Benefits of Coconut Milk

Coconut milk is obtained from the thick, white flesh found inside a ripe coconut. To extract it, the white flesh or meat of a coconut is first grated and then soaked in hot water. The grated coconut meat is then squeezed through a cheesecloth to extract the milk. In general, the milk obtained from coconuts can be 'thick' or 'thin'.

The thick milk is obtained by squeezing the grated coconut only once. On the other hand, the squeezed coconut meat is soaked again in warm water, and then squeezed for the second or the third time to derive the thin milk. Coconut milk, especially if it's organic, is highly nutritious, and it can have several benefits for human health.

It is immensely rich in vitamins and minerals. It contains a significant amount of some of the crucial minerals, like iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and zinc. It also contains a significant amount of vitamin C and E. One cup of this milk (about 240 g) contains about 552 calories, 13 g carbohydrates, 5 g fiber, 5 g protein, and 57 g fats (mainly saturated fats).

Apart from these, one cup of coconut milk also contains about 6.7 mg vitamin C, 0.4 mg vitamin E, 0.2 mcg vitamin K, 1.8 mg niacin, 38.4 mcg folate, 0.1 mg vitamin B6, and 0.1 mg thiamine. The same amount of milk contains about 38.4 mg calcium, 3.8 mg iron, 88.8 mg magnesium, 631 mg potassium, 240 mg phosphorus, 1.6 mg zinc, 2.2 mg manganese, 0.6 mg copper, and 14.9 mcg selenium.

It contains a very high level of saturated fats, but the saturated fats found in coconuts are mainly short and medium-chain fatty acids, which are usually not stored by the body as fats. Instead, such short and medium-chain fatty acids have been found to provide instant energy to the body. Apart from these, it also contains many other essential nutrients.

The following are some of the most important health benefits of this product:

• A major part of the fats found in the milk is lauric acid, which has been found to possess antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. This fatty acid can boost the immune system, and enhance its ability to fight infectious agents.

• Lauric acid can also help maintain the elasticity of the blood vessels, and keep them clean, which can lower the risk for conditions like atherosclerosis and heart disease.

• It also contains several antioxidant compounds, which can provide protection against the harmful free radicals, and minimize their damaging effects on the body cells and tissues.

• Fresh coconut milk can nourish your hair and promote the growth of healthy hair, as it contains vitamin E. It can be used for controlling excessive hair fall as well.

• It can improve the health of the digestive system. It can relieve the symptoms of stomach ulcers and acid reflux disease.

• It can supply 22% of the recommended daily allowance of iron. With such a high level of iron, it can help treat anemia caused by iron deficiency.

• Apart from these, it may help relax the nerves and the muscles, control blood sugar level, lower blood pressure, and reduce joint inflammation.

• It can help cleanse the skin pores by removing dirt and excess sebum, and make it soft and supple. It can also remove the dead skin cells by acting as a gentle exfoliating agent, and help keep the skin well-hydrated.

This nutritious milk can be consumed safely by people who are lactose-intolerant or allergic to cows' milk. Coconut milk is also gluten-free, and so people having gluten intolerance can use it safely.