Coconut milk is a white substance extracted from the flesh of ripe brown coconuts. For years it has been used as an ingredient in desserts, soups, and sauces. It is a popular part of Indian, Thai, Hawaiian, and South American cuisine. The extraction process involves grinding a portion of the fruit and dipping it in hot water. The cream that forms on the surface of the liquid is collected to be used as a coconut cream while the remaining liquid is filtered and separated from the ginger to obtain coconut milk.
Health benefits of coconut milk
It helps to lose weight
Coconut milk is rich in short triglycerides and between chains is considered a healthy fat. Increase the feeling of satiety that makes you eat less and avoid giving in to cravings. Also, they are more likely to be converted to energy than to contend with long-acting acids. This is especially important for the body which contributes to obesity.
It contains antioxidants
Coconut milk is rich in vitamins C and E, which are well-known for their antioxidant properties. Free oxygen radicals are formed by the tissues of our body during the digestive process. They are harmful to cellular components and contribute to the growth and development of the plant. The antioxidants contained in coconut milk help reduce these harmful substances.
Electrolyte balance
Coconut milk is rich in electrolytes such as potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Potassium is essential for maintaining a normal heart rate. It is also important for healthy muscle function. Magnesium is essential for healthy immune systems and for maintaining normal nerve and muscle function. Phosphorus is an important component of bone and tooth structure. By incorporating coconut milk into your recipes, you ensure that the body has enough phosphorus to meet these needs.
Prevents heart disease
Coconut milk is known to increase HDL cholesterol levels in the body. Scientific studies now show that coconut milk can help lower LDL cholesterol levels if consumed in moderation. HDL cholesterol contains anti-inflammatory substances that protect the endothelium or blood membranes. LDL cholesterol, on the other hand, promotes the formation of platelets in the bloodstream leading to a reduction in infections. When the blood vessels that supply the heart muscle are weakened, a heart attack can result.
Strengthens the immune system
Coconut milk contains lauric acid, which is known for its antiseptic properties. It helps the body fight infections caused by germs, viruses, and fungi. A study in the Philippines found that children with pneumonia were more likely to respond to antibiotics and coconut milk treatment than those who were treated with antibiotics alone.
Prevention of anemia
Coconut milk contains a lot of iron. Iron is an important mineral in building healthy red blood cells with normal hemoglobin levels. Incorporating coconut milk into your diet will help you avoid the anemia that often arises from getting insufficient iron.
Healthy hair and skin
Recently, coconut milk has gained popularity for its use as a treatment for healthy hair conditions. Its high oil content acts as a moisture retention sealant. When applied to the scalp, coconut milk helps reduce dandruff and itchy skin.
This is because it contains lauric acid, which has antibacterial and antifungal properties. Coconut milk when applied topically to the skin helps maintain skin firmness. This effectively reduces the formation of the alliance and gives you a more youthful appearance. Its antimicrobial properties are said to contribute to the protection of acne. Women all over the world are now using this product to remove makeup.
Anti-inflammatory properties
The benefits of coconut milk in reducing pain associated with inflammation. Sugar is known as pro-inflammatory. Substituting coconut milk as a sweetened beverage can have dramatic effects on those suffering from autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus arthritis.
Promotes intestinal health
Coconut milk replaces lactose-intolerant people. Also, it contains zinc, a mineral that helps regenerate cells along the intestinal wall. This prevents the transmission of harmful bacteria from the intestinal tract to the bloodstream and reduces the incidence of diarrhea.
Nutritious in coconut milk
Coconut milk from canned should be cooked. Coconut milk contains high levels of saturated fat, making it a high-calorie food. Milk is also rich in vitamins and minerals, but the nutritional content varies from product to product. Coconut milk drinks, for example, have a different profile of healthy food from canned coconut milk.
The profile of a healthy diet per cup of raw coconut milk, canned is:
- calories: 445
- water: 164.71 grams (g)
- protein: 4.57 g
- fat: 48.21 g
- carbohydrates: 6.35 g
- calcium: 41 milligrams (mg)
- potassium: 497 mg
- magnesium: 104 mg
- iron: 7.46 mg
- vitamin C: 2.30 mg
The profile of a healthy diet per cup of sugary coconut milk drink is:
- calories: 74
- water: 226.97 g
- protein: 0.50 g
- fat: 4.99 g
- carbohydrates: 7.01 g
- calcium: 451 mg
- potassium: 46 mg
Manufacturers often supplement these drinks with vitamins A, B-12, and D2.
Coconut milk side effects
Coconut milk contains high levels of calories and fats. Consuming too much of milk and eating a carbohydrate-rich diet can result in weight gain. Coconut milk also contains fermentable carbohydrates. These can cause digestive issues, such as diarrhea or constipation, in people with irritable bowel syndrome.
Abundant saturated fat
This is one of the most alarming coconut milk side effects. These fats may induce high cholesterol in your body. One cup of coconut milk passes down around 40 grams of fat on consumption. As such, it increases the level of lipoproteins that are detrimental to health in the longer term.
Can cause allergies
If you are allergic to tree nuts, this drink is certainly not meant for you. Coconut milk is recognized as a tree nut. And in some cases, it has been found that people allergic to tree nuts react badly to the fruit content in this milk. This is one of the most dangerous coconut milk effects as this can be life-threatening in extreme cases.
Can cause weight gain
With its high saturated fats and caloric content, coconut milk can certainly ruin your weight loss regimen. Its excessive usage in your daily diet may even lead to weight gain.
Can lead to high cholesterol
Is coconut milk bad for cholesterol? Those at the risk of high cholesterol and cardiovascular diseases should refrain from too much coconut milk. Even, unsweetened milk has high fatty contents putting you at greater risk of heart problems including a stroke. But you need not abandon it. Just limit your intake to smaller servings!
May cause constipation
Due to high dietary fibers, coconut milk can cause digestive troubles in some people. Normally unsweetened coconut milk carries 14-18% of our daily dietary fiber intake. This sudden increment may cause diarrhea or gas if your body is not accustomed to that much fiber. So, avoid increasing its intake instantly!
Loaded with sugar
Even if you consume unsweetened coconut milk, you are at the risk of absorbing a high amount of sugar. While unsweetened coconut has 2.1 gm sugar in a 1-ounce serving, it moves higher to 10.4 gm in sweetened coconut. In both cases, it can make you obese with excessive intake. So, be alert!
High in calories
In one cup of undiluted coconut milk, you can find 550 calories. It is nearly one-third of the calories you need per day. So, including coconut milk in your daily diet may have a negative effect on your health.
Threatening bisphenol – A (BPA)
While coconut milk has no direct connection with this chemical, canned milk certainly has. This compound is usually used in manufacturing the tins and cans in which it is stored. So avoid using canned coconut milk. You should also read the label to buy brands that offer BPA-free containers.
Contains guar gum
Again, this is an issue related to canned coconut milk. As a polysaccharide, guar gum is the endosperm of guar beans. As such, it has been related closely to digestive problems in many people. If you also suffer from any gut issues, remove canned coconut milk from your diet. Rather use homemade or guar gum-free coconut milk.
May cause fructose malabsorption
Due to its monosaccharides and polyols, coconut milk increases the risk of irritable bowel disorders. It has sugar content, which probably leads to this disorder. Resultant of this fact, bacteria growth is propelled in the small intestine due to uneven transport of fructose to it.
FAQ
Can I drink coconut milk everyday?
In moderation, coconut milk can have health benefits, but consuming too much can cause problems. Coconut milk contains high levels of calories and fats. Consuming too much milk and eating a carbohydrate-rich diet can result in weight gain. Coconut milk also contains fermentable carbohydrates.
Is coconut milk healthier than regular milk?
Coconut milk is a bit higher in fat than other plant milk, but the medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) in coconuts are linked to some heart health benefits, such as higher HDL (good) cholesterol levels. Some brands are also fortified with nutrients like vitamins B12, D, and A, as well as some minerals.
When should I drink coconut milk?
Coconut milk is very versatile, it may be consumed as it is, or with breakfast cereals, blended with smoothies, or used in soups and curries (it's commonly used in Southeast Asian dishes) because of its creamy texture and delicious taste.
Is coconut milk good for high blood?
Some health benefits of coconut milk are: Lowers blood pressure and cholesterol. Builds muscle and helps reduce fat. Is rich in electrolytes and can prevent fatigue.
Is coconut milk good for the skin?
Applying coconut milk to your skin does more than just moisturizing it. Coconut milk combats dryness, itchiness, swelling, and redness, soothes the skin, and promotes healthy, glowing skin.
Is coconut milk good for your stomach?
Coconut milk is also hydrating due to its naturally occurring electrolytes and healthy fats that help the digestive organs function properly. This helps the gut metabolize fat, remove waste from the body, and prevent gut-related ailments such as IBS.
Is coconut milk good for hair?
The natural fatty acid profile of coconut milk has extreme moisturizing effects. These can restore both dry hair and scalp, acting as a powerful conditioner for damaged hair too.
