Coconut yoghurt is growing in popularity! But why?

Are you looking for a dairy substitute to yoghurt because your guts find it hard to digest? Or perhaps you’re vegan or you’re just looking for a healthy alternative? Well, then coconut yoghurt might just be the answer you are looking for.

It’s got a superhero-packed combination of healthy fats, rich in antioxidants and contains lots of fibre. In this blog article, you will discover how to use it cooking, recipes, my interview with the makers, nutritional info and more.

So if you want a healthy dairy-free alternative to including more those satiating fats and live probiotics in your diet. Or a yoghurt that a velvety creamy and smooth texture, then keep reading and please leave me a comment on your own experience.

Coconut Yoghurt is in Australia!

I was lucky enough to get an interview with the owners of purenfree coconut yoghurt who are an Australian based company. They make the best flavours I’ve ever had and are at my favourite organic farmer’s market – Northey Street City Farm. They give some really good tips on how to use it in recipes which we share in this video.

Moving to Australia and living in Brisbane certainly has its perks! I get to meet so many awesomely health conscious people! I’m so gald I got to interview coconut yogurt makers. I love farmer’s markets as you can connect and ask questions about your food and learn something new.

Facts you’ll love about Coconut Yoghurt!

Did you know that 75% of the world population lose their ability to digest milk after infancy?

Only 25% can digest milk and are labelled “lactase persistent.” Fortunately, there are dairy-free alternatives, like coconut yoghurt.

Coconut yoghurt is made by adding live bacteria cultures to coconut milk, which ferment some of the carbohydrates, producing acid which is responsible for yoghurt’s texture and tang. N.B. Coconut milk is the fluid pressed from the white coconut flesh, with water added.

 Top 7 Health Benefits of Coconut Yoghurt

1. Probiotics

Eating this is a great way to consume probiotics which balance out the microflora (bacteria) in the gut, keeping the bad bacteria under control. This reduces illnesses like inflammation (as in IBS), gas, diarrhoea and a long list of yeast infections.

2. Saturated Fats

One average serving contains 4.5g of the only saturated fats that are essential for health. Much of the saturated fat is medium-chain triglycerides which help to control weight, reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and boost immunity ⁽¹⁾. The fat is also known to reduce belly fat ⁽²⁾.

3. Fiber

One 6oz serving of unsweetened coconut yoghurt provides about 6g of fibre, i.e. 24% of a woman’s daily allowance for fibre. If you add fruits, the amount of fibre varies with the type of fruit used.

4. Sodium and Sugar

Unsweetened coconut yoghurt contains no sugar and very little sodium. So it is healthy in that regard. You can also add it to smoothies on top – here are some smoothie recipes you might like

5. Calcium and Magnesium

An average serving contains 25% to 30% of the daily allowance of calcium and magnesium. Calcium is essential to bone health while magnesium is essential for muscle health.

6. Vitamins

Six ounces provides 25%-30% of the daily allowance of vitamin B12 which is essential for red blood cell production. It also provides 25%-30% of vitamin D daily needs ⁽¹⁾.

7. Antioxidants

 Coconut yoghurt provides us with antioxidants similar to those found in berries, dark chocolate and grapes.

Also, make sure you read the labels when buying coconut yoghurt so there are no hidden nasties and please share your recipes and the many ways you like to use coconut yoghurt too!

Top 9 Ways to Use Coconut Yoghurt

Here are a few ways I like to use coconut yoghurt

1. As a cream alternative – tastes great with fruit and on pancakes
2. Instead of sour cream for potato salad
3. A dressing for salads just add a squeeze of lemon, dash of olive oil salt and pepper
4. On your skin especially if you have a rash as the probiotics feed your skin with goodness
5. As a face mask – again feeds your skin with goodness
6. Add some cocoa and maple syrup and give it to your kids as a healthy chocolate mousse
7. Make delicious dips with it – see recipe below
8. Add it to your smoothies
9. Use it to finish off a curry, by adding it on stop or stirring it in when serving up

Coconut Yoghurt – Dip/Salad Dressing Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup coconut yoghurt
• 1/4 cup freshly cup dill
• a squeeze of lemon juice
• 1 TBSP capers
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 garlic clove chopped finely

Optional – add 1/4 cup olive oil to make it into an easier to pour dressing with some toasted sesame seeds.

Mix all ingredient in a bowl and serve as a dip or dressing – great for when you’re entertaining and people have food intolerances. Always make sure you check the ingredients used to make it and please share with me how you like to use coconut yoghurt too!

References
1. Sara Ipatenco, The Advantages of Coconut Yogurt, http://www.livestrong.com/article/492454-is-yogurt-better-than-milk/ 2. Cynthia Sass, Yogurt 101, http://www.shape.com/blogs/weight-loss-coach/yogurt-101