Organic coconut is widely known to have numerous health benefits but it is also a wonderful alternative for people who suffer from food allergies and intolerances. Coconut is not only dairy free, but also gluten free, egg free and nut free. It is commonly used by vegans, coeliacs and people who are lactose intolerant, as it offers a healthy, tasty and versatile substitute for many foods.
Allergy to coconut is very rare and most people can enjoy this delicious fruit without any adverse side effects. Despite what its name represents, coconut is not actually a nut. Rather, it is categorised as a drupe, which is otherwise known as a stone fruit.
Coconut – the healthy alternative
Coconut has a wide variety of health benefits. It contains healthy fats that are easily absorbed and readily used as energy in the body. Organic coconut is also high in vitamins C and E and is rich in antioxidants and minerals such as magnesium, phosphorous and potassium.
Once harvested, the humble coconut is processed into various forms that can be used in cooking in many different ways. For example, coconut meat can be made into coconut chips or desiccated coconut. It can also be ground into coconut flour and used as an alternative to wheat flour. Coconut milk is made when coconut meat is soaked in water which, once retained, has a thick and creamy consistency. Coconut cream usually forms at the top of this emulsion and can be skimmed off to be used as a richer and thicker alternative in cooking.
Coconut – the dairy free alternative
Coconut milk and coconut cream are popular dairy alternatives. They have a rich and creamy consistency which makes them a wonderful substitute for cream and cow’s milk. Coconut milk is often used in soups and curries, and coconut cream is a richer version suitable for cocktails, desserts and even other savoury dishes. There are many websites that offer tried and tested recipes where coconut milk and coconut cream are used as allergy free alternatives.
Coconut cream and coconut milk can also be used to make delicious coconut ice cream. Coconut ice cream is a popular dairy and lactose free alternative to ice cream made from cow’s milk.
Coconut – the gluten free alternative
Coconut flour can be used as a gluten free option in recipes. It is also low in starch which means that it lowers your blood sugar and increases your energy levels. Coconut flour also has twice as much protein as wheat flour and 10 times more fibre! By adding coconut flour to your recipe, you are also naturally reducing the GI (Glycaemic Index) of your recipe.
Coconut – the delicious alternative!
Organic coconut is a delicious and healthy alternative for people suffering from food allergies and intolerances. Being dairy free and gluten free, it is a popular substitute for vegans and ceoliacs. Coconut can also be enjoyed by people who are lactose intolerant and have nut allergies. It is also a versatile addition to your daily meals and can be found in various forms such as coconut milk, coconut cream, coconut flour and even coconut chips. Coconut ice cream is also a delicious and dairy free alternative to ice cream.
Not only is coconut a healthy allergy free alternative, it also adds a luscious richness of taste and texture to any recipe!
