Coconut Milk: Its Benefits and Contraindications

In the era of "latte on alternative milk," it is hard to find a person who is not familiar with the taste of our today's hero. Coconut milk — what is it, what are its benefits, and can it be harmful? Let's find out.

To obtain coconut milk, it is not enough to simply open a coconut. The liquid inside is called coconut water. It is also tasty and beneficial, but it is not milk. Coconut milk is made from the flesh of the nut, which is grated with a small amount of hot water, squeezed, and then ground again. This process continues until a white, cloudy liquid is obtained, slightly more transparent than cow's milk, reports kuban24. Essentially, coconut milk is an emulsion of coconut oil and water.

In regions where coconuts grow and milk from them is not exotic, the drink has its own names. For example, in Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia, it is called "santin." In the Philippines, coconut milk is known as "gata," and in Thailand, it is called "kathi."

Coconut milk plays an important role in Thai and East Asian cuisine. It is also an excellent choice for those who, for any reason, avoid animal milk.

Benefits of Coconut Milk

This plant-based product does not cause digestive problems for people who are lactose intolerant. However, this is far from all its advantages.

Coconut milk is rich in vitamins B, C, A, PP, and E, as well as minerals: iron, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, selenium, zinc, and sodium.

Due to its high fat content, coconut milk is excellent for satiating and providing energy to the body. It positively affects the functioning of the nervous and cardiovascular systems, supports overall tone, and helps cope with stress. Additionally, the product helps lower cholesterol levels in the blood and serves as a preventive measure against atherosclerosis, strokes, and heart attacks. Potassium helps reduce swelling, removes excess fluid from the body, and lowers blood pressure.

Experts also note the positive effect of coconut milk on digestion and metabolism. Moreover, its calorie content is not high — 181 kcal per 100 g of product, so in reasonable amounts, it will not harm the figure. The main thing is not to overdo it.

Furthermore, studies show that medium-chain triglycerides found in coconut milk may aid in weight loss.

One should not forget about supporting the immune system (vitamin C), eye health (vitamin A), as well as bones and teeth (phosphorus).

Selenium has antioxidant properties, helps prolong cell youth, reduces inflammation, and aids in the prevention of many serious diseases. Moreover, it is beneficial for skin beauty.

Harm and Contraindications

So, is coconut milk an elixir of health, youth, and beauty? Yes, but like everything, this product has contraindications and possible side effects.

Coconut milk can cause an allergic reaction, so it is not recommended for children under three years old and should be avoided during breastfeeding.

People with diarrhea should not drink coconut milk. It should also be avoided during exacerbations of stomach ulcers or gastritis.