Coconut Milk and Health

Coconut milk is derived from the meat of a coconut. The white color and rich taste of the milk comes from the high oil content and sugars present in it. Coconut milk shouldn't be confused with coconut water, which is a naturally occurring liquid in the coconut.

Coconut milk is available in two varieties, thick and thin. The thick variety of the milk is prepared by squeezing the grated coconut meat in a cheesecloth, while the other variety is prepared by soaking the coconut meat in warm water and squeezing it again for thin coconut milk. Coconut milk can also be made at home by treating the grated coconut meat with hot water and milk. It is a common element is tropical cuisines, mainly Southeast Asia. It is a part of the Thai, Burmese, Filipino, Indonesian, Singaporean and Indian cuisine.

Coconut Milk and Health Facts

• Doctors recommend coconut milk for optimum health.
• Coconut milk health benefits are mentioned in Ayurveda for the human body. It is also used for the treatment of mouth ulcers.
• Coconut milk has many minerals, vitamins and electrolytes such as calcium, potassium and chloride.
• This milk is a dairy free alternative to those who are lactose intolerant and are also allergic to animal milk. This miracle milk is also nut free, soy free and gluten free.
• It is known to relieve the symptoms of sore throat
• It is good for the health of your skin and hair. Many cosmetic giants use it as a base in products for skin and hair.
• Apply coconut milk to the scalp to have dandruff free hair and condition your hair naturally.
• Coconut milk is a reservoir of antioxidants. Antioxidants help the body fight aging, low vision and low bone density.
• It also aids in digestion and is also used as a laxative. It can also be a remedy for urinary and kidney problems.
• If your skin has been exposed to the harsh rays of the sun for a long period and this has caused a rash or a sunburn; coconut milk is an instant healer. Have a bath in coconut milk or apply the milk to the rash and leave it overnight; the milk has cooling properties that will help get rid of the dryness and itchiness of the rash. Wash it off in the morning with cold water.
• Coconut milk is an excellent source of Vitamin E. It helps in the nourishment of the skin. You benefit from it in both ways by consuming or by applying the milk to your skin.

Coconut Milk Nutritional Information

Coconut Milk 1 cup (240 g)
Calorie	552 cal
Total Fat	57.2 g
Cholesterol	0 mg
Sodium	36 mg
Total Carbohydrates	13.3 g
Protiens	5.5 g
Vitamin A	0%
Vitamin C	11%
Calcium	4%
Iron	22%

Coconut Milk has Healthy Fats

• Coconut milk is a good source of natural fat for the body
• The saturated fat content in coconut is made up of short and medium chain fatty acids.
• These fatty acids are quickly converted in to energy instead of storing as fat in the body
• The medium chain fatty acids present in coconut milk are full of lauric acid.
• Lauric acid is anti fungal, anti viral and anti microbial. Coconut milk helps to boost your immune system.
• Lauric acid present in coconut milk, helps to keep the arteries of the heart clean and healthy.
• The sugar content of coconut milk is high.
• One glass of coconut milk fulfills the sugar need of the body.

I have recently started including coconut milk in my diet, as I had frequent complaints of dry skin. The results are astounding, as I no more suffer from the same problem till date. After reading so much on the health benefits of the coconut milk I believe it would be included in your family diet soon.