Ingredients and
Speciality Foods
Coconut
We usually think of coconut as fattening and unhealthy, but it's quite the opposite. Its medium-chain fatty acids are converted into energy, unlike Long Chain Triglycerides typically found in animal-based foods, which are stored as fat.
Breaking open a young coconut to drink its fresh juice (and then eat its flesh) makes me happy for good reasons! I just learned a good way to open it with a meat cleaver here, and here's a video of another guy who does it well. Careful of your fingers!
Coconut also contains lauric and capric acids, known for their anti-viral and anti-microbial properties. Lauric acid is found in (human) mothers milk!
Other benefits*
- Contains 5 electrolytes – Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium, Magnesium, and Phosphorus
- Natural rehydration
- Low Sugar
- Has the same properties of human blood plasma.
- Helps carry nutrients and oxygen to cells.
- Boosts Poor Circulation
- Raises Metabolism
- Detoxifies and helps fight off viruses
- Control Diabetes
- Balance body PH
- Treats kidney and urethral stones
- Cleans digestive tract
- Boosts your immune system
* from http://www.coconut-water-products.com/2009/07/coconut-water-health-benefits/
You can find young coconuts at grocery, natural food, and Asian markets.
Coconut-based milk and frozen desserts are delicious and nutritious as well. Who needs dairy??
So Delicious® Coconut Milk Beverage by Turtle Mountain
Luna & Larry's Coconut Bliss vegan ice cream combines coconut milk with organic agave nectar.
Hemp Seeds
Shelled hemp seed is 34.6% protein, and is rich in Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, gamma-linolenic acid and amino acids. In other words, plant-based protein that is superior to soy.
You can buy hemp seeds in bulk at the Greenwood Market here in Seattle. PCC and Whole Foods sell them packaged. Manitoba Harvest has a directory of resellers, as well as lots of info about Hemp Seed Nutrition.
Trader Joe's now sells Hemp Protein Powder, which is good in smoothies.
Hemp seeds should be stored in a dark container. Storing all nuts and seeds in the refrigerator provides less chance for them to turn rancid.
Flaxseed
Flaxseed is one of the richest sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Flax also contains lignans, a rich source of antioxidants, and lots of fiber. Use them in smoothies, sprinkled over cereal, or in energy bars (see recipe above).
It's best to buy flax seeds and grind them up yourself, since the oils can go rancid quickly. I use a coffee grinder that's set aside for grinding things other than coffee, and grind about 1/2 cup ful for each week.
Use Vegenaise instead of mayo.
Ingredients: Canola oil, filtered water, apple cider vinegar, brown rice syrup, soy protein, sea salt, lemon juice, and mustard flour. (website)