Hey, I’m a big time foodie. My quest for flavorful and authentic food once took me to Thailand. The soups, curries, broths and puddings were out of this world. And believe me, there was this one ingredient that made all of these dishes shine. It was coconut milk. It added so much creaminess and fragrance to the cooking. In reality, it can do so much more for your body.
we’ll discuss some amazing benefits of coconut milk. Can it reduce weight? Is it heart healthy? We’re discussing all of that and more.
What is coconut milk and how is it different from coconut water?
This is a household staple in many Southeast Asian countries like the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, India, Malaysia, Cambodia and Singapore.
It’s often confused with coconut water, but they are not the same thing. Actually, coconuts are not a nut. Scientists have classified them as a drupe or a stone fruit botanically. But because of their hard shells, they’re still called nuts.
When you cut open a coconut, it’s filled with water. Whereas coconut milk is made by a different process. The flesh of the mature brown coconuts is grated and soaked in hot water for some time. Later, the mixture is sieved through a cheesecloth or nut milk bag and the creamy liquid is separated from the coconut shavings. You can adjust the thickness according to your liking by adding water.
Coconut milk is now ready to be used in your sauces, desserts, teas or on its own. But don’t worry if you find this procedure tedious. Your supermarket will have packaged coconut milk.
Why is coconut milk a great alternative to dairy?
Did you know that 68% of the world’s population is lactose intolerant? Lactose intolerance is much more common than you think.
Milk is a staple in our regular diet, although some choose to stay away from dairy due to allergies, lactose intolerance or because they’ve turned vegan.
The milk aisle of your grocery store will be flooded with dairy-free milk options. You’ll see soy, almond, oat, rice, cashew, macadamia, hemp and quinoa milk on the shelves.
But one non-dairy milk that steals the show is coconut milk. It’s a blessing for lactose intolerant folks.
It has little to no carbs and fewer calories compared to cow’s milk. Most of the calories come from saturated fats, also known as medium chain triglycerides (MCTs). That’s why it’s an excellent option for all keto dieters.
How does coconut milk help with weight loss?
Needless to say, coconut milk can help you with weight loss. I mean it wouldn’t magically slim you down overnight but it may have some positive effects on your weight.
Cold pressed coconut oil contains medium chain triglycerides or MCTs. There’s a ton of research supporting the role of MCTs in:
- appetite reduction
- boosting calorie expenditure
- fat burning
- and ultimately weight loss
A small percentage of this beneficial compound may seep into coconut milk during its production. In that way, coconut milk can also play a significant role in your body’s metabolism.
It’s not just pina coladas that use coconut milk. It blends seamlessly with seafood gravies. You can add a splash of coconut milk to make frothy lattes and scrumptious cereal bowls. Or you can simply dunk coconut yogurt in your smoothies.
But coconut milk might not be your forte if you’re intolerant to FODMAPs. These are groups of fermentable carbs that may cause stomach pain, diarrhea, bloating and digestive issues if you have a sensitive gut. In that case, don’t go over half a cup or allergic try some other milk substitutes.
How does coconut milk boost your energy levels?
What do you usually do to stay energetic? Get a good sleep of 8 hours? Exercise? You might as well add coconut milk to that list. One cup of coconut milk completes 22 percent of your recommended daily intake of iron.
Iron helps transport oxygen to the muscles and brain. It also regulates cell development. This is a much desired key nutrient by your body to keep iron deficiency anemia away. With enough iron in your system, you’ll be able to concentrate better and reduce irritability. If you’re into athletic workouts, it will definitely help improve stamina.
Pregnancy increases your requirement for nutrients. One cup of coconut milk can be the best way to ensure that your baby is getting all the needed iron for its growth and development.
It Balances Electrolytes
Coconut milk is rich in electrolytes like potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Your body’s requirement for electrolytes is tiny but not negligible. It’s the electrolytes that supervise the movement of nutrients and waste in and out of the cells, maintain their cell wall integrity, and aid in muscle function.
Your body may go into an electrolyte imbalance with any of these vital electrolytes going haywire. Coconut milk can provide you with enough electrolytes. It also contains a myriad of other nutrients like manganese, copper, selenium, folate, zinc, vitamin C, fiber, carbs, and fats.
By the way, you don’t need to be scared of these fats. They’re not the ones that will give you a heart attack. Surprisingly, they’ll protect you from one.
A study revealed consuming coconut milk in the form of porridge reduces bad cholesterol or LDL by almost 18 percent in comparison to soy milk which only reduces bad cholesterol by three percent. Coconut oil and coconut flakes are also known to reduce formation of plaque in the blood vessels of the heart and pathological narrowing.
This may give you all the reasons to make the healthy switch but looking at the research it was found that since coconut milk is loaded with saturated fats over consumption can lead to an increase in both good and bad cholesterol. Just as we know excess of anything is poison.
How Coconut Milk Can Boost Your Health
It Heals Ulcers
Are you having a gnawing pain in your tummy? Chances are you could have a stomach ulcer. Coconut milk can be very effective in reducing symptoms.
When the lining of your digestive tract is damaged you may experience heartburn, acid reflux and indigestion. Doctors call it a peptic ulcer. The usual causes are prolonged use of painkillers and infection.
In one animal study rats with stomach ulcers were fed coconut milk. The results showed coconut milk could also achieve up to 54% healing that an anti-ulcer drug could achieve.
The significant quantity of lauric acid present in coconut milk also offers protection from viruses and bacteria. Cold, cough, bronchitis, pneumonia and other upper respiratory tract diseases that usually arise due to infection in the mouth don’t stand a chance against coconut milk.
Researchers isolated viruses and bacteria in test tubes along with lauric acid. Disease-causing organisms were rendered powerless by lauric acid. Proponents of traditional medicine believe coconut milk keeps sensational infections at bay and boosts overall immunity.
It’s a must-have if you have an unhealthy lifestyle. Eating junk food, sugar-rich beverages, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are some of the top things that increase free radicals in your body.
When their production increases to a point where they no longer can be neutralized they start causing oxidative stress. It shows up in your system in the form of chronic diseases like cancer, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Your skin will look old and your hair will start graying prematurely. It even has the potential to mess with your proteins, lipids and DNA structure.
It Acts as an Antioxidant
This milk acts as your body’s natural revitalizer. It’s loaded with antioxidants that neutralize the effect of oxidative damage. Vitamin C and E are the actual nutrients that give milk the status of antioxidant rich food.
A study found that milk displayed higher antioxidant properties than cow’s milk. Try using this milk instead of cow’s milk wherever possible. Need some ideas? Use this milk for making sweets and ice cream.
It Reduces Inflammation
Are your injuries taking forever to heal? As we grow old inflammatory responses become more frequent. milk is loaded with anti-inflammatories that help reduce swelling and pain in the joints. If the sporadic inflammatory responses are neglected they’ll turn into chronic inflammation becoming the root cause of numerous diseases.
A few injured rats were administered coconut extract which majorly reduce the swelling and inflammation. It may have a similar effect on humans as well.
Additionally calcium and vitamin C makes your bones and teeth stronger. You can easily look past those age-related osteoporetic changes. This one is definitely my favorite bone strengthening food.
It Improves Skin and Hair
Last but not least it helps magically transform your skin and hair. Apart from drinking it can be used externally too.
Are you conscious of your hair and skin during winter? Dandruff, dryness and itchy scalp can attract unwanted attention not to mention the irritation that accompanies it.
Since it is saturated with fat it locks in moisture to keep your scalp soft and supple. Lauric acid also helps to kill any bacteria or fungi present on your scalp.
Similarly you could use it on your skin. It’ll supercharge your skin cells as the nutrients get delivered directly to the cells. they will help us to improves your skin elasticity by giving you an overall radiant appearance.
Hello dewy skin bye bye wrinkles! A pro tip here would be to soak cotton balls and use it as a makeup remover. It will not only help get rid of the gunk but also keep your skin hydrated.
How often do you have coconut milk?
Let us know in the comments below.
Conclusion
This milk offers a plethora of health benefits, ranging from aiding in weight loss and boosting energy levels to improving heart health and promoting skin and hair health. Its versatility makes it a valuable addition to various culinary creations and beauty regimens. Incorporating milk into your diet and skincare routine can contribute to overall well-being and vitality.
FAQ
What is coconut milk and how is it different from coconut water?
milk is made from the grated flesh of mature brown coconuts, while coconut water is the liquid found inside coconuts. The process of making coconut milk involves soaking the grated flesh in hot water and then separating the creamy liquid.
How does coconut milk help with weight loss?
milk contains medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) which can aid in appetite reduction, calorie expenditure, fat burning, and ultimately weight loss. It also has fewer calories compared to cow’s milk, making it a suitable option for those on a keto diet.
How does coconut milk boost energy levels?
milk is rich in iron, which helps transport oxygen to the muscles and brain, improving stamina and concentration. It is particularly beneficial during pregnancy to ensure proper iron intake for both the mother and baby.
Is coconut milk beneficial for heart health?
milk contains saturated fats, including medium chain triglycerides (MCTs), which have been shown to reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) levels and plaque formation in blood vessels, potentially lowering the risk of heart disease.
Can coconut milk help heal ulcers?
Studies suggest that milk may aid in reducing symptoms of stomach ulcers due to its soothing properties. Lauric acid found in coconut milk also offers protection against viruses and bacteria, contributing to overall gut health.
