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Coconut milk is undoubtedly a remarkable food packed with excellent health benefits.Coconut is basically the fruit of the coconut tree, also known as Cocos Nucifera and falling within the family of palm trees ( Arecaceae ).
This plant is usually grown in the South of Asia, Polynesia, and Malaysia. In Sanskrit, the coconut palm is known as “kalpa vriksha” in terms of its consumption precisely because all its parts can be used. It means “the tree that gives all that is necessary for life”.The name was chosen by Spanish and Portuguese sailors and explorers when they first arrived in America.
One of the main ingredients of Southeast Asian cuisine is coconut milk. Some western countries prefer to use it for curry preparation, while others use it in spicy sauces to regulate hotness and in desserts for consistency. Coconut milk can also be used as an alternative in many dishes: sauces, broths, as well as Dutch sauces, dressings, and emulsions such as mayonnaise.
Coconut Milk Nutrition Facts
In coconut, half of the fat is lauric acid; this fatty acid chain is used as an antiviral and antibacterial agent to help fight disease. When absorbed quickly by the body, it provides energy.Lauric acid is converted into monolaurin, serving as an effective preventive mechanism against infections and, in the light of scientific studies, it can help improve high cholesterol levels and cardiovascular function.
The fact is that lauric acid and myristic acid, both of which are saturated fats in coconut, raise total cholesterol levels. It is generally ignored, however, that lauric acid has a higher content of good HDL cholesterol than LDL cholesterol with the result that your TC HDL(total cholesterol to HDL ratio) goes down, which is associated with lowering your body’s cardiovascular risk and can help in diagnosing the risk of atherosclerosis, which causes the formation of fat deposits in the walls of arteries.
Among other things, myristic acid works to increase cholesterol while not affecting TC: HDL, giving it a more or less neutral effect.
Carbs in Coconut Milk
There is not too much fructose or glucose in coconut milk with only 2% sugar, for this reason, it is perfect for a sweet treat.It is an energy drink that provides good amounts of carbohydrates. In turn, it is very refreshing as well as offering a fast energy boost. Use caution as it is higher in calories than other natural types of milk commonly used for consumption (almonds, soy, millet).
Coconut milk is made by squeezing the liquid from the grated coconut pulp and mixing it with water.Foods marketed as pure coconut milk are dairy-free products, and the term’milk’ describes only the color and texture of the liquid, akin to that of whole cow’s milk or cream, varying according to the amount of water added.
Coconut milk is at the top of the list when it comes to high-fiber content.A single cup of coconut milk is more than 5 grams of fiber, accounting for as much as 18 percent of the 28 grams of fiber required to support a 2,000 calorie diet.
Coconut Milk Allergy
With coconut milk being free of dairy, lactose, soy, nuts or cereals, it is the ideal solution for allergy sufferers.In addition to being also recommended among vegans and vegetarians, Coconut Milk is unlikely to have any adverse health effects, except for those who are allergic to coconuts.
How healthy is coconut milk for everyone? There are no limits to the age of people who can use coconut milk in general. The only thing to remember is to keep the milk refrigerated so that it stays as fresh as possible because if kept at room temperature it could turn sour in a couple of days.
This amazing milk does contain amounts of B vitamins that contribute to the metabolism and as a source of energy.It delivers a rich source of plant-based iron that is effective in preventing anemia from occurring and also vitamin K which serves to regulate blood clotting.It also offers a certain amount of vitamin C and vitamin E, which help to maintain cells and eliminate free radicals.
Coconut Milk Smoothie for Weight loss
The creamy texture of the coconut milk gives a rich, creamy taste to any smoothie and also a unique touch to shakes and other recipes.You can consume coconut milk on its own, if not, try it as you would like to use it as a base ingredient in soothing natural juices or smoothies with other ingredients including fruits or vegetables.
The active ingredients in coconut milk contribute to boosting your metabolism as well as helping to stimulate fat burning through natural processes.Adding a few drops of lemon juice to coconut milk will enhance its properties.
MCTs (medium chain triglycerides) in coconut milk have been found to promote energy expenditure and help boost physical performance.The high percentage of minerals and vitamins in coconut milk, make it ideal for detoxifying the body, helping to cleanse it of all kinds of toxins and waste from the body so that weight loss becomes easier.
Electrolytes in coconut milk such as magnesium and potassium, are necessary for muscle growth and strength after physical activity.Electrolytes help prevent the effects of burnout, heat stroke, heart problems, muscle aches or cramps, and immune failure, often in extremely hot weather, during exercise, or after a period of recovery or convalescence.
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Conclusion
For those with allergies or cholesterol, it is recommended to use coconut milk in moderation, either occasionally in a cake, as vegetable curry, cream soup as an entrée, or a creamy dessert.One thing to consider with coconut milk is its high calorie and fat content.
While the fat is definitely healthy, self-control of your portions is important, more so if you are struggling to lose weight.While you may not want to make it a common part of your daily diet, it may be the right choice to allow you to savor an occasional special meal and adhere to your healthy nutritional style.
