Should You Use Coconut Milk?

Coconut is one of the trendiest superfoods nowadays. And the best part about it is that you can use several variations of this, including coconut water, coconut oil, and coconut milk. Indeed, plenty of people advocate for it as the best ready-to-drink non-diary milk choice. But if you’re wondering about whether or not you should use coconut milk, this article is for you. Let’s see up next what’s this all about!

What is coconut milk?

The first distinction we need to make is between coconut water and coconut milk. Coconut water represents the liquid inside a coconut, and coconut milk is obtained from the fruit’s white flesh. Also, coconut milk can be either thick or thin, based on the extraction method. But the most nutritious one is the thick coconut milk, as it features more vitamins and minerals. 

A cup of unsweetened coconut milk beverage comes with the following nutritional content:

·  Calories: 45

·  Fat: 4 g (3.5 saturated)

·  Protein: 0 g

·  Carbohydrates: 1 g

·   Sugar: 1 g

·   Calcium: 41 mg (4 percent of daily value*)

·   Sodium: 180 mg

A cup of unsweetened canned coconut milk comes with the following nutritional content:

·   Calories: 149

·   Fat: 12 g (10 g saturated)

·   Protein: 0 g

·   Carbohydrates: 3 g

·   Sugar: 1 g

·   Calcium: 0 g

·   Sodium: 15 mg

What are the health benefits of coconut milk?

Coconut milk might help you lose weight

A couple of studies suggest that daily consumption of this beverage can help you lose weight. Some experts believe that the triglycerides in coconut milk boost energy consumption through thermogenesis, a process of heat production. As such, your metabolic rate will be increased, and your weight loss diet will become more efficient. 

Coconut milk might protect your heart

An interesting fact about coconut milk is that it might prevent heart disease. Indeed, at first glance, it looks like this beverage comes with an impressive amount of saturated fats. But experts say that our hearts require different types of fat so that they remain healthy. Even though there is a need for additional studies on this topic, initial findings suggest that daily consumption of coconut milk can balance cholesterol levels and promote proper blood flow.

Coconut milk might improve your immune response

A multitude of studies done on coconut milk reveals that it has a beneficial impact on the immune system. And this happens since coconuts are rich in a lipid named lauric acid. This is essential for the immune response in our bodies, as it comes with potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover, researchers discovered that lauric acid might inhibit the development of Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumonia, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. And what is even more interesting is that specialists suggest that coconut milk can help the immune system inhibit cancer cell growth, too.

Are there any side effects when consuming coconut milk?

If you consume coconut milk with moderation, you will only access its health benefits. And it is highly recommended not to exceed the daily intake of this beverage, as it comes with high-fat content. Having too much coconut milk in your diet can lead to weight gain. Anyhow, besides this, there are a few side effects one might experience, including:

·  abdominal pain

·  nausea

·  vomiting

·  diarrhea

·  itching or irritation of the mouth, throat, eyes, or skin

How to include coconut milk in a diet

The best part about coconut milk is that it can be easily mixed and matched with a wide array of recipes. This means that you can use coconut milk with:

·  cereals

·  smoothies

·  soups, for which you can switch any creamy base with coconut milk for a healthier dish

·  oatmeal, as cooking these whole grains in coconut milk with increase their nutritional content

·  chicken curry mixed with quinoa

The bottom line

So, coconut milk is an excellent addition to any kitchen, as it can help you create nutritious meals. Of course, you need to consume it with moderation to avoid any unpleasant side effects. But considering its health benefits, it might be a good idea to add it in your diet, no matter if you’re on a weight-loss plan or not. The secret is consuming it with moderation and using it instead of other diaries. You will see how this delicious beverage will make everything tastier than ever!