Metabolic Boost - Coconut

I visited the GNC store close to my office a few days back to restock on my flaxseed, hempseed and chia seeds which I use for my Green Smoothies. While there the very helpful advisor (Charity) introduced me to this - Coconut Manna. She said it could help rev my metabolism, and I thought it was buy one get one half price, so why not. (I’m frugal like that!J).

So I got my two jars of Coconut Manna and made a beeline to Google and you will be stunned what I found out. I am now a convert, and I hope that after reading this you will give coconut butter (the Coconut Manna I bought is a brand name from Nutiva) a try.

I now add a couple of spoons of the Coconut Manna in my Green Smoothie (alternating with creamy avocado) and here is why:

• Coconut butter could help increase energy levels and rev metabolism which should contribute to weight loss.
• It’s also packed with healthy fats which could enhance the feeling of being full after consuming it (which is one reason I tried it in my smoothie)
• The coconut butter is actually quite rich in compounds which boost immunity and destroy harmful bacteria, viruses and funguses. Thinking about harmful bacteria, I know the H. Pylori bacteria contributes to peptic ulcers (which is one reason a friend of mine – who will remain nameless says she can’t eat healthy), could coconut better help? Worth thinking about, right?  
• Taste – it’s really yummy, nothing artificial or chemical; just the natural good taste of fresh coconut.
• Coconut is a Super Food! (According to Wikipedia quoting Macmillian dictionary a super food is a food which is considered beneficial to health and may even help some medical conditions). Although this last bit is in contention in the scientific research community, I like the thought so I will ascribe to it.

 

In all of this, I advocate moderation as the caloric content is still high (about 45 calories in each spoon), and there is still the cholesterol consideration that is still under severe contention which I can’t turn my nose up at (just yet).

What am I saying? If you have issues with high cholesterol, maybe you should give this a miss. My cholesterol level is perfect so I can afford to have coconut butter in my smoothie plus the amount of calories I consume each day isn’t that much.

But coconut butter is not just good in smoothies; you can use it in creamy soups, on sweet potatoes, toast, crackers, curries, or as an accompaniment for fresh fruit; for grilling, baking etc. And you don’t have to go for store bought coconut butter, you can make yours at home from scratch (http://stupideasypaleo.com/2013/11/17/coconut-butter-from-scratch/) with fresh coconuts. 

Sold out to this idea? Is Coconut Butter/Manna worth considering – I think it is because in my experience when you try to change your lifestyle, live healthier and DROP IT, the [tasty] options out there aren’t that much. Personally when I don’t find something that is healthy and appeals to my palette I will revert to my old ways. And we don't want that, do we? The word of the moment is a Healthy Lifestyle the help us DROP IT 4 Life!

Don’t be shy… share DROPIT4LIFE on Facebook, Twitter & LinkedIn!

Don’t forget, you can get weekly updates sent straight to your email if you type in your email address in the space provided on the right, and click ‘submit’!

Don’t forget to check your email and activate your subscription!