8 Nutritional Benefits of Coconut Milk

There is no doubt that coconut milk is one of the miracle liquids as it helps in preventing several diseases. Apart from this, coconut milk has an ability to build up the immune defenses of the body. Well, coconut milk is not milk actually! The milky white substance, which leaks out from the coconut is the water. When this water is blended with the coconut meat and strained the thicker liquid that is formed is what the coconut milk is.

There are several nutritional benefits of coconut milk. But before you jump on its benefits, you might be interested to know about its nutritional values. Coconut milk is a package of nutrients as it contains anti-oxidant, potassium, chloride, minerals, vitamins and lauric acid. Each of these plays a great role in optimizing the overall health. Well, it is high in saturated fats and calories and contains many other nutrients also. Read on and get to know the amazing benefits this miracle liquid offers.

1. Provides Electrolytes

It is indeed a known fact that coconut water is a rich source of electrolytes. For those who do not know what electrolytes are- they are the smallest cells in the body and are essential for normal functioning of the organs and cells. Well, did you know coconut milk also offers necessary nutrients! In fact, it contains a good amount of electrolytes that helps in preventing issues such as dehydration and diarrhea. Moreover, it helps in preventing fatigue. Apart from this, it also aids in keeping heart problems, exhaustion, muscle aches, heat strokes at the bay.

Also, coconut milk gives minerals to the body that is required for regulating heart health and maintaining blood volume. During summers, consuming coconut milk will bring wonders to the body. As in hot weather, people become sick which causes low immune system. The fact is, coconut milk contains the medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) fats, which our brain uses in order to give energy to the body. Coconut milk also provides healthy calories for the brain that are made up of fat.

2. Manages Weight And Boosts Energy

You might be astonished to know that coconut milk assists in managing weight. As it contains MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides) that are not only easily digested but are also metabolized in the liver. Further, it prevents the chances of MCT being stored as fat and therefore, it lends a hand in managing weight. According to a study, consumption of coconut milk can help in lowering overall calorie consumption. This results in reducing weight over time. In fact, it’s been said that the foods that are high in MCTs, are known as fat-burning foods. Well, you can accompany coconut milk with protein powder for weight loss as this fusion will help you in shedding those extra pounds faster than ever.

The thing is coconut fat offers the sensation of being full, this not only helps in keeping food cravings at bay but also prevent overeating. This ultimately gives control on eating, and one can potentially lose the weight. It’s been said that those who include more healthy fats in their diet, eat less as compared to those who do not get a good amount of fats. Apart from this, it helps in enhancing the energy as it removes the waste from the body and keeps the digestive organs function properly.

3. Aids In Digestion And Relieves Constipation

There is no doubt that constipation is one of the problems that certainly everyone has had at some time. Well, there are numerous natural remedies for constipation but, counting coconut milk is the best. As coconut milk contains electrolytes, due to which it is able to prevent issues such as IBS and enhances gut health. The point is a good digestive tract is needed to treat constipation, and one can consume coconut milk for that. Coconut milk nourishes the healthy fats, which further lend a hand in healing constipation. When it comes to those who are lactose intolerant, coconut milk can be the best option for them because it is lactose-free.

4. Prevents Arthritis And Joint Inflammation

Arthritis is a kind of disorder, which incredibly affects the joint. Pain and stiffness in the joint are hard to tolerate. Well, the thing is, treatment and medicines are to be taken by the people who suffer from this condition. But, did you know coconut milk has the power to decrease the risk of arthritis! Coconut milk contains anti-oxidant that prevents the symptoms of arthritis by controlling free radicals.

The MCT present in the coconut milk helps in lowering inflammation that is associated with general muscle or joint pains. One can use coconut milk in place of refined sugar as sugar is a pro-inflammatory and connected to swelling, low immunity, etc. So, coconut milk is a kind of medicine for the people who have arthritis.

5. Helps In Treating Anemia

Yes, coconut milk also helps in treating anemia, which is the condition when the level of red blood is higher than normal. The body needs iron because iron helps in producing hemoglobin and transporting the oxygen to the body. It’s been seen that lack of iron is a common nutrient deficiency throughout the world.

When the body lacks iron, at that time the condition of anemia occurs. By the way, coconut milk is not a rich source of iron, but it is a good source of plant-based iron. In fact, one cup of coconut milk supplies 5 gm protein, 13 gm carbohydrates, 57 gm fats (saturated fats), and 5 gm fiber. Therefore, it can lend a hand in preventing anemia.

6. Lowers Blood Pressure & Cholesterol And Improves Heart Health

Coconut milk is one of the best sources of lauric acid as 50% of the fat in it is this acid. According to some studies, lauric acid (main fatty acid) is a protective type of acid that not only augments the heart health but also help in improving cholesterol levels. It has a positive effect on the cholesterol levels when it is regularly consumed.

In fact, lauric acid has antiviral, antibacterial properties that help in optimizing heart health. Lauric acid helps in unclogging the arteries. Also, coconut milk contains vital minerals that are essential when it comes to lowering blood pressure, controlling blood flow and circulation. Coconut milk is helpful in keeping blood vessels elastic and flexible.

There was a research done in which, sixty healthy people were given coconut milk porridge for five days a week for eight weeks. After this period, researchers found that the LDL (low-density lipoprotein) of these 60 people was decreased. In fact, there high-density lipoprotein (HDL), which is considered good, rose incredibly. From this, the researchers came to the conclusion that coconut milk is beneficial as it does not cause any damage to the lipid profile of the people.

7. Controls Diabetes & Manages Blood Sugar

Coconut milk contains fat that can lend a hand in slowing the rate at which sugar is released into the blood flow. This further helps in preventing health conditions such as diabetes because it controls the insulin levels. There is a myth that people who have diabetes cannot eat food with coconut milk because of the high content of carbohydrates. Well, it is not at all true as coconut milk contains lauric acid, which helps in preventing diabetes.

In fact, MCTs in coconut milk are a considered to be the good source of energy. Moreover, one can add it to the sweetened recipes such as desserts to enhance the taste. The good fat of coconut milk control milk produces balance insulin in the bloodstream, which aids in controlling blood sugar. People who have diabetes, they must include coconut milk in their diet as it is useful in treating diabetes.

8. Prevents Ulcers

It might astonish some people that coconut milk has a tendency to prevent ulcers. It is a fact that coconut water can cure ulcers. But researchers found that coconut milk can heal ulcers better than the coconut water. The thing is coconut milk has antibacterial properties.

A study was conducted in which rats with ulcers were given coconut milk. Later, researchers found that there was 56 percent reduction in the size of ulcers. So, according to this study, coconut milk has positive effects on the ulcerated gastric mucus, which can result in the extremely painful ulcers. Moreover, it can help in relieving sore throats. One only has to consume fresh coconut milk when such conditions arise.

Final words

These were some of the major benefits of coconut milk. It is a rich in essential minerals and vitamins, and a good source of calcium, potassium, vitamins A, and E. Apart from this, it also helps in fighting bacteria and viruses as it contains lauric acid that lowers the level of bacteria and viruses, which are the roots of causing infections.

Coconut milk even features anti-viral, anti-carcinogenic, and anti-microbial properties that lend a hand not only boosting the immune system but also in fighting with illnesses such as flue and cold. Therefore, one must include coconut milk in the diet so as to get most out of it.

About the Author

John S. Young is an avid blogger who has written numerous blogs on health and fitness. He loves to write and share his knowledge by writing blogs for different sites.