3-ingredient Chex Balls

Coconut is rich in protein and provides quick and lasting boosts of energy. It benefits the outward appearance of the body in a number of ways, including softening skin, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, controlling dandruff, and keeping the scalp and hair healthy.



Coconut meat contains lauric acid, which helps fight bacteria from intestinal parasites and wards off countless infections ranging from HIV to the common cold. Coconut water helps the kidney and bladder maintain proper functioning. Eating coconut helps fight gas, constipation, ulcers, and other digestive and stomach ailments. Coconut also supports thyroid function and can help prevent goiter (an enlarged thyroid) because it naturally contains iodine. Coconut has even been shown to protect the body from cancer and osteoporosis, dissolve kidney stones, reduce epileptic seizures, and reduce symptoms associated with pancreatic disorders.



Coconut contains a high amount of saturated fat, which is less healthy than other types of fat. However, over 50 percent of the fatty acids in coconut come from lauric acid, which is antiviral and antibacterial and is extremely beneficial in fighting off infection. For that reason, coconut is generally considered healthy in its natural form, but has serious drawbacks if it is hydrogenated. Hydrogenated coconut oil is altered in a way that removes the lauric acid and has been proven to clog arteries and decrease heart health. 

There are 27 g of fat in a serving of coconut, 24 of which are saturated fat and the rest consisting of monosaturated fat and Omega-6 fatty acids, which are extremely beneficial. There is no cholesterol in coconut, and only 16 mg of sodium. Coconut is an excellent source of manganese and contains 60 percent of the recommended daily intake of that mineral. It is also contains 11 percent of the recommended intake for iron, 9 percent of phosphorus and 8 percent of potassium. There are trace amounts of other nutrients in coconut, including zinc, calcium and magnesium.




Creamy Chex Balls

1 1/2 c. marshmallows
3/4 c. Earth Balance Coconut and Peanut Spread
4 c. Chex (rice/corn)

Place marshmallows in a microwavable bowl and scoop peanut butter on top.  Micro on high for 30 seconds and combine.  It should look like a caramel sauce and be completely combined.  Add in Chex and form into balls.

A few more coconut oil facts:

Virgin coconut oil contains abundant medium-chain fatty acids, which are more easily digested than long-chain fatty acids. Coconut oil also contains lauric acid, which is found in breast milk and has proven antifungal and antimicrobial properties.

Coconut oil contains saturated fat, which is the most stable of all fats, and as a result coconut oil does not go rancid (toxic) when heated and does not form dangerous free radicals that can cause a 

multitude of ills. 

In the Philippines, the coconut tree is known as the "Tree of Life" because of its many uses. Its roots, trunks, and husks are used for construction materials, paper pulp, brushes, and much more. Coconut oil is derived from the copra, which is the dried coconut meat.