Publisher's Note

  • Publisher’s Note

    It was 22 years ago when I arrived in Canada and chose Calgary, Alberta to be my home.  Leaving my family and friends behind, it was a new adventure for me to be in a new country without knowing anyone.  That was the time I looked for a Filipino community paper and never found any, [...]

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Page added on February 24, 2014

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Health Benefits of Coconut

The coconut tree is also referred to as “The Tree of Life”. It is because all parts of this tree, from the roots to the leaves and fruits, can be used in many ways. Calling it The Tree of Life, is just fitting because of all the amazing health benefits of coconut. That is why, it is important to include this in your daily diet too.

Regulates Body Temperature

Drinking coconut water is simply refreshing. But do you know that there’s more to it than just quenching your thirst on a hot day? The juice from coconut fruit acts as a natural isotonic. It expels heat from inside your body to make you feel cooler. Aside from that, it also helps in transporting oxygen to different parts of your body to stabilize the functions of the organs which may be jeopardized because of heat. Because of these effects, it is a recommended drink after exercising. It is also much better than sports drinks because it has lower amount of sodium but more minerals and electrolytes.

Resolves Digestive Problems

photo credit: flickr.com/SingChan

Digestive ailments are way too common, so it is absolutely necessary to find a natural and effective solution too. You would not want to stuff yourself with too many meds, right? The bioactive enzyme in coconut water is the key in resolving digestive problems as well as improper metabolism. Among the bioactive enzymes in water are peroxidase, dehydrogenase, catalase and these are just to mention a few.

Enhanced Nervous System Performance

Degeneration of neurons and brain cells is inevitable because of all the daily activities. However, with proper care, it is possible to resolve this problem by having sufficient intake of B vitamins. Support for the nervous system is among the health benefits of coconut because the juice contains B-complex vitamins such as niacin, riboflavin, thiamin, pyridoxine and folate.

Cure for Urinary Tract Infection

UTI is a common problem for both men and women. This can be very uncomfortable and in some cases, it is also accompanied by a painful, burning sensation. Coconut water can help in fast recovery from UTI because of its antibacterial properties. Coconut oil may also deliver the same benefits. When ingested, it could provide protection for the bladder and kidneys so that the bacterial growth would not progress and the problem would not get worse.

Muscle and Nerve Relaxant

Feeling too jumpy? Are your muscles sore? Before you even pop some pills, consider eating a dish with coconut milk. The milk which is derived from mature coconut fruit has high level of magnesium. When there is sufficient amount of magnesium in the body, it is easier to feel calmer and the muscles would not be cramped too.

Contributes to Weight Loss

The coconut meat, fruit and milk all have high amount of dietary fiber. Because of that, intake of any of these would easily make you feel full without the excessive amount of fat and carbohydrates. Because of its high fiber characteristic, it is easer to suppress your cravings too and avoid the tendency to binge on meals.

Spicy Laing Recipe


Laing or dried taro leaves cooked in coconut milk is a popular dish in the Philippines.

Ingredients

  • 1 pack (4 ounces) dried taro leaves
  • 1/2 lb pork belly, thinly sliced
  • 3/4 cup salted dried fish (daing), shredded
  • 2 cups coconut milk
  • 4 cups coconut cream
  • 15 pieces Thai chili
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 5 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 2 tablespoons ginger, sliced into strips
  • 2 pieces long green chili
  • salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Procedure

  1. Combine pork, dried fish, garlic, onion, ginger, coconut milk, and coconut cream in a cooking pot.
  2. Apply heat and let boil.
  3. Add the dried taro leaves and Thai chili (do not stir). Simmer until the liquid almost dries out. Note: This will take about 40 to 50 minutes. When you notice a strong scent of coconut, this can be a sign that its ready.
  4. Put-in the long green chili, salt, and pepper. Gently stir the ingredients and cook for another 3 minutes.
  5. Transfer to a serving plate.
  6. Serve. Share and enjoy!

Ginataang Manok recipe

Ginataang Manok is translated as chicken stewed in coconut milk. This is a simple Filipino dish wherein chicken is sautéed in garlic, onion, and ginger then stewed in coconut milk. A more traditional approach requires native hen (usually grown in the backyard). It is much tastier compared to broiler chickens and adds more flavor to the dish.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs chicken, cut into serving pieces
  • 2 cups coconut milk
  • 1/2 bunch spinach
  • 2 tbsp garlic, minced
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 2 tbsp ginger, julienned
  • 8 ounces green papaya, wedged
  • 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
  • 1 piece long green chili (optional)
  • 4 pieces Thai chili (or siling labuyo if available), chopped (optional)
  • 2 tbsp cooking oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Procedure

  1. Heat the cooking pot and pour-in the cooking oil.
  2. Sauté the garlic, onion, and ginger.
  3. Add the chicken and cook until the color of the outer part turns light brown.
  4. Pour-in the coconut milk while stirring and bring to a boil.
  5. Sprinkle some paprika then simmer for 30 minutes of until the chicken is tender and the coconut milk becomes thick.
  6. Add the long green chili and Thai chili then simmer for 5 minutes
  7. Add the green papaya then simmer for 5 to 8 minutes.
  8. Put-in the spinach, salt, and pepper then simmer for 3 minutes.
  9. Turn-off the heat then transfer the cooked chicken to a serving plate
  10. Serve hot. Share and enjoy!

Ginataang Mais Recipe


Ginataang Mais is a Filipino dessert and snack made from whole kernel corn and coconut milk. This is a simple and quick Filipino dessert recipe that only takes less than

Ingredients

  • 4 cups coconut milk
  • 1/2 cup glutinous rice (malagkit)
  • 1 cup whole kernel corn
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar

Cooking Procedure

  1. Combine coconut milk and glutinous rice in a cooking pot then turn on the heat. Let the coconut milk boil.
  2. Once the coconut milk is boiling, stir the mixture to prevent the glutinous rice from sticking. Set the heat to low and let the rice cook while stirring once in a while. This will take approximately 12 to 15 minutes.
  3. Add the whole kernel corn and cook for 5 minutes.
  4. Put-in the sugar and stir thoroughly. Cook for 2 more minutes.
  5. Transfer to a serving bowl and serve.
  6. Share and enjoy!








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