The Coconut Factory

I have already posted pictures of the trip to the coconut farm , but I forgot to post a few pictures I was able to shoot at the coconut factory . This place was amazing , I never knew they did soooo much with the coconut , the tree , the leaves , the husk , the fiber , the meat , the juice , they even make charcoal and mulch for gardens out of the husk , and ship to other countries , and when the trees get old they saw them into lumber to build homes , and as you can see in the pictures , the ladies working there bring their babies with them .A must visit if you ever get a chance

A Visit to a coconut farm

My best friend B-Bie , manager of the Big Sheep Resort here in Wang Pho , was raised in Prachuap Khiri Khan, he still has a Mom and brother and lots of family that live there now . We were talking one day and he was telling me about growing up in Prachuap and that his family owned a coconut farm and that his childhood was spent on a coconut farm , well this was all very interesting to me as I had no idea about raising coconuts for commercial use.And all the many uses of the coconut and the tree and all the bi-products made from it. I guess I was asking to many questions , and B-Bie said ," next week we go to Prachuap and see my Mom and the coconut farm and my friend coconut factory and then you see for yourself and don't have to ask , and you can stay at my friends little resort on the beach and we will drive around the country and you can take lots of pictures."Well I could hardly wait till time to go , it is a seven hour drive from Wang Pho and a very beautiful drive to say the least . Was a easy drive, as far as directions go , from Wang Pho 321 to right before Bangkok turn right on Hwy. # 4 and away you go .We left home about six o'clock a.m.and,we got there just in time for lunch . We checked in at the resort and headed straight for a little beach side restaurant , that was one of B-Bie's favorite , and as it turned out will be #one on my list on our next visit also.From there we went to the country side for a beautiful drive and then , a long trip down a dirt road to the family coconut farm , you will not believe it, but it was harvest time on the farm and they were cutting the coconuts from the tall and I mean tall trees and bringing them to the house to be sorted and counted and ready for the factory truck to pick up the next day. I thought that you got coconuts once a year like any other crop , but nooooo they can harvest them every month , and lots of them too,as you will see in the pictures . After the harvest and show and tell and join in the work time ,it was time to eat and our little resort had a great cook ,and we ate our dinner right on the beach again. Now the great thing about this beach is there was noone else and no other resorts around for miles we, were just like on a Island all to our selves . What a great and relaxing evening we had . At night the squid boats were out in force, right in front of the resort a couple of hundred yards,. out , but we could see their lights and watch them pulling in their nets. it was breath taking to say the least , next morning breakfast at another restaurant right on the beach again with very few folks around, and a great view as you will see in the pictures. and then off to the coconut factory, but not before a great foot massage , to watch the process from start to finish .I could almost write a mini BOOK about the experience there , but will just show pictures and let you see it in action.I would like to say that it was a high light of times in my travels around Thailand.That afternoon ,after it cooled down we were off to a Thai Temple that was located way up on a mountain top , were you could really as they say "see for miles ". so much to tell , but again will let the pictures speak for themselves . Then before going back to the resort B-Bie suggested we go to his favorite spot , known by few , and have a cup of coffee before dinner .I tried to buy a small little house that was empty , just so I could live there part of the year and have it for friends, the rest of the time . But they have big plans for the area if the economy picks up again , and said no , I hope somehow it never happens for this beautiful place as it would be a shame to spoil it at all , even tho they have started a little already . Then off to the resort for dinner and , this evening a swim in the ocean for me and feet wet for Ciejay, a good nites sleep and then breakfast and a nice drive back home . Needless to say this place called Prachuap is a beautiful place to visit and on our list for a longer stay this summer . Thanks to my friend B-Bie for this wonder ful experience and for being a great tour guide. Malcolm

Mango, Good reasons for eating ---Love it

Ads by Plus-HD-V1.8c×Did you know that the tree Buddha meditated under was a mango tree? He reached enlightenment, and the fruits of the tree that provided his cool shade can almost send you to nirvana too. Not only is mango delicious and refreshingly-filling, it also carries a lot of goodness inside its flesh, and can take you on a path of health and wellness. It truly is food fit for the gods.

So, let’s take a look at why mangos are such a smart and healthy choice for your diet.

1. It Helps Fight Cancer

Many foods are believed to have anti-cancer properties, but rigorous research is needed to support these claims. Texas A&M AgriLife Research is a big research facility that studies the impact of food on health, looks at the biological underpinnings of cancer, and develops new cancer treatments. Mango was one of their recent researchprojects. Doctor Talcott, a nutrition scientist at AgriLife Research, led a study that showed that mango’s polyphenols (antioxidant-like plant chemicals) could have cancer-fighting properties.  Adding mango to your diet can be particularly beneficial for breast and colon cancerprevention and further studies are in progress.

Further reading: There are other foods that protect against cancer development and you can read about them in my post:Discover the Top 14 Foods That Protect Against Cancer Development.

2. It Preserves Sharp Vision

According to the Institute for Natural Healing, eating three servings of mango per day (1 serving = 1/2 – 3/4 cup) can reduce your chances of developing age-related MACULAR DEGENERATION by more than a half. Mangos contain a lot of vitamin A, which is very important for eye health, and they’re also rich in zeaxanthin and lutein – two potent antioxidants. They protect the eyes from high-energy light waves, such as some ultraviolet rays in sunlight, which can be harmful to the eyes.

Further reading: I’ve already shared with my readers my 9 secrets for preventing eyesight problems and improving your vision naturally.

3. It Supports Heart Health

Mango is high in antioxidants and fiber, which are both crucial for the protection of the heart muscle. A diet high in fiber can significantly reduce your chances of developing heart disease. A cup of sliced mango can contribute three grams to the daily recommended amount of fiber, which is 25 grams for women and 38 grams for men. According to research, for every 7 grams of fiber you eat, the risk of heart diseases goes down by 9 percent.

Further reading: Get more information on how to keep your heart in top working condition in my post: The Best Foods and Herbs for Healthy Heart, Including Heart Tonic Recipe.

4. It Keeps the Skin Young

Vitamin C in mango supports collagen production, which makes your skin tighter and firmer. Since mango’s zeaxanthin and lutein protect from the harmful effects of UV light, eating mangos can reduce skin damage from the sun. Mango can also unclog skin pores and is used as a face mask. Now I understand why that girl was wearing slices of mango on her face, I hear some of you exclaim.

Further reading: You can get more information on how to use essential oils for healthy skin in my e-book Magical Aromatherapy and also in this post. Also read my article about the top 8 vitamins and nutrients that are essential for healthy skin.

5. It Boosts Brainpower

Mango contains vitamin B6, which is the vitamin that stimulates the brain and preserves your cognitive function. Some studies have shown that lower levels of vitamin B6 are connected with decreased cognitive abilities in older people. Vitamin B6 has been praised as a dietary supplement for cognitive health. It can improve memory and concentration, and even ward off dementia. So instead of taking the substitute, why not going directly to the source and enjoying the tasty mango.

Further reading: Get more information on how to naturally improve your brain function and about foods to improve your memory.

6. It is a good source of Fiber

Eating a diet rich in fiber is important for many aspects of our health. You require fiber for healthy digestion, and when you’re bowels are happy, the quality of life always goes up. Fibers also help prevent heart disease and reduce the chances of developing type 2 diabetes and diverticular disease or diverticulitis, which affects the colon.

Further reading:  Ginger as well as some herbs are also very helpful in improving your digestion and you can get more information about this subject in my e-book The Herbal Remedies Guide as well as in this post.

7. It is High in Key Vitamins and Minerals

Mango contains a plethora of essential vitamins and minerals. When you eat this refreshing fruit, you’re treating your body to a dose of vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin K. The latter supports bone health. And then there is the conglomerate of B vitamins. B1, B2, B5, B6, niacin and folic acid can all be found in mango. Folic acid is particularly important for pregnant women, as it reduces the possibility of birth defects. One cup of fresh mango supplies 71 mcg of folic acids, and the daily intake should be around 400 mcg. But that’s not all. Mango is also a great source of minerals, including potassium, magnesium and calcium. This really is the king of fruits and such a great source of nutrients!

Further reading: read about the 5 Essential Nutrients You May Be Missing From Your Diet.

8. It Aids Your Digestive System

One thing that helps your digestive system is the abundance of fiber in mango. And the other thing is the presence of a digestive enzyme that helps break down proteins. The enzymes are present in ripe mangoes, so check the fruit for ripeness before you eat it. If you can get hold of mango flowers, they are also used to cure diarrhea, chronic dysentery and urinary tract infections.

Further reading: learn how to make a natural digestive enzyme detox smoothie.

9. It Boosts Your Immune System

By supporting the digestive system, mango is also good for your immunity. Not many people know that, but thegastrointestinal system is actually a part of the immune system and 80 percent of immune defense lies there. Your general health is intertwined with your gut health. Mango also contains a lot of vitamin C, which additionally boosts your immunity.

Further reading: 10 Quick Life Hacks to Improve Your Immunity Almost Immediately and natural substances to boost your immune system.

10. It Help With Your Dieting Efforts

Mango can be so deliciously sweet, yet is very low in calories. One cup of mango comes to only 100 calories. According to the University of Oklahoma, a diet which involves eating mangoes, regulates the appetite, and reduces the levels of glucose and cholesterol in the blood. Isn’t it great when dieting can be supported by tasty food?

Further reading: read about my 9 secrets of losing weight without diet and also about spices and herbs that will help you lose weight. You can also find more information about healthy eating and nutrition in my e-book Effortless Healthy Eating which is part of the Natural Health Revolution Program. This program will help you to achieve your health, nutrition and weight loss goals.

So start eating mango today! It can be enjoyed in many different ways – as a healthy snack, a part of a delicious smoothie, or mixed into salsas and chutneys. For extra kick, enjoy it with a little bit of chili powder or lime juice. Personally, I just like 

Eating Out --what a treat here in the Land of Smiles and Great Food

When we( Ciejay and Me) lived in America , believe it or not I use to hate to hear those words , "LETS GO OUT FOR DINNER TONITE "for different reasons than you might think , I'll list just a few of these reasons , you might be able to relate to a few of them.

1. Where to go ? everyone had their favorite place and it takes a lot of giving in to decide just where you want to go , and if the others don't really want to eat there too then, it's just food and not fun.

2. Fast food , need I say more ?

3. Worked hard all day and sick of people and then to drive all over town to get there just not fun. Would be happy with soup and sandwich especially if it was a SPAM sandwich and Campbells tomato soup.

4. Most places, other than fast food , would break the bank and cost a arm and a leg.

But, all that has changed since we've moved here to Thailand , I have never had a problem with eating out here in the LOS , as each time there are soooo many restaurants( one or two plastic tables and a few plastic blue or red chairs and whalla you've got a restaurant any where you want, on the side of the road , on a side walk in town or in your own front yard) and almost all are a food lovers delight with aroma's and spices and tastes like your taste buds have never experienced in your life,and there are soooo many of them that you never have to go far and you never have to eat at the same place twice unless you want to.

The reason behind this post , I have been waiting all rainy season for it to stop because my favorite place to eat on top of the Mt. road is such a place, a little roadside restaurant that can not stay open during the rainy season as the kitchen is outside and the roof is made of bamboo and tin sheets ,and sooo old that when it rains it pours in like a waterfall ha ha , when I heard it was open , Ciejay and Me could'nt wait for dinner we, went for lunch and when I pulled up on front I could see the big smile on her( the owners) face and a great big Sawa Dee Kae was waiting for us once inside , the cook , chef and bottle washer, all in one, came to take our order and I can truthfully say that I was not disappointed at all and it's a place I would go back to often and take guest and never worry if the meals going to be just right.

I love all the little places to eat out in our area and now you know another reason why ,I'm RETIRED IN THAILAND AND LOVING IT. If you're ever over our way we'll give one of our roadside , 5 stars a try and it'll be my treat. Malcolm