Coconut Milk is a white liquid derived from the flesh of mature brown coconuts. For many years, it has been used as an ingredient in desserts, soups, and sauces. It is widely used in Indian, Thai, Hawaiian, and South American cuisines.
The fleshy part of the fruit is grated and soaked in hot water during the extraction process. The cream that forms on the liquid's surface is collected and used to make coconut cream, while the remaining liquid is sieved and separated from the pulp to make coconut milk. Here is a list of coconut milk health benefits:
1. Electrolyte Balance
Coconut milk contains electrolytes like potassium, magnesium, and phosphorous. Potassium is essential for maintaining a normal heart rhythm. It is also necessary for proper muscle function. Magnesium is necessary for a healthy immune system as well as normal nerve and muscle function. Phosphorus is an important structural element of bones and teeth. By including coconut milk in your recipes, you ensure that your body has an adequate supply of phosphorous to meet these needs.
2. Contains Antioxidants
Coconut milk is high in vitamins C and E, both of which have antioxidant properties. Our body tissues produce free oxygen radicals during the metabolic process. They are damaging to cellular components and promote ageing and tumour growth. Coconut milk contains antioxidants that help to neutralize these harmful substances.
3. Helps in Weight Loss
Coconut milk contains a high concentration of short and medium-chain triglycerides, which are considered healthy fats. They prolong the sensation of fullness, causing you to eat less and avoid giving in to cravings. Furthermore, they are more likely to be converted to energy than longer chain fatty acids. These are preferentially stored in the body, which contributes to obesity.
4. Prevents Heart Disease
Coconut milk has been shown to raise HDL Cholesterol levels in the body. Scientific evidence suggests that if consumed in moderation, coconut milk may help to lower LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) levels in the body. HDL cholesterol has anti-inflammatory properties that protect the endothelium, or the lining of the blood vessels. In contrast, LDL cholesterol promotes the formation of plaques in blood vessels, resulting in pathological narrowing.
5. Strengthens the Immune System
Coconut milk contains lauric acid, which has antiseptic properties. It aids the body's defense against infections caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi. A study conducted in the Philippines found that children with pneumonia responded faster to treatment with antibiotics and coconut milk than to antibiotics alone.
6. Healthy Hair & Skin
Coconut milk has recently gained popularity as a conditioning treatment for healthy hair. Its high-fat content acts as a moisture-retention sealant. Coconut milk, when applied to the scalp, helps to reduce dandruff and scalp itchiness. This is due to the presence of lauric acid, which has antibacterial and antifungal properties.
7. Prevention of Anemia
Iron can be found in high concentrations in coconut milk. Iron is required for the formation of healthy red blood cells with normal haemoglobin levels. Incorporating coconut milk into your diet will help you avoid anaemia, which is frequently caused by insufficient iron intake.
