They call it the “tree of life” and for a good reason: with its meat, juice, oil, and milk, the coconut has nourished generations the world over. In the Philippines, where 68 of 79 provinces are coconut areas, the coconut industry supports more than 25 million Filipinos and has more than 50 percent share of overall world exports in coconut. [Source: Philcoa]

From Aparri to Jolo, coconut milk is a regular in Pinoy kitchens. Bicol express, ginataan [tropical fruits stewed in coconut cream], biko [rice cake], even mongo soup, would never taste right without coconut milk.

Another of coconut’s byproducts, the coconut oil, has become a part of many Filipinos’ diet. Coconut milk is known for its healing properties. It retards aging and has natural antioxidants that reduce the risk of cancer. It also possesses antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Many people swear by its health benefits. What was once “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” has become “A teaspoon of coconut oil a day keeps the doctor away.”

In its pure form, however, coconut oil is not for the weak of stomach. So how does one get his daily does of coconut oil and still keep it down?

Simple. Add it to your everyday meals.

Universal appeal of the coconut
Singaporean celebrity chef Lisa Leong, an advocate of New Asian health cuisine, swears by the coconut oil. “It’s a healthy and great-tasting cooking ingredient,” she says, “and it appeals to millions of people in the region.”

At the recent Healthy Lifestyle Cooking Course held at Tang City, Leong demonstrated to Filipino participants how coconut byproducts can be incorporated in healthy gourmet recipes, from the main course to dessert.

The Super Coco Virgin Coconut Oil, for example, was the primary ingredient for Leong’s Burmese Cheesy Curry Special and Dancing Tom Yam Satay. A cup of Cocos MCT milk lends a saucy texture to the recipes.

Distributed locally by Team Asia Corp., these coconut byproducts contain medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which  help in the body’s fat regulation, weight control, and anti-infection activity. Aside from their energy-boosting benefits, these organic compounds also function as antioxidants and aid in calcium and magnesium absorption.

Leong also showed how coconut oil can be used for dessert. With a generous dose of the Cocos MCT powder, a glass of gelatin with condensed milk becomes a more healthful option. Her version of the sesame peanut crisp, made from toasted peanuts, sesame seeds, and Super Coco Virgin Coconut Oil, allows you to indulge in a sweet but healthful treat.

Aside from their health benefits, these instant coconut products take the stress out of food preparation. At home, we used a sachet of Cocos MCT Milk in lieu of the freshly squeezed coconut milk for a dish of chicken curry, and it tasted just as good. Food preparation has never been so much easier.

Leong, who regularly conducts healthy cooking workshops in Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines, says great-tasting nutritious food is far from being a culinary myth. A dash of coconut oil or coconut milk in your daily meals makes sure you’re in good shape.