Ceylon Coconut

The coconut tree can be found in every corner of Sri Lanka. It has a long history that goes hand in hand with the Sri Lankan lifestyle. The coconut tree has been an important source of material for centuries. It has been used in everyday food as well as delicacies. Furthermore, it has been extremely well utilised for farm equipment and household items, roofing material and furniture. Therefore, it is no surprise that Sri Lanka is the fourth largest exporter of coconut products in the world. It has been a leading producer of desiccated coconut since the 19th century. The country still accounts for a significant share of the world coconut market through its supply of desiccated coconut as it’s considered to be the best in the world due to its lighter colour and sweet and odourless quality. Furthermore, the country is the leading supplier of coconut fibre-based products as well as being among the top three activated carbon producers in the global market. According to the Coconut Development Authority (CDA), coconut cultivation in Sri Lanka is a little over one million hectares. Sri Lankans consume nearly 1,750- 2,000 million fresh nuts per year and use the remaining harvest to produce a wide range of products.

EXTRA VIRGIN COCONUT OIL

What Is Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO)?

Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil is an oil that has a mild coconut flavor with its unique tropical aroma. It is extracted from the purest Ceylon coconut kernels that are harvested from Sri Lanka, the tropical island where coconut oil is commonly consumed for many purposes. Our Ceylon virgin coconut is rich in nutrients as we use cold pressing to remove the chemicals where less heat is used in order to preserve the nutrients. Coconut oil is used as an Ayurvedic oil and cooking oil for daily use.

Coconut Oil as An Ayurvedic Oil

The excellent medicinal and therapeutic properties of coconut oil have been mentioned and used since ancient times. The Ayurvedic manuscript of Sushruta Samhita highlights the use of coconut oil to pacify Vata and Pitta dosha. Coconut oil is a base ingredient in some herbal medicines that are used both externally and internally to cure many health conditions. In traditional medicine, pure coconut oil is also commonly used externally for the treatment of wounds and skin problems.

Abhyanga

It is recommended to massage body with virgin coconut oil at least 2-3 times a week to improve blood circulation, lubricate internal organs, joints and bones, improve sleep quality, and moisturize and soften the skin.

Gundusha

Oil Pulling for 1 to 3 times a day using virgin coconut oil helps fight harmful bacteria, reduces bad breath, prevents tooth decay, and plaque formation due to gingivitis, and promotes gum health.

Nasya

Ceylon extra virgin coconut oil can be used as nasal drops to moisturize nasal canal, heal cracks in nostrils, cleanse sinuses, uplift voice, vision and attention.

Ceylon Extra Virgin Coconut Oil as A Cooking Oil

Coconut oil is primarily a saturated fat with a stable structure. When compared to many other vegetable oils, virgin coconut oil has the ability to withstand higher temperatures during cooking. Together with this tolerability to temperature and the exotic flavor with great texture that it gives to food, it becomes one of the best oils for cooking. Because of its superlative quality, Ceylon extra virgin coconut oil is always preferred for cooking. It is widely used in South Asian cuisine such as sautéing, roasting and frying. It’s also a healthy alternative to butter when preparing baked goods.

Health Benefits of Virgin Coconut Oil

High Nutritional Content

Coconut oil has an incredible nutrient profile that provides holistic healing benefits. Coconut oil has 13.5 grams of fat per tablespoon, which is equivalent to about 120 calories. The fat in coconut oil is instantly converted into energy and does not accumulate in the heart or blood vessels. Saturated fat accounts for 90% of the fat in coconut oil, and lauric acid makes up half of this saturated fat, which is different from all other types of saturated fat and it Increases high-density lipoprotein or HDL. Most of the fatty acids in coconut oil have antimicrobial and antifungal properties. Virgin coconut oil also contains linoleic acid (a polyunsaturated fatty acid), oleic acid (a monounsaturated fatty acid), and polyphenols. Coconut oil has some amounts of vitamins and minerals, such as iron vitamins K and E.

Helps in Losing Weight

Evidence suggests that coconut oil is easily digested and beneficial for burning adamant fat in the abdomen. It helps in the proper functioning of the thyroid and the endocrine system, including the pancreas, and increases the body’s metabolic rate, thus helping obese people to lose weight.

Controls Diabetes

By stabilizing blood sugar spikes and promoting insulin secretion and stimulating the effective use of blood glucose, pure virgin coconut oil helps control diabetes.

Supports Heart Health

Nearly 50% of the fats found in coconut oil are medium chain triglycerides, which are not involved in cholesterol transport. But coconut oil improves HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol) levels in the blood, which promotes heart health. But like any other oil, coconut oil should be used sparingly. For heart patients, it is recommended to limit coconut oil to 2-3 teaspoons per day.

Enhance Bone Health

Coconut oil facilitates the intestinal absorption of calcium and magnesium, the minerals essential for bone development and for the prevention of osteoporosis in women over 40 years of age.

Relieve Stress

Pure virgin coconut oil with excellent antioxidant properties is used as a carrier for aromatherapy. Gently massaging your head with coconut oil will relieve stress and fatigue.

Treats Epilepsy and Alzheimer’s Disease

It is proven that the medium-chain triglycerides of coconut oil included in ketogenic diets can treat childhood epilepsy and drug-resistant epilepsy. Since ketones serve as an alternative source of energy for the brain, Alzheimer’s patients’ memory and cognitive abilities may also improve, particularly in the areas of language and orientation.

Combats Infection

Lauric acid and monolaurin in coconut oil possess strong anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties that help control various bacteria, fungi, and parasites that cause various intestinal problems. Drinking a glass of coconut milk regularly relieves inflammation and heals ulcers.

For Hair care

Recent studies have shown that coconut oil nourishes and strengthens hair by reducing protein loss from the hair. With its molecular weight, coconut oil can diffuse deep into the hair shaft and prevent hair damage. It is an amazing conditioner and helps in the regeneration process of damaged hair. You can simply apply virgin coconut oil topically to your hair for a stronger, healthier mane. Regular massage of coconut oil on the head can ensure that the scalp is dandruff free. In addition, it also helps keep your hair and scalp free from lice infestation.

For Skin Care

Coconut oil works wonderfully in treating various skin problems and burns. Studies suggest that routine use of coconut oil protects you against the dangerous effects of UV rays and is effective in relieving symptoms of atopic dermatitis. Pure virgin coconut oil is a safe and effective moisturizer for all skin types, including dry skin, and can reduce the severity of eczema and psoriasis. The powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of virgin coconut oil protect the skin from the dangerous effects of bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, which causes pimples and other bacterial skin infections. It is proven that coconut oil can provide relief from inflammation caused by candida while thwarting the causative organism Candida albicans.

Usage and Benefits of Coconut Milk

Coconut milk, made from the white flesh of mature Ceylon coconuts has a thick consistency and a creamy texture. It is a nutritious and delicious substitute for cow’s milk and has a high calorie content. But 93% of its calories come from medium-chain triglycerides, and it is loaded with lauric acid, which converts to monolaurin in the body, a compound with potent antiviral and antibacterial properties. Coconut milk also contains vitamins C, E, B1, B3, folic acid, iron, magnesium, copper, selenium, potassium, and manganese.

Desiccated Coconut

Desiccated coconut is manufactured from the peeled kernel of the seasoned coconut. Sri Lanka’s desiccated coconut is a very finely ground dry ingredient that is mostly used in the baking and confectionery industries. As the birthplace of desiccated coconut Sri Lanka holds an excessively big place in the world market due to its unmatched quality in ingredients, rich taste and texture which is mostly demanded by international producers of sweets, biscuits and chocolates.

Health Benefits of Desiccated Coconut

Desiccated coconut contains only healthy fat and almost no cholesterol. The fat found in the desiccated coconut further contains selenium, fibre, copper and manganese which promote heart health as well as reduce the risk of cancer and male infertility. The fibre stored in desiccated coconut also helps in weight loss when it mixes with the fluid that runs through the stomach and intestines. Furthermore, desiccated coconut and the fatty acids present in it have been proven to strengthen bones and prevent their degradation therefore it is considered an Osteoporosis and Arthritis preventative. Additionally, it can lower the risk of diabetes due to its high levels of manganese, which individuals with diabetes have low levels of.

Coconut Chips

Coconut chips are dried, shredded particles originally extracted from the peeled kernel of the coconut. They represent a good source of dietary fibre and once consumed they help you feel full for a longer period. The reason behind this is that most other snacks consist of fats, protein and carbohydrates that are easily absorbed by the body, whereas the medium-chain-fatty-acids (MCFAs) found in coconut chips are a type of fat that is immediately converted to energy. Furthermore, these MCFAs help support gut health.

Coconut Cream

Similarly, to coconut milk, coconut cream from Sri Lanka is a thicker extract of shredded coconut meat. During the process of simmering coconut in water, a creamy thick layer appears on the top and that is known as coconut cream which has a high consistency compared to coconut milk. It is mainly used as a dairy-free alternative in the preparation of food and beverages. Furthermore, just like coconut milk, coconut cream provides the same benefits as they carry similar nutrients.

Health Benefits of Coconut Cream

As previously mentioned, the consumption of coconut milk can improve cholesterol levels. Therefore, coconut cream has the same health benefits. A study observed people who consumed coconut milk lowered their LDL or “bad” cholesterol and increase their HDL or “good” cholesterol. Furthermore, both coconut milk and coconut cream are sources of healthy fats called medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) which studies have found to promote weight loss by decreasing appetite and increasing energy.

Coconut Butter

Coconut butter is not as smooth as other dairy ingredients and butter types as it is produced by grinding up white coconut meat which results in a product that contains small flakes of coconut. Not unlike coconut oil, coconut butter aids in weight loss, boosting immunity and more. However, unlike coconut oil, it contains higher amounts of saturated fat and dietary fibre.

Health Benefits of Coconut Butter

The daily consumption of coconut butter can aid the body in receiving the required amounts of healthy fats like Lauric acid, which converts into energy and provides active protection against osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes, certain kinds of cancer, and stomach infections. The high percentage of Lauric acid rank coconut butter next to breastmilk which is known as the best source of Lauric acid for new-borns. The product is also known to reduce inflammation. As a result, it is the perfect dietary supplement for people suffering from diabetes, osteoporosis, gallbladder disease, and Crohn’s disease. Additionally, coconut butter is a great product for skin and hair as it provides the needed moisture and protection with the benefit of vitamins.

Coconut Flour

Coconut flour is mostly produced as a by-product of coconut milk production and is free of gluten. It is commonly used in the food industry as a substitute for wheat flour. As a result of the fact that coconut flour is thicker than wheat flour recipes must be adjusted accordingly. Iron is the main mineral present in coconut flour which makes it a good source of iron for people on vegan and vegetarian diets, as well as the fact that it has more fat, protein, and fibre.

Health Benefits of Coconut Flour

Coconut flour is extremely filling as it is very rich in protein, fibre, and fat. Additionally, it is a particularly good source of manganese, which aids in the better absorption of nutrients like choline and biotin, vitamin C and thiamine. The manganese in coconut flour also helps support bone health, nervous system function and thyroid health, as well as maintaining optimal blood sugar levels. As far as weight loss, studies are inconclusive. However, the coconut oil contained in coconut flour is thought to help stimulate the metabolism, therefore burning more calories. Furthermore, coconuts are a dense source of caprylic acid, which is known to have anti-bacterial and antifungal properties. As coconut flour is very absorbent, its use in baking goods requires very precise measurements. However, if you are using coconut flour to fry or sauté and need to dredge meats or vegetables, you can use it in an amount that is equivalent to wheat flour.

Coconut Sugar

Coconut sugar is a rich and unrefined sweetener that has gained popularity in the past few years as an alternative to sugar. Senikma Coconut Sugar is made of coconut sap, which is the sugary liquid circulating within the coconut palm that is extracted by making a cut in the coconut blossom and is then placed under heat to evaporate most of the water until the sap turns into sweet brown crunchy sugar crystals. Senikma Coconut Sugar can be used as a healthier substitute for highly refined or processed sweeteners in your diet.

Health Benefits of Coconut Sugar

Coconut sugar offers more vitamins and minerals than normal white sugar. It contains trace amounts of vitamin C, potassium, phosphorous, magnesium, calcium, zinc, iron and copper, as well as small amounts of phytonutrients, such as polyphenols, flavonoids and anthocyanidin, and antioxidants. Inositol, which is a vitamin B used as a mood booster is also present in coconut sugar. Like brown sugar and white sugar, coconut sugar can help increase blood glucose levels and prevent conditions such as low blood sugar or hypoglycaemia. It is a healthy choice for people with diabetes, as it lowers the risk of sudden blood sugar spikes as a result of the presence of inulin which is a slow-dissolving fibre. As the amount of minerals present in coconut sugar is extremely less, you would need to consume a very high amount of coconut sugar to meet the mineral requirements. Nevertheless, it is still considered an added advantage. Additionally, coconut sugar has some antioxidants that keep the oxidative stress of our body in check and maintain a good cardiovascular system.

Earth Friendly

The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization named coconut palm sugar the most sustainable sweetener in the world. The trees use minimal amounts of water and fuel, especially compared to sugar cane production, and produce for about 20 years. It has no artificial ingredients and is not chemically altered in any way.