Coconut milk comes from the flesh of a ripe brown coconut. The liquid is thick and creamy and is created by mixing water with the coconut flesh.
The milk contains many nutrients beneficial to an individual’s diet, like vitamin C, iron, potassium, and copper. It also contains a decent amount of fiber, which is always important for individuals to consume.
Many different cultures use coconut’s milk in many of their recipes and cuisines. The milk can actually be made into two different consistencies. One has a thick base and the other has a thin base.
The thick based milk is usually used in thick sauces or dessert. Conversely, the thin based milk is used in soups and thinner sauces.
Health Benefits Of Coconut Milk
Uncover the best health benefits of coconut milk now.
1. Lessens Inflammation
When individuals lessen inflammation in the body, it allows the body’s functions to perform at a more optimal level. Coconut milk can serve as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic. It could be beneficial to an individual’s health to try coconut milk.
There are medical conditions that cause inflammation that could benefit from individuals frequently drinking coconut milk. Having less inflammation can help the body use its defenses and promotes a healthier environment for the individual.
It can never hurt to try a natural or healthier way to treat health problems. It is important to stay away from processed and greasy foods and consume natural products.
2. Connection to Heart Health and Cholesterol
Coconut milk has a connection to improving heart health and cholesterol in part due to the benefits associated with coconut oil, including the reduction of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and increase of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.
Some of the fatty acids contained in coconut milk have also been linked to reducing an individual’s risk of heart disease, similar to the function of coconut oil in reducing blood lipid levels in many cases.
These fatty acids are also said to get rid of the three major bacteria that cause the formation of plaque on the arteries, which can also reduce the risk of heart disease. Of course, more research is required to truly understand how much the milk is linked to heart health and cholesterol.
3. Link to Weight Loss
Studies have shown the fats in coconut milk can help with weight loss and increase an individual’s metabolism.
Coconut milk medium chain fatty acids, which go from the digestive tract to the liver and are immediately available for use for energy and are less likely to be stored as fat. These fatty acids have also been shown to suppress appetite.
These facets of coconut milk can mean individuals take in fewer calories, burn more fat, and expend more energy, which can cause weight loss. While there are more of these fatty acids in coconut oil, there are still some in coconut milk.
So, even though the benefit will not be as great when consuming coconut milk compared to coconut oil, there is still a benefit.
4. Safe from Common Allergens
Unlike other allergies individuals suffer from, like peanuts, a coconut allergy is pretty rare and few individuals must deal with it.
Additionally, it is an excellent and safe alternative to regular milk, which contains lactose, something many individuals are intolerant to. Many varieties of coconut milk are also gluten-free, offering relief from yet another allergen.
Finally, while the kinds of milk made from almonds and cashews are typically unsafe for individuals with nut allergies, coconut milk is entirely safe.
5. Boost to the Immune System
Coconut milk contains lauric acid, which can be converted by the body into a substance that will help fight bacteria and viruses, giving a boost to the immune system.
Some of the viruses it can help with include herpes and influenza. There has even been a study from the Philippines that showed coconut milk can help treat pneumonia.
So, the composition of the milk gives it different ways to be used. Individuals can use it in drinks, foods, and recipes, so it can be part of a healthier diet, which provides its own benefits to the immune system.
A boost to the immune system means individuals often also do not suffer from common illnesses such as the flu or common cold nearly as often as others.
Via: MedicalNewsToday | VeryWellFit
