The wonderful coconut provides coconut flesh, oil, milk and water and scores of benefits and uses. Here are some benefits of coconut specific to mums and babies.
WITHOUT
Stretch Mark Prevention
Coconut oil, especially when combined with other helpful oils for super stretching, can reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, it relieves dryness, keeps the skin supple and improves elasticity. It absorbs easily, leaving the skin feeling soft without greasiness.
Find it in Nom Nom Stretch Butter
Cradle Cap
Coconut oil is a favourite for softening and removing the scales of cradle cap and is particularly beneficial when combined with starflower oil. Virgin coconut oil also has the advantage over other oils of leaving your baby smelling tropical rather than of salad dressing!
Find it in Nom Nom Baby Oil
Nappy Rash
Coconut oil provides a natural barrier to moisture helping to prevent nappy rash and nourishes and soothes irritated skin.
Find it in Nom Nom Baby Butter
WITHIN
Breastfeeding
Coconut just like breastmilk is a rich source of lauric acid, important for its antibacterial, antifungal and antimicrobial properties. Consuming coconut oil, milk and water can significantly increase levels of this fatty acid conferring these benefits to a breastfed baby.
Weaning
Coconut is an energy dense, low allergenic food packed with nutrients making it an ideal weaning food. Combine it with butternut squash and fragrant, mild spices for a dish the whole family will enjoy (see recipe below). Make sure you use coconut milk or cream with nothing added.
Energy
If you have a baby chances are you feel tired! Including coconut oil in the diet can be an ideal way to boost energy. In spite of being a saturated fat coconut oil is high in medium chain triglycerides which are metabolised differently.They are sent directly to the liver where they are converted to energy, which is slowly released, rather than being stored in adipose tissue.
Start with one and work up to three tablespoons of organic, virgin coconut oil spread throughout the day. Use in cooking, baking or straight from the spoon.
BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND COCONUT PUREE
Ingredients
- 500 grams Butternut squash cut in chunks
- 1 whole White onion finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Garlic finely chopped
- 1 stalk Lemongrass finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons Ginger finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Ground Coriander
- 1 can Coconut milk 225ml
- Water
- Coconut oil
Directions
Peel, deseed and chop the butternut squash in cubes. Chop the rest of the ingredients. Fry the onion, garlic, ginger and lemongrass. Add ground coriander and butternut squash. Add water to just cover the ingredients and simmer for 20 minutes. Add coconut milk and simmer until all the ingredients are soft. Let it cool, take the lemongrass stalks out, and blend to desired consistency.
Recipe courtesy of Yun Jung Ko
Jayne Russell has over twenty years of experience as a pre’ and postnatal massage and nutritional therapist and is the founder of Nom Nom – award winning, certified organic pregnancy and baby skincare. Sign up for your free skincare guide “10 Steps to Super Healthy Baby Skin” at nomnomskincare.com