When we were kids, we knew only coconut wedges from the coconut that a screaming gentleman sold us on the beach, removing it from a big bucket full of ice.
We have also been able to learn more about this fruit and its derivatives, such as coconut butter with multiple qualities and high versatility both in the kitchen and in cosmetics . For those who had coconut in the frozen bucket on the beach, here is a summary of the properties and uses of coconut butter.
Coconut butter: properties
It is not yet in common use, especially in our parts (and how could it be, with our EVO oil on the table?), But coconut butter, made from the dried coconut pulp, has surprising properties, which are well worth a taste and a "tear" to the Mediterranean diet.
Coconut oil comes in a solid form, similar to the consistency of butter, and is therefore also called coconut butter; melts when it reaches the temperature of 24 - 25 degrees and should not be kept in the fridge.
Obviously we refer to pure (or virgin) coconut butter, which means that it has not undergone any kind of artificial intervention (pasteurization, hydrogenation or other refining) and that it maintains the scent and flavor of the coconut, as well as the content of antioxidants and its many other properties.
The following are the main properties of pure coconut (oil):
> Antiseptic properties thanks to lauric acid : coconut butter is the substance that has the highest content of lauric acid;
> anti-cholesterol properties. Lauric acid is a saturated fatty acid that has no effect on raising cholesterol and blood fat levels but rather has the ability to raise the level of good cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and reduce LDL cholesterol.
> emollient properties, thanks to the vitamin E of which it is rich. It will be excellent for hands and skin even in the case of problems such as acne, eczema, keratosis .
> healthy properties in the kitchen: coconut butter has a smoke point (ie the temperature at which an oil's fatty acids begin to degrade and toxic compounds can form) of 177 degrees, which is significantly higher than most of the others oils. Therefore it is suitable for cooking at high temperatures (for example in fries).
Coconut butter, use
Pleasant to the taste and with multiple properties, coconut butter lends itself to damaged uses. Following are the main uses of coconut butter, in cosmetics, cooking and other areas:
> Coconut butter in cosmetics: hair. On the hair it is applied directly after having dissolved the necessary quantity with a little heat, even holding it between the hands: it makes the hair shining, silky and facilitates its growth, provides nourishment to damaged hair, protects them from external agents and is effective against dandruff . Massage it directly on the scalp leaving it in place, if possible, for a few hours.
> Coconut butter in cosmetics: leather. For the skin, face and body, it has moisturizing, anti-wrinkle, anti-aging emollient effects and is also one of the specific products for the treatment of eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis. It is therefore used as a moisturizer for the body and face, and as a natural deodorant .
> Coconut butter for teeth : thanks to the antiseptic power of lauric acid, coconut butter can also be used in small quantities to wash teeth .
> Coconut butter in the kitchen : In South America, it is widely used in the kitchen as a condiment or to make sweets. The taste tends to be sweet and will reduce the amount of sugar used for the preparation of desserts. Cold coconut butter works well instead of butter for cake dough. You can also use it to flavor homemade smoothies and fruit juices .
> Coconut butter and vegan cuisine: coconut butter can be used instead of cow's butter to get a vegan alternative to a delicious snack . However, if the coconut flavor is too strong, it can be mitigated by mixing the coconut oil with equal parts of sesame oil and olive oil.
> Coconut butter as a supplement? It seems that two teaspoons of coconut oil a day help speed up weight loss in a low-calorie diet, improve sleep habits and promote mental lucidity . Science has yet to verify it. It will easily do our teeth and our taste.
