Coconut Flour

Both the preparation of a meal and partaking of the meal can be a delight for the senses when coconut flour is used as a recipe ingredient. Organic coconut flour is made by grinding coconut solids into a fine powder. You may find yourself momentarily dreaming of the beauty and serenity of the tropics when you smell the wonderful aroma of this type of flour. Organic coconut flour can add a mild coconut flavor to recipes that don’t require the use of over-powering spices. Not only can it enhance your recipes, it also provides some amazing health benefits. You’ll want to begin making bulk coconut flour purchases once you discover how perfectly it fits into a health-conscious diet.

Coconut Flour Verses Wheat Flour

If your health status requires that you observe a gluten-free diet, coconut flour is an excellent substitute for wheat flour. Some studies show that following a gluten-free diet, even if you haven’t been diagnosed with Celiac disease, can prevent you from experiencing brain fog and bloating. If you frequently feel lethargic, eliminating gluten from your diet may help you feel more energized. If you are trying to follow a low carbohydrate eating plan, coconut flour is more low-carb friendly than wheat flour. Many people fail to get the recommended daily amount of fiber. Switching from wheat flour to coconut flour is an excellent way to increase your fiber intake. When you make that switch, you’ll also be getting more protein in your diet. The high protein content of coconut flour makes it a beneficial addition to a vegan or vegetarian diet.

Health Benefits of Coconut Flour

A 100 gram serving of coconut flour contains 39 grams of fiber. This impressive amount of fiber can support colon health and digestive health. Getting a sufficient amount of fiber can help lower cholesterol levels and help prevent the development of diabetes and cancer. Coconut flour is beneficial to diabetics because it doesn’t cause the spike in blood sugar that can occur with processed flour. Organic coconut flour is also credited with helping boost metabolism, thyroid function and energy production. It supports bone health by improving the absorption of calcium and magnesium. It also supports heart health and can help prevent strokes by helping your lower blood pressure and helping you maintain good cholesterol levels. This beneficial flour contains healthy fats that support the immune system, the thyroid and your skin.

Baking with Coconut Flour

Organic coconut flour can be used as a substitute for grain-based flour. However, because it is more absorbent than grain-based flour, you will need to make adjustments in the amount of flour you use. You cannot use a 1:1 ratio when baking with coconut flour. As a general rule, ¼ to 1/3 cup of flour should be used if a recipe calls for 1 cup of white or wheat flour. Once you begin baking with coconut flour, you will notice baked items may be dry or dense. To assure that your baked items are moist, you can use eggs, or a fruit or vegetable puree to increase the moisture of muffins, breads or other baked goods.