"This coconut yogurt is easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy."
-Stephanie Bindernagel
This week culinary nutritionist and plant food specialist, Stephanie Bindernagel shares her go to adaptogenic coconut yogurt recipe which contains healthy fats and supports hormonal balance with the addition of Pine Pollen and Astragalus. As we head into springtime, this is the perfect breakfast / snack to support hydration, immunity and skin health!
A note from Stephanie
This coconut yogurt is easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy. I love eating it by the spoonful or adding it to smoothies, tonics, and raw desserts. The nourishing fats from coconuts support energy, cognition, exercise recovery, digestion, skin radiance, and detoxification. Coconut supports a healthy immune system, as it has antiviral, antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. In this recipe, I use young Thai coconuts. I love the fruity, floral essence of the meat and the sweetness of the water. The addition of Pine Pollen and Astragalus make this yogurt even more potent and powerful. Pine Pollen works beautifully for hormone balance, sex drive, and metabolism, while Astragalus boosts immunity, and may improve skin health. Make sure to use a cleaver to open the coconuts, and do so with care and caution!
Coconut meat is rich in iron and a good source of potassium. Its high levels of skin loving fats enhance your immune system, improves digestion, and helps the body absorb minerals. Coconut also plays a key role in keeping hair and skin healthy and youthful looking. Coconut is known for preventing wrinkles, sagging skin, age spots, and provide internal sun protection.
Ingredients3 cups fresh young Thai coconut meat, this was about 3 young Thai coconuts - you can use fresh or frozen (make sure to thaw if using frozen) 1 cup fresh young Thai coconut water 1 tsp. Pine Pollen 1 tsp. Astragalus |
MethodTo open fresh coconuts, place the coconut on a firm, flat surface Hold a cleaver in your dominant hand, and put your other hand behind your back Using the cleaver, strike the top of the coconut with force until you’ve punctured the shell Drain out the water, and then continue to strike the coconut until it splits open *there are many tutorial videos on the internet to reference* Scoop out the fresh coconut meat, and slice away any dark brown skin from the meat Measure out 3 cups of coconut meat, and 1 cup of the water Add into a high-speed blender, with the Pine Pollen and Astragalus and blend until smooth I chose not to ferment this batch, but feel free to ferment the yogurt* Scoop the yogurt into a glass jar, with a tight sealed lid and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days Serve with granola, fresh fruit, smoothies, tonics, beauty potions, or enjoy by the spoonful *If fermenting, once you have blended the coconut meat and water, add to a clean mason jar (optional to empty 2 probiotic capsules and blend into mix before fermentation). Stir with a non-metal utensil, cover with a paper towel or cheese cloth and seal with a rubber band, store in a dark place (cabinet or pantry will do) and check on after 24 hours. If you want a tangier yogurt, store up to 48 hours. Before placing in fridge, add adaptogens and mix well to encorporate. Remove rubber band and cover with lid, store in refrigerator up to one week. Top with desired ingredients to serve. |
A note from Sun Potion on the skin nourishing properties in this recipe…
The tonic herbs in this recipe with the addition of the probiotic coconut yogurt work to support our skin health and signs of aging. This delicious probiotic elixir contains antioxidant-rich components!
Pine Pollen works to support dual-directional hormone support + may be beneficial for individuals experiencing hormone-related acne or breakouts.
Astragalus supports the aging process by reducing inflammation, works to support skin health and elasticity. It also has been shown that Astragals taken over time may reduce wrinkles and other signs of aging. In some studies, this tonic herb has been shown to lower the inflammatory effects that histamines have in the body.
Coconut is another amazing food for supporting skin health! Coconut works to support the formation of collagen. Additionally, it contains essential amino acids to support protein formation. For muscles, it builds connective tissues and maintains elasticity in the body, even in the heart.
Probiotics help repair and moisturize our skin by helping produce hyaluronic acid - a natural substance produced by our bodies that aims to support skin health. This type of acid is often used to support healing wounds, burns, and as a moisturizer. Currently, it is being used as a treatment for slowing down signs of aging.