Cool Coconut Candy Recipe

Coconut (Cocus nucifera) is the largest known seed on planet Earth. This fruit of the coconut palm tree is a member of the Palmaceae (Palm) Family. In Sanskrit, the coconut palm is named kalpa vriksha: “the tree that supplies all that is needed to live.” An ancient saying from the South Pacific is, “He who plants a coconut tree plants vessels and clothing, food and drink, a habitation for himself and a heritage for his children.”

Coconut oil was once considered a detrimental food for the heart due to the saturated fat content, but it is now known to contain fat that is beneficial in preventing heart disease. In countries where coconut oil is a primary fat, there are low rates of heart disease. According to The Weston Price Foundation coconut oil contains a unique group of saturated fats known as short and medium chain fatty acids, aka MCY (medium chain triglycerides) like lauric acid, caprylic acid, and myristic acid. The molecules of coconut oil are much smaller than most other fats and need less enzymatic activity to be broken down into fatty acids. This also enables coconut oil to be more easily digested, and to go to the liver, produce energy rather than fat, and help increase metabolism. Many find consuming two to four tablespoons of virgin coconut oil per day promotes satiation and decreases cravings for carbohydrates and sweets.

Coconut oil is very digestible, so much so that it is often added to infant formulas and fed to infants and children who cannot digest other fats. Coconut oil is antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antiprotozoal.

Coconut oil is solid at room temperature but becomes clear liquid oil at temperatures greater than 76 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit (25 degrees Celsius) and is very stable, resisting oxidation like most other oils. It can be stored, even unrefrigerated, for many months. If you need it to liquefy, simply place the sealed jar of oil in a pot of hot water for a few minutes.

Coconut oil can be used in raw dishes such as Asian fare, cakes, candies, and salad dressings. Coconut oil helps stimulate thyroid function, normalize blood sugar levels, decrease seizures, and improves chronic fatigue

Look for coconut oil that is unrefined, and neither bleached, deodorized or hydrogenated. Select oils that smell and taste of coconuts.

According to traditional folklore, coconuts are under the dominion of the moon. They correspond to the element of water and the energies of purification, love, spirituality and intuition.

Coconut Snow Balls
1 cup raw coconut butter
6 to 8 tablespoons honey
1/4 teaspoon Celtic salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups unsweetened dehydrated grated coconut
3/4 cup hemp seed

Blend the honey, salt, vanilla and coconut butter together well. Add the coconut. Form into one-inch diameter balls. Roll in hemp seed. Chill in the freezer. Serve cold. Makes about 20 balls.

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Seminar with Brigitte: Raw Food & Healing Herbs, July 8 to July 10, Omega Institute, Rhinebeck, New York. Exploring the edible and healthful properties of local plants, dosages, safety issues and herbal preparations. How to use herbs, foods and essential oils to improve common health conditions such as insomnia, fatigue and depression, immunity, energy, sexuality, addiction and longevity through lecture. We will take walks around the Omega property to identify and taste local growing plants. (800) 944-1001 or (845) 266-4444.

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