monolaurin, an excellent antimicrobial.

Coconut oil provides relief from dandruff.

Coconut oil nourishes the scalp because the oil is a natural antifungal, antimicrobial, antibacterial and has soothing properties. It can also offer relief from dandruff conditions. Dandruff is often caused by an internal fungal condition that reaches the scalp, called candida overgrowth. With regular use, coconut oil can kill the fungus in the scalp and dandruff issues can be eliminated. Then, you can say get rid of chemically oriented dandruff shampoos that add to your body’s toxic burden of chemicals.

Coconut oil is readily absorbed into the skin and when applied to the scalp, it is absorbed into the blood for a quick dose of a powerful natural antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial which builds immunity. For additional benefits, the oil can be applied to the entire body instead of using chemical-based lotions. Just apply a teaspoon or two from head to toe after your shower, rub it in, and let it absorb a few minutes before toweling off.

Coconut oil provides deep conditioning.

Coconut oil’s fatty acids have a unique molecular structure that penetrates easily into the hair shaft. A hair is just like a hose or a tube. It is hollow from inside. Coconut oil fully penetrates this hollow space (the hair shaft).

This allows the nourishing oil to penetrate your hair’s shaft – and literally brings deep conditioning from within reducing the loss of internal moisture.

For deep hair conditioning, use a teaspoon or two on damp hair and leave it in as long as possible. Coconut oil is solid at room temperature so warm it to liquefy it. Make sure to massage the scalp to allow blood circulation. Once you have saturated all of your hair, wrap a towel or something around your head and leave it for one to two hours to see results right away.

Then fully rinse you hair and wash with shampoo. Note that coconut oil can stain fabric, so be sure to protect your clothes and bedding if sleeping with it on your head overnight. This deep conditioning can be done as often as once a week and you may need to wash your hair a couple times to remove all of it.

Published February 1, 2013 at 4:02 PM

About Elizabeth Rocchino

Hey, Dorothy, coconut crystals are made from pure coconut sap, right?  This guy just told me his father in law owns a coconut plantation in the Philippines and every week he collects 25 gallons of coconut sap. He sells 20 and keeps 5 gallons for himself to drink.  It’s like heavy wine.  You get drunk off of it.  It’s call tuba and it’s a common drink there.  That must be why it’s so additive!

Here is a Wikipedia link:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palm_wine

Coconut Lime Natural Deodorant

http://www.radiancecentral.com/2013/01/18/coconut-lime-deodorant-recipe-ep41/

3 Tbsp Coconut Oil (Extra Virgin, Cold Pressed, Organic) (anti-bacterial)

2 Tbsp Baking Soda (Aluminum-free, you can buy it at a health food store) (abosrbs oil and moisture)

6 Drops Lime Essential Oil (I recommend Living Libations Essential Oils) ( or lavender, any Eo  of choice)

1 Small glass jar with lid to store the deodorant
- Place all ingredients in a bowl and mix well into a paste.

- Store deodorant in a glass jar in the bathroom (doesn’t need to be refrigerated).

* You can always use a different essential oil to your liking (lavender, jasmine, peppermint, vanilla, etc..).

on youtube-t: http://youtu.be/8IrX_sSTepk

A creamy, dairy-free pudding made with fresh coconuts! If you have never had a young coconut you are missing out! The water is beyond amazing and the meat you can make so many great things with. – add some water and you’ve got yourself a tasty treat with hardly any prep time.

Open a Thai young coconut and pour off the milk. Sccop out all the coconut meat.

Ingredients:

meat of one coconut

1/3 c. coconut juice, or more to liquify

1 T. Stevia powder

1/8 c. Coconut syrup  (or sweetener of choice)

2 drops Liquid vanilla Stevia

dash salt

dash vanilla powder

Instructions: Blend until creamy. Add more coconut water, if desired. chill.

Variations: add strawberries, coconut, cacao nibs, cinnamon

The Truth About Coconut Water

http://www.healthyfellow.com/278/the-truth-about-coconut-water/

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-5317/8-Awesome-Uses-for-Coconut-Oil.html