Coconut - The Good Junk Food

By Lisa VanWilliams

We love the tropical sweetness that coconut can add to many dishes. We recently read an article in Men's Health written by Jeff Volek Ph.D., R.D. in which he discusses the benefits of coconut. Dr. Jeff Volek is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology (human kenetics) at UCONN where he teaches and leads a research team. He has published over 250 scientific manuscripts, written a few books, and was co-author on a New York Times Best Seller.*

Even though coconut is packed with saturated fat, it is also packed with lauric acid. The article goes on to state,

"A recent analysis of 60 studies published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reports that even though lauric acid raises LDL (bad) cholesterol, it boosts HDL (good) cholesterol even more. Overall, this means it decreases your risk of cardiovascular disease. "*

Since it's high in calories, a handful as a snack is ideal. We have been using Bob's Red Mill fine macaroon coconut. It's unsweetened and low in carbs and it's a great condiment to sneak in on a few dishes. It offers a natural sweetness, but it's rich in flavor at the same time.

Here are a few dishes you can add this to:

• thai or curry dishes
• add it to jasmine rice
• add it to cool whip with some pineapple yogurt for a tropical fruit dip
• coconut chicken or shrimp
• granola
• smoothies
• oatmeal
• cake & cupcakes
• mounds home made candies
• coconut macaroons
• sprinkle on your magic cookie bars

Sources:
http://www.menshealth.com/mhlists/healthy_snacks/Coconut.php
http://www.artandscienceoflowcarb.com/jeff-steve/