I didn't really see anything in the Paleo book about coconut or coconut milk. Are these okay? I saw that coconut oil is a no no.

TIA

I use anything coconut, oil, creamed, milk, fresh as long as there is no sugar added. I don't know where you got the info about coconut oil being a no-no (probably The Paleo Diet by Cordain), but it's ok on NeanderThin. In fact it's more than ok, it's the best oil to cook with because of its stability in high heat besides lard (if you can get it non-hydrogenated). Olive oil is great for salads and dressings.

Oh good!

I was just thinking coconut milk would be aswesome. Thai iced tea. (no sugar but that is okay).
It would be a nice touch to some of my teas too.

mmmmmmmmmm off to eat some eggs.

I am curious. Besides eating it fresh what can you do with coconut?

I have not seen many recipes using it but I see it in the store and would like to add it to my diet.

http://www.thai-food.com/recipes/tom_kah.html

I LOVE this soup

I have never made it but get it a lot (used to anyways) when we have Thai food.

Note: the following recipe is for chicken, but any meat can be substituted! Tom Kah can be served as part of a meal, or can be a meal in itself.


Ingredients:
16 oz chicken broth
4 lime leaves
2 inch piece lemon grass
1-inch tube galangal ("kah") sliced thinly.
4 tablespoons fish sauce
2 tablespoons lime juice
4 oz chicken breast, cut into small bite sized pieces
5 fl ounces coconut milk
X pinch of red chili powder
X cilantro leaves (as a garnish)


Directions:
After you have heated the chicken broth, add in all of the ingredients except for the chicken and coconut milk. Bring to a boil, then add the remaining two ingredients. Let it boil for 2 minutes, until the chicken is done, then bring it down to a simmer for a few minutes.

I have seen studies saying that coconut milk increases metabolism and has a favorable effect on the action of the thyroid. Other studies I've seen have said that it reduces cancer. The other thing I've heard is that some of the components of coconut oil (lauric acid) is an antifungal/antiviral/antibacterial agent which may also improve immunity to disease and cancers. One drawback to coconut oil is that I've seen other studies saying it increases the risk of heart disease. Do searches for coconut oil online and you'll see some of this information.

I eat a ton of coconut fat by adding cans of coconut milk to my food. I eat a lot of Thai and Indian food which has a lot of coconut milk. Its SO good and so versatile. It's also a very cheap source of paleo calories! When I'm frying things I generally use coconut oil as it is very stable and never smokes.

Living in Queensland, Australia, there has always been a huge glut of pineapples, and during the summer a popular salad addition is:

1 cup chopped pineapple
2 cups grated fresh coconut
a couple of spoonfuls of cream

stir well and serve with chicken, ham or other cold meats, as part of a salad 'collection'. Well, it's a way to get rid of some more pineapples!
Extras often include some grated ginger, a squeeze of lime juice, whatever.

Cheers

Michael Gardner
Australia

Thanks Michael!

I wonder if the pineapple epidemic is similar to our Zuchinni one here in the states. LOL

I was going to pick up some coconut in the healthfood store today, but it some sulfate (which suprised me) to keep it white. I wonder if it can be found online....

Or maybe at wholefoods.

I've been wondering about coconut milk and cream for a while. All the brands I've seen are pretty carby. Can't find out the carbs for creamed coconut (the Brit type isn't on Fitday, surprise).