This Doctor Explains The Detoxifying Properties of This Lemon Coconut Pudding

by Dr. Mercola
mercola.com

Nothing beats a combination of lemon and coconut, which offers the best flavor and texture. This coconut pudding recipe is easy to prepare, and the fresh burst of citrusy flavor from lemon adds zing to the dish.

This coconut pudding recipe is easy to prepare, and the fresh burst of citrusy flavor from lemon adds zing to the dish

Coconuts are a powerhouse when it comes to nutrition and consuming them regularly will bring you loads of health benefits

The coconut is celebrated in all parts of the world. Some countries even call it the “king of food” because of its benefits, from beauty regimen to daily cuisine. This recipe not only answers your sweet tooth craving but it’s also overflowing with healthy goodness. Enjoy this tropical-inspired pudding on a warm, summer evening!

Ingredients

• 2 cups young coconut
• ½ teaspoon lemon extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• ½ teaspoon almond extract
• 1½ tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 drops stevia
• ½ teaspoon honey, to balance
• 1 pinch sea salt
• 1 cup water, in increments
• 1 cup ice cubes

Directions:

1. In a high-speed blender, blend all ingredients, except ice, until smooth. Taste and adjust the sweetness, if necessary.
2. Add the ice and blend again until cool and creamy.
3. Serve in small ramekin dishes and garnish with lemon zest.

This recipe makes 6 servings.
(Adapted from Healthy Recipes for Your Nutritional Type)

Lemon Coconut Pudding Preparation Tips

The lemon coconut pudding recipe requires meat from young green coconuts. The meat of these young coconuts is soft, gel-like, and creamy, but it spoils more quickly than mature coconuts. [1]

When selecting a green coconut, choose one that is heavy and does not have a swishy sound when shaken, meaning the inside is full of water. If you’re not able to consume all the coconut meat, keep it in the refrigerator – it has a shelf life of three to four days. It’s the same with the food made with coconut meat.

However, finding young coconuts can be difficult. They can be purchased in some conventional grocery stores during summer months, but if they’re not available, you can always opt for canned coconut meat.

Lemons with a bright, yellow color, and shiny should always be your top choice. Pick lemons that are thick-skinned and heavy for their size, since they tend to have more juice. Don’t use green-tinged lemons, as these are more acidic and not yet ripe. [2]

The recipe also calls for honey. Keep in mind that when choosing honey, be sure it is raw, unfiltered, 100 percent pure, and from a trusted source. It’s best to use honey in moderation because it’s high in fructose, averaging to 53 percent. A teaspoon of honey is equivalent to almost four grams of fructose, which means it can exacerbate pre-existing insulin resistance and wreak havoc on your body if consumed in excess.

If you have insulin resistance, it’s best to avoid honey and all kinds of sweeteners, since any kind of sweetener can affect your insulin sensitivity.

Why Is Lemon Coconut Pudding Good for You?

Coconut

Coconuts are a powerhouse when it comes to nutrition and consuming them regularly will bring you loads of health benefits because:

• They are loaded with naturally sterile electrolytes, which feed your pH and muscle function.
• They have a high fiber content, which makes you feel full longer and helps regulate elimination.
• They’re rich in lauric acid, which converts to monolaurin. Monolaurin destroys lipid-coated viruses such as HIV, herpes, influenza, measles, and protozoa such as Giardia lamblia.
• They assist in weight loss.

Lemon

Its high vitamin C content is one of the reasons why it’s best to keep a steady supply of lemons in your home. These citrus fruits also have antioxidants known as flavonoids, which are known to fight heart disease, cancer, and inflammation. Lemons also help maintain healthy skin, lower the risk of obesity, and strengthen the immune system. They’re also a good source of fiber, and contain zero saturated fats or cholesterol.

Honey

Honey offers many health benefits than you can imagine. The World Health Organization (WHO) lists honey as a demulcent, which is a substance that relieves irritation in your mouth or throat by forming a protective film. Raw, organic honey is also known to help lower your risk of acquiring colon cancer and may reduce bad cholesterol. [3]

Stevia

We all know that excessive consumption of sugar is a health risk, and I’ve been very vocal about it. Some people try to protect themselves from these risks and opt to use an artificial sugar like sucralose and aspartame. However, these artificial sugars bring greater health dangers. Instead of consuming these unhealthy and potentially dangerous sweeteners, I recommend stevia, a natural sweetener that comes from the herb Stevia rebaudiana.

Stevia is incredibly sweet – up to 250 times sweeter than sugar. But unlike sugar, it doesn’t cause a spike on your blood sugar. More than that, it’s safe, natural, and calorie-free. It’s also known to manage blood sugar levels, regulate blood pressure, and promote healthy weight.

Sources and References:
1 Be Healthy With Coconuts
2 Recipe Tips
3 Health Benefits of Honey, Amanda Wilson

Every Day is Earth Day

Source: http://www.riseearth.com/2015/11/this-doctor-explains-detoxifying.html