Coconut is the most important versatile crop, which provides all required amenities for human life. The coconut provides a nutritious source of meat, juice, milk, and oil that has fed and nourished populations around the world for generations. On many islands coconut is a staple ingredient in the diet. Nearly one third of the world's population depends on coconut to some degree for their food and their economy. Coconut is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is belived as a "functional food" because it provides many health benefits beyond its nutritional content. Coconut is naturally low in digestible carbohydrate, contains no gluten, is cheaper than most other nut flours, is loaded with health promoting fiber and important nutrients, and tastes terrific. Coconut flour is a soft, flour like product made from the pulp of a coconut. It's actually a by-product made during the coconut milk making process. Coconut flour is extremely high in fiber with almost double the amount found in wheat bran. This flour can be used much like wheat flour to make a multitude of delicious breads, pies, cookies, cakes, snacks and desserts. It contains more calorie free fiber than other wheat alternatives. Coconut flour also provides a good source of protein. While coconut flour does not contain gluten (the type of protein found in many grains) it does not lack protein. It contains more protein than enriched flour, cornmeal and also as much as wheat flour. Coconut flour provides many health benefits. It can improve digestion, help regulate blood sugar, protect against diabetes, help prevent heart disease and cancer, and aid in weight loss.
Volume 4, Issue 1
Jan-Feb 2014
2 RESEARCH ARTICLES
Coconut is the most important versatile crop, which provides all required amenities for human life. The coconut provides a nutritious source of meat, juice, milk, and oil that has fed and nourished populations around the world for generations. On many islands coconut is a staple ingredient in the diet. Nearly one third of the world's population depends on coconut to some degree for their food and their economy. Coconut is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is belived as a "functional food" because it provides many health benefits beyond its nutritional content. Coconut is naturally low in digestible carbohydrate, contains no gluten, is cheaper than most other nut flours, is loaded with health promoting fiber and important nutrients, and tastes terrific. Coconut flour is a soft, flour like product made from the pulp of a coconut. It's actually a by-product made during the coconut milk making process. Coconut flour is extremely high in fiber with almost double the amount found in wheat bran. This flour can be used much like wheat flour to make a multitude of delicious breads, pies, cookies, cakes, snacks and desserts. It contains more calorie free fiber than other wheat alternatives. Coconut flour also provides a good source of protein. While coconut flour does not contain gluten (the type of protein found in many grains) it does not lack protein. It contains more protein than enriched flour, cornmeal and also as much as wheat flour. Coconut flour provides many health benefits. It can improve digestion, help regulate blood sugar, protect against diabetes, help prevent heart disease and cancer, and aid in weight loss.