My grandmother used to tell me stories of how, during World War II, countless lives were saved by the humble coconut.
Severely injured soldiers, who needed blood transfusions, were given coconut water in the face of a shortage in medical supplies. Coconut water can be a substitute for blood plasma because of its high sugar content and other salts. Coconut water is also almost identical to human blood, making it suitable for people of different blood types.
The benefits of the coconut were not confined to treating wounded soldiers. My grandmother and her family also owe their survival to this miracle food. They drank coconut water when there was no potable water to be had, and ate coconut meat to stave off hunger.
She would smack her lips as she recalled how they ate coconut oil ladled on top of a steaming heap of rice. "It was such a treat,” she said.
Fast forward to the 21st century and the coconut still ranks as one of the most nutritional foods. Health benefits of the coconut range from supporting the immune system; kidney, heart and liver health; weight loss; to cancer prevention. The list goes on and on.
Aside from its many health benefits, coconuts also happen to be a versatile food that can be used in a variety of dishes.
Incorporating coconut in your cooking won’t just ensure your family gets a nutritional boost, but will also help you make more delectable dishes for your family.
Here are a few coconut-loaded snacks that are guaranteed to optimize your family’s health and tantalize their taste buds too!