Coconut is a versatile food and ingredient that has been used for centuries in many cultures around the world. It is a rich source of several nutrients and has been linked to various health benefits. Some of the most notable benefits of coconut include the following:
- Rich in healthy fats: Coconut is an excellent source of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are easily digested and metabolized by the liver. MCTs have been linked to weight loss, improved cognitive function, and reduced risk of heart disease.
- May boost heart health: The fatty acids in coconut oil have been found to help increase good cholesterol (HDL) while decreasing bad cholesterol (LDL), which may help to lower the risk of heart disease.
- May improve skin and hair health: Coconut oil is often used as a natural moisturizer for skin and hair. It can be used as a face wash, a makeup remover, and to prevent hair breakage and dandruff.
- May have antimicrobial properties: Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which has been found to have antimicrobial properties that may help to fight off bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens.
- May improve digestion: Coconut oil has been found to be beneficial for digestion and may help to ease symptoms of indigestion, such as bloating, gas, and constipation.
It is important to note that most of the studies on coconut benefits are observational or small-scale human trials; more research is needed to confirm its benefits. Additionally, it is important to be mindful of portion size when consuming coconut, as it is high in calories and saturated fats.
Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are a type of saturated fatty acid that are typically found in coconut oil and palm kernel oil. Unlike long-chain fatty acids, MCTs are easily digested and quickly metabolized by the liver, making them a source of quick energy.
MCTs have been linked to several potential health benefits, including:
- Weight loss: MCTs may promote weight loss by increasing feelings of fullness and reducing calorie intake.
- Improved cognitive function: MCTs can cross the blood-brain barrier, which means that they may be used as an energy source by the brain. Some studies have suggested that MCTs may improve cognitive function in people with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
- Reduced risk of heart disease: MCTs may help reduce the risk of heart disease by raising levels of “good” HDL cholesterol and lowering levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol.
- Increased endurance exercise: MCTs may increase endurance exercise by increasing the body’s ability to burn fat as fuel.
Chocolate-Covered Coconut Keto Bomb
10
servings20
minutes0
minutes380
kcal20
minutesFood sensitivities and allergies are so prevalent right now, and we see more and more products on the shelves of stores with a label stating that this brand of cookie or cupcake is free of all 8 allergens. So what are we eating when we buy treats like that? A lot of different substitutes to which one has not developed sensitivity yet.
I am trying to find ways to make more nutritious treats for our family. This is one of the recipes that came out good after several tries. Treats should not harm our bodies!
Ingredients
- Coconut Bomb Filling
1 cup coconut manna/butter
1/2 cup dried shredded coconut
2 tbs coconut flour
1 tsp stevia (or 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup)
1 tsp cinnamon (or more to taste)
1 tbsp cocoa (or carob powder for an AIP version)
- Coconut Bomb Chocolate Coating
3 tbsp coconut oil
3 tbsp cocoa powder (for AIP, substitute with carob powder)
Directions
- Add the coconut butter to a bowl with the shredded coconut and stir.
- Add the coconut flour, oil, honey (stevia), cinnamon, and cocoa powder.
- Roll the dough out into ball sizes.
- Place the balls on a plate lined with parchment paper and into the fridge for at least 1 hour to allow the balls to harden
- Add the melted coconut oil, cocoa/carob powder, and a sweetener of your choice, and mix until melted into a chocolate sauce.
- Remove the balls from the fridge and use two forks to coat them with the chocolate/carob mixture.
- Put the balls in the fridge and enjoy them as dessert or as a healthy blood sugar-stabilizing snack.
