" Coconuts … "

Brother bought a coconut 

He bought it for a dime. 

His sister had another one * 

She trade it for the lime. 

She put the lime in the coconut 

She drank them both up. 

Put the lime in the coconut, 

You drink them both up 

Then you feel better ...

~ Harry Nilsson ~ Coconuts ~

***

Years before, I remember going to the movie theatres and shunning the popcorn because it was popped in coconut oil.  Why?  Because coconut oil was to be avoided due to harmful saturated fats.  Yet research is showing that coconut oil actually can be a source of healthy fats, along with being a versatile ingredient that has dozens of uses beyond cooking.

Coconut oil got its bad reputation in part because of its use when hydrogenated.  Hydrogenated oils and trans fats are especially unhealthy because they raise our LDL (lethal cholesterol) and lowers our HDL (healthy) cholesterol.  

Experts say that coconut oil is considered one of the single most nutritious super foods you can put in and on your body.  Specifically look for organic, unrefined, expeller-pressed coconut oil.  This is the unprocessed product derived directly from the organic coconuts with minimal processing or modifications ... the more processed, the less health value offered.

Avoid low quality coconut oils as they are processed by chemical extraction using solvents which produce higher yields, is quicker and less expensive ... remaining oils contain chemical residues, hydrogenated, bleached and deodorized contaminants.

***

Coconut water or juice 

is the liquid inside the coconut.

Coconut milk 

is from the expressed juice of grated coconut meat & water.

Coconut oil  

is the fatty oil that comes from the coconut meat.

***

We’ve noticed that eating coconut oil on a regular basis has provided numerous health benefits ... healthier skin & hair, weight loss, boosts immunity, better digestion and supported metabolism.  Plus, there is loads of reports on how coconuts can provide relief from kidney problems, heart dis-eases, high blood pressure, diabetes, HIV, cancer and bone strength.  

Why?  ... because of high levels of lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid.  The presence of these acids contributes to coconuts antioxidant, anti fungal, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties ...

Also, some great uses of coconut oil include the following ...

• highest source of natural electrolytes
• substitute for butter, margarine and other spreads
• rich in medium-chain fatty acids (MCT) helps with weight loss
• loaded with vitamin E, great moisturizer from head to toe
• alternative choice for an all-natural diaper cream or baby salve (plus safe to use with cloth diapers)
• use for massages rather than other oils
• easily absorbed by hair, use as product to prevent protein loss and damage
• helps treat xerosis (dry, scaly and itchy skin)

Always check with your health care practitioner prior.  
This is for information purpose only.

" Loose Leaves ... "

There are stories in the soil, loose leaves cover the ground

There's volumes in the forest, no one reads out loud

If I could take them down off of that mountain shelf

We used to climb but no one tries to go up that far now yeah ...

I guess I'm moving faster now or that's what they said

And though some days still take forever I can't disagree

Because it seems to me that I wake up and sleep

Look in the mirror have no idea what happened in between

~ Bright Eyes ~ Loose Leaves ~

***

I had a good laugh today when I told Russell I was heading out to pick up Dandelion Leaves from the grocery store.  He had just spent some time in the yard taking those suckers out of the grass!

Believe it or not, dandelion leaves are one of the most nutritious foods you can eat.  Not only are they the most cultivated greens, they have a wide array of health benefits that make them the perfect all around nutritional boost ... particularly, dandelion leaves are rich in vitamin A, fiber, potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, thiamine, riboflavin, and protein.

The combination of trace elements, vitamins and other biologically active substances make it a food that is optimal for excellent health.  Recent studies have shown the following benefits:

• prevent or cure liver diseases, such as hepatitis or jaundice
• act as a tonic and gentle diuretic to purify your blood, cleanse your system, dissolve kidney stones, and otherwise improve gastric-intestinal health
• assist in weight reduction
• cleanse your skin and eliminate acne
• improve your bowel function, working equally well to relieve both constipation and diarrhea
• prevent or lower high blood pressure
• prevent or cure anemia
• lower your serum cholesterol by as much as half
• eliminate or drastically reduce acid indigestion and gas buildup by cutting the heaviness of fatty foods
• prevent or cure various forms of cancer
• prevent or control diabetes 
• reduce the risk of multiple sclerosis, cataracts and stroke. 
• contains anti-inflammatory properties which may provide benefit to those with asthma and other inflammatory diseases.

So besides your backyard, where do you find them .... try your local health food stores, co-ops and farmers markets.  Remember to select unblemished, dark green leaves or bunches when purchasing them in the store.  When foraging, young greens that are harvested before the flower head appears will be less bitter.  And be sure to harvest them from land that has not been treated with pesticides, herbicides or other contaminants ... of course, organic is your best option.  

So how do you introduce them into your daily meals?  Well you can use dandelion greens in smoothies and juices.  Due to their bitterness, I recommend blending them with sweet flavorful fruit like banana, strawberries, mango or pineapples.  

And while dandelion is generally considered safe, some people do experience side effects such as heartburn, diarrhea, and upset stomach depending on allergies and/or ailments regarding bile ducts and gallbladder ... as usual, always check with your health care practitioner first.  

Happy weeding!!