Benefits of Coconut Milk

Coconut milk is obtained from the thick, white flesh or meat found inside a ripe coconut. To extract it, the white flesh of the coconut is first grated and then soaked in hot water for some time. The grated coconut meat is then squeezed through a cheesecloth. It is of two types, thick and thin milk. The thick coconut milk is obtained by squeezing the grated coconut only once, while for getting thin coconut milk, the squeezed coconut meat is re-soaked in warm water and then again squeezed for the second or the third time. Coconut milk, especially if it's organic, is highly nutritious, and can have several benefits for human health.

Coconut Milk Nutritional Information
It is immensely rich in vitamins and minerals. It contains high levels 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 coconut milk (about 240 gm) contains 13 gm carbohydrates, 5 gm fiber, 5 gm protein and 57 gm fats, mainly saturated fats. One cup of coconut milk can provide about 552 calories, which means that it is high in calories and hence, should be consumed in small amounts.

Its fat content is also very high, which too highlights the importance of taking it only in small amounts. 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 coconut milk can give 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.

Advantages of Including Coconut Milk in Your Diet
It contains a very high level of saturated fats, but the saturated fats found in coconut milk 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 fatty acids, it contains many other essential nutrients, which can be attributed for several health benefits.

• A major part of the fats found in coconut milk is lauric acid, which has been found to exhibit antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. This fatty acid can boost the immune system and its disease fighting ability.
• Lauric acid can also be helpful in maintaining the elasticity of the blood vessels and in keeping 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 their damaging effects on the body cells and tissues.
• It can improve the health of the digestive system and promote digestion. It can relieve the symptoms of stomach ulcers and acid reflux disease as well.
• It can give about 22% of the recommended daily allowance of iron. With such a high level of iron, it can help to treat anemia caused by iron deficiency.
• Apart from these, it may help to relax the nerves and the muscles, control blood sugar level, lower blood pressure and reduce joint inflammation.
• It contains vitamin E and fats, which can prove effective in moisturizing hair. Fresh coconut milk can nourish hair and promote hair growth. It can be used for controlling excessive hair fall as well.
• It can be used for cleansing the skin pores by removing dirt and excess sebum. When used for skin care, coconut milk can give soft and supple skin and a radiant complexion. Coconut milk can also remove the dead cells from the skin by acting as a gentle exfoliating agent. At the same time, it helps to keep the skin well hydrated and moisturized as well.

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