Is Creamed Coconut Paleo

Creamed coconut is a semi-solid block of coconut paste made from ground, dehydrated coconut meat. It differs from coconut cream in that it has no added water and is highly concentrated. A block of creamed coconut can be broken up into pieces and used to thicken and flavor to curries, sauces, stir-frys, soups, desserts, blended drinks and smoothies. Should you eat creamed coconut? Is creamed coconut Paleo?

Nutritional Value of Creamed Coconut

Serving Size: 1 Tablespoon (28g)

Calories: 190
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Monounsaturated Fat: .8g
Polyunsaturated Fat: .2 g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Trans Fat: 0g
Lauric Acid: 4g
Carbohydrate: 7g
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 10mg
Fiber: 5g

Health Benefits of Creamed Coconut

Creamed coconut has all the nutritional components of coconut meat and therefore, all the health benefits. An excellent source of minerals, namely manganese, iron, magnesium, copper, phosphorus, potassium and zinc canned coconut cream also contains B-vitamins including folate, thiamin, vitamin B6, niacin, and pantothenic acid.

Ninety percent of coconut fat is saturated the majority of which is in the form of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs). MCFAs are associated with many health benefits:

Increased HDL cholesterol
Immediate source of energy
Increased satiety
Increased metabolic rate
Easily digestible
Improved memory in Alzheimer’s patients via ketones
Improvement of uncontrolled seizures in children via ketones

Special MCFAs in coconut namely lauric acid, caprylic acid and capric acid are antimicrobial, antiviral and antifungal. Additionally, phenolic compounds in coconut act as antioxidants.

Are there any downsides to creamed coconut?

Some people definitely react negatively to coconut products. The ability of MCFAs to form ketones might actually be problematic for those sensitive to yeast or prone to yeast infections. Yeasts have a high affinity for ketones, even higher than for sugar and a high intake of MCFAs may aggravate symptoms.

Furthermore, some people have difficulty fully absorbing fructose and although the amount of fructose in creamed coconut is very small it may cause symptoms of GI distress in those with IBS, IBD, SIBO or FODMAP intolerance.

Where To Buy Creamed Coconut

You’re most likely to find creamed coconut in natural foods stores and in ethnic groceries that cater to Cuban, Jamaican, Indian and Southeast Asian cuisine. Creamed coconut is also available online.