Health Benefits Using Coconut Milk. With its super rich and velvety texture, coconut milk is often considered as a fattening, ‘artery clogging’ villain that should be avoided at all costs. But the truth is that real coconut milk is (amazingly delicious) and jam-packed with health benefits. If you’re not convinced, check out this article to learn about how coconut milk can benefit your health and the best ways to use it.
What is coconut milk?
Naturally dairy free, coconuts do not contain any milk in the sense that we normally think of it. In fact, coconut milk is traditionally made by prying the coconut meat from the husk, grating and pressing the coconut flesh before mixing it with water. There are various grades of coconut milk:
- Thick coconut milk also referred to as ‘full-fat coconut milk’ and usually simply labeled ‘coconut milk’ on cans and cartons. This type of coconut milk is the first liquid obtained from the squeezed grated coconut milk.
- Thin coconut milk is labeled ‘light coconut milk’ or ‘low fat’ since it contains only 5 to 7% of fat. Thin coconut milk is produced by soaking the grated coconut that remains after thick coconut milk is produced.
Proven health benefits of coconut milk
Coconuts and coconut milk have traditionally gotten a bad rap due to its high saturated fat levels. However, island populations around the world have used the fruit’s meat juice, milk and oil in everything from cooking to disease prevention. Furthermore, the unique fatty acids in coconut milk may aid weight loss, improve immune function, reduce heart disease risk and improve skin and hair health.Helps tone down inflammation.
- Helps tone down inflammation
- Can improve gut function & reduce intolerances
- Can speed up ulcer healing & reduce risks of stomach cancer
- Promotes muscle growth and facilitates fat loss
- Can help combat fatigue
- Can speed up ulcer healing & reduce risks of stomach cancer
Benefits of Coconut Milk
1. Improves Heart Health by Lowering Blood Pressure and Cholesterol
Coconuts are one of the best sources of lauric acid — 50 percent of the fat in coconuts is lauric acid, which has antibacterial and antiviral activities. According to many studies, lauric acid is a protective type of fatty acid linked with improved cholesterol levels and heart health. For example, when 60 healthy volunteers were given coconut milk porridge (CMP) for five days a week for eight weeks, researchers found that their low density lipoprotein (LDL) levels decreased while their “good” high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels rose significantly.
2. Boosts The Immune System
Coconut milk contains a good amount of vitamin C, a nutrient that helps to boost our immunity. Hence, regular consumption of coconut milk can help ward off infections and fight cold and cough.
3. Improves Digestion and Relieves Constipation
Feeling constipated? Having trouble with digestion? Coconut milk can help. This milk contains a wide range of vitamins and minerals, which provide the necessary electrolytes and good fats that help move the food along the intestinal tract and leave the body at regular intervals.
4. Controls Diabetes
The virgin coconut oil that is prepared from coconut milk affects the blood glucose levels positively. It contains antioxidant properties that improve the insulin secretion in the body. Another paper researched in Thailand talked about the benefits of coconut oil for diabetes. It suggested that virgin coconut oil increases the efficiency of cellular response to insulin, reduces blood sugar levels, stimulates metabolism, and decreases the glycemic index of food, thereby controlling diabetes.
5. Prevents Ulcers
If you are suffering from stomach ulcers, drinking coconut milk can help in significantly reducing and preventing ulcers altogether. Coconut milk contains anti-ulcer and antibacterial properties that fight the bacteria causing the ulcers. Drinking a glass of coconut milk at least once a week can give positive results in no time. A study was carried out in Chennai, India, to test the efficacy of a polyherbal cream, containing coconut milk as one of its main ingredients, on diabetic patients with foot ulcers. The study suggested that due to the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of coconut milk and some other ingredients, this cream was highly effective in healing the ulcers.
