For those who suffer from diabetes, gluten-sensitivity, or celiac disease; and those interested in an organic, paleo, gluten-free, vegetarian or vegan diets - coconut oil can help by reducing the the growth of bad yeast, fungus, and bacteria in the small intestine.
Gluten-free diet recipes and food containing coconut oil can be appropriate for celiac disease, which is "a digestive disease that damages the small intestine and interferes with absorption of nutrients from food," because, according to Mary Enig, PhD, coconut oil has anti-inflammatory properties and decreasing the levels of inflammation in your gastrointestinal tract can help heal your intestines.
Gluten-free is a type of Paleo diet, which is similar to a ketogenic diet, but is “a modern nutritional plan based on the presumed ancient diet of wild plants and animals.” Not all of Paleo foods are gluten-free, but much of the diet is similar and both can include coconut oil. Skinny Coconut Oil is a raw, gluten-free, vegan product and not processed in the same facilities as gluten products.
Coconut Oil as Gluten-Free Food
Coconut oil is the pure oil extracted from the coconut meat (copra) that is great for cooking because of its structural stability. It can tolerate high heat (up to 350 F) without smoking and oxidizing because it maintains its structural integrity at higher temperatures. Skinny Coconut Oil is virgin, cold pressed, and never heated over 115 F, which helps keep the coconut oil's natural antioxidant properties.
Certain foods (especially virgin coconut oil and chocolate) can give sudden bursts of energy. According to Jim Stoppani in Supplements 101, coconut oil contains a unique form of saturated fat known as medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA). Unlike other saturated fats, MCFAs provide a unique energy source for the body in the form of ketone bodies (or ketones for short - same as in the keto diet).
Gluten-Free Recipes that Use Coconut Oil
We've written before about coconut oil brownies, coconut oil coffee, and raw food dishes made with coconut oil, but there are many gluten-free recipes that use coconut oil. We've picked out a few of our favorites here from around the web:
- Dairy and Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pie - perfect for Fall weather, special celebrations, or anytime throughout the year.
- Raspberry Coconut Smoothie - not only do you get the ketones from coconut oil, but raspberries also contain ketones.
- Martha Stewart's Shredded Coconut Bars - they look like "Rice Krispie Treats" without the Rice Krispies - lots of sugar though.
- Coconut Flour Cupcakes - this recipe is Paleo, Grain-Free, and Gluten-Free - it's high in fiber and low in carbohydrates.
What are your favorite gluten-free recipes that use coconut oil?
