Coconuts have been a nutritious staple and have sustained many island living cultures around the world for centuries. They are highly beneficial in natural emotional care. In Ayurvedic medicine, coconut has been revered just as long, not only as a healthy food, but its oil has been used as medicine. If you are looking for a nutritional powerhouse that can provide you with physical and emotional inner strength and sustenance, then explore coconut water, virgin coconut oil, coconut milk and coconut flesh. In case you are unfamiliar with the four beneficial forms:

1. Coconut water is the clear liquid inside of unripe coconuts.
2. Coconut oil is pressed from the dried flesh of coconuts.
3. Coconut milk is the liquid from the first pressing of the fresh flesh; and
4. Coconut flesh is the white meat inside the hard outer shell, also purchased as flaked coconut.

One of the most critical and overlooked aspects of our strength, energy, and emotional stamina comes from hydration. Dehydration is a key factor that causes exhaustion. Hydration levels impact our physical and mental strength, and are critical for endurance and sustaining us. We can survive a while without food, but if we go a couple of days without water our body begins to deteriorate, and emotionally we begin to suffer.

Mild dehydration can cause problems for both the physical and emotional body. The effects of mild hydration can alter energy level, clarity and mood. It can lead to headaches, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, body aches, and YES - even crankiness. Coconut water is revered in certain parts of the world as a superior method of hydration, which is why it is so beneficial in natural emotional care. In fact, some under-developed countries have even used coconut water as an intravenous drip for re-hydrating ill patients.

No wonder Hawaiians call coconut water “noelani” (no-way lah-nee), which means “dew from the heavens”. You can purchase young coconuts in larger grocery stores across the country, but it’s probably easier and more economical to purchase pre-packaged coconut water found in health food stores or online.

Coconut oil is also getting positive attention. Touted as a bad fat to be avoided for so long, coconut is now recommended by many natural food experts for its medium chain fatty acid properties (that’s the “good fat”). It has the highest available concentration of medium chain fatty acids; the only source higher is human breast milk. Again, this connection is important in the way coconut can support you emotionally to feel well cared for.

Up to half of the fatty acids in coconut oil come from lauric acid, a powerhouse loaded with anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties. Also, the body may break down coconut fat more easily to use for energy, instead of storing it as flab like some other fats.

The natural emotional care impact of coconut may be getting a big boost. Research is being done on the benefits of coconut oil against neurological disorders, such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. It is believed that people who suffer such diseases have a drop in glucose (the brains energy source) for many years before cognitive symptoms appear.

The medium chain fatty acids from coconut oil are being suggested as an excellent source of food for the brain. Further, it is believed that it also is good for the heart as it helps raise HDL (good cholesterol) and improves overall cholesterol factor in the body.

However you can incorporate this emotional source of inner strength and sustenance into your routine is a good idea! Drink the water and milk, eat the coconut meat, cook and bake with the oil. Enjoy the different forms of coconut in your smoothies, on your oatmeal or even eat by the spoonful if you enjoy the taste.

For more detailed and in depth research information, please refer to my latest book: Coffee, Chocolate & Confidence; Kaliana's guide to how beverages affect your emotions. Order your copy here!

 Homemade Coconut Milk
(32 ounces)

Coconut milk provides another healthy option for milk or smoothies. It is great emotionally, but also for those who either want to expand their nutrition or are looking for a dairy alternative.

Although this milk tastes great, don’t expect the intense flavor and creaminess of the coconut milk from a can. Instead, think of this milk as its lighter cousin. This is also a nice alternative to almond milk as shredded coconut is more economical.

Ingredients:
1 cup (8 oz) dried unsweetened shredded coconut
4 cups (32 oz) water
1 dropper Kaliana Beverage Booster of choice
Optional:
1-2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Sweetener to taste: raw sugar, raw honey, birch xylitol, etc

Preparation:

• Place coconut and water into a large bowl, cover with a towel and soak for a few hours.
• Next, put the soaked coconut and water into a blender and blend on high for one minute. If you don’t have a Vitamix^® or other heavy duty blender, give your blender a rest and then blend again for another minute.
• Strain this mixture in a nut milk bag or a cheese cloth lined, fine mesh sieve. Push against the coconut with a spoon to get more liquid out; then gather the cheese cloth at the top, twist to close and squeeze the coconut for as much milk as you can get. This can get a little messy, but it’s worth it.
• Next, put the milk back into the blender and add the Kaliana Supplement, vanilla and sweetener, and blend for a few seconds to incorporate. Milk can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a few days.
• If you are looking for a more intense coconut flavor, you can add a teaspoon or two of ALL NATURAL coconut extract.

Note: You do not need to rinse the coconut or discard the soaking water as coconuts do not contain enzyme inhibitors that can hinder digestion.  The purpose of soaking is to soften up the coconut for better blending.

Also, after the milk has been in the refrigerator it can separate, and the natural fat may rise to the top and solidify (similar to homemade chicken stock when it’s in the refrigerator). This can take a few hours to occur. If it has separated, either shake the container or blend the milk with a whisk to reincorporate the fat throughout before using.

Tip: Dry/dehydrate the leftover coconut flesh in a dehydrator or oven set on the lowest temperature, with oven door cracked, until coconut is dry. Then, blitz in food processor for a bit to make coconut flour that you can add to any of your baking recipes.