Coconut milk is extracted from the flesh of mature brown coconuts, also known as Nariyal ka Doodh in Hindi. Coconut are well known for its delicious taste and numerous health benefits. Here we will discuss about 10 benefits of Coconut Milk and associated risks.
Coconut milk is not “milk” in the typical sense. It is the thick liquid can be made by blending coconut meat with water and then straining it. Coconut milk is a key ingredient in many South east Asian cuisines to add flavors and creamy texture to desserts. It also acts as a thickening agent to the tangy sauces.
Health Benefits of Coconut Milk
Coconut milk and other products are sources of healthy fats called medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). Many studies have found that consuming MCTs promotes weight loss by reducing appetite and increasing energy.
The nutritional profile of Coconut milk include vitamins C, E, B1, B3, B6, and B12 and minerals like iron, sodium, copper calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. These nutritional benefits of Coconut Milk improves your overall immunity.
1. Aids weight loss
Coconut milk is rich Medium-Chain triglycerides (MCTs) which are considered as healthy fats and they can stimulate energy through a process called thermogenesis, Moreover They help to induce satiety, reduce appetite, boost fat burning which can be helpful in long-term weight loss and prevent obesity.
MCTs work to reduce body weight and improve metabolism. According to a study suggest that MCTs increase insulin sensitivity and promotes weight loss. MCTs go directly from the intestinal tract to your liver, where they’re used for ketone production.
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2. Anti-inflammatory
Coconut milk can act as natural sweetener and a great substitute for sugar. As according to a study on mice, high sugar intake can worsens autoimmune inflammatory conditions like Rheumatoid arthritis. Coconut milk also help to reduce joint pain and inflammation.
Some animal studies found that coconut extract reduce inflammation and swelling. Coconut milk have many antioxidants properties that helps to neutralize free radicals. They are harmful components and contribute towards aging and tumor growth.
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3. Electrolyte balance
Coconut milk is rich in electrolytes such as potassium, iron, zinc, magnesium and phosphorous.
- Potassium is essential for preventing fatigue and maintenance of a normal heartbeat and healthy cardiac muscle functioning.
- Phosphorus is a structural constituent of bones and teeth.
- Magnesium is important for a healthy immune system, regulating muscle and nerve function, blood sugar levels, and blood pressure
- zinc is an element that helps to maintain the health of the prostate gland and reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
- Iron helps in formation of hemoglobin in blood. Thus, by adding Coconut milk to your regular diet can mitigate iron deficiency and prevent Anemia.
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4. Prevents Heart disease
One study found Lauric acid of coconut oil did not raise the levels of “bad cholesterol,” or low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and rather it increased the levels of “good cholesterol,” or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL).
HDL cholesterol has anti-inflammatory properties that protect the endothelium and lower the risk of heart diseases. LDL cholesterol, on the other hand, promotes the formation of plaques in blood vessels causing pathological narrowing and heart attacks.
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5. Increases Immunity
According to a study found that lauric acid stimulates programmed cell death also called apoptosis,, in breast and endometrial cancer cells. This acid inhibits the growth of cancerous cell by stimulating receptor proteins that regulate the growth of cells.
Coconut milk contains (MCTs) which can easily absorbed by the liver and get converted to ketones. Ketones have been identified as an alternative source of energy for the brain and can be beneficial for people who are at the risk or with Alzheimer’s disease.
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6. Protects Skin
Antimicrobial properties of Coconut milk promote a healthy and glowing skin by preventing pimples, combats itchiness, The natural fats of coconut milk help in moisturizing skin and also prevent skin pores clogging,
Coconut milk can rapidly heal the sunburnt skin because of its anti-inflammatory properties. It aids in reducing pain and swelling by cooling the skin. It also prevents premature aging by reducing wrinkle formation and maintain the elasticity of the skin.
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7. Hair Growth
Coconut milk contains many essential nutrients that nourish the hair follicles and boost hair growth. It acts as a hair moisturizer and can restore dry and damaged hair,
Moreover, coconut milk has now gained fame as hair conditioner and can provide softer, thicker and healthy hair. And it can also reduce dandruff and scalp itchiness.
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8. Gastrointestinal Health
Coconut milk, contains Zinc, a mineral that aids in the renewal of the cells that line the intestinal wall. This wall blocks the entry harmful pathogens from the intestinal lumen to the blood flow and prevents diarrhea.
In addition, it is a healthy substitute for individuals that are lactose intolerant. Coconut milk may play a role in aids absorption of good nutrients, reduce incidence of indigestion, and strengthen overall immune system.
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9. Antimicrobial Properties
Coconut milk is rich in MCTs and lauric acid which converts into monolaurin. also has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. Not only this it has also anti stress, antiseptic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
The study suggested that polyherbal cream containing coconut milk was highly effective in healing the ulcers on diabetic patients with foot ulcers, It also relieve oral and other dermal inflammations.
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10. Helps Control Diabetes
The coconut oil made from coconut milk has been affective in blood glucose levels positively. It contains many antioxidant properties that improve the insulin regulations in the body .
A Study suggests that virgin coconut oil increases the efficiency of cellular response to insulin and reduces blood sugar levels, stimulates metabolism, and thereby helping control diabetes.
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Potential Risks
Coconut milk loaded with high levels of calories and healthy fats. Consuming too much of coconut milk can not only lead to weight gain but also might cause following problems :
- abdominal pain, cause digestion troubles and constipation.
- nausea, allergies
- irritation of the mouth, throat, eyes, or skin
- Contains fermentable carbohydrates which can induce tooth decay
- A BPA, a chemical can cause cancer and reproductive problems which can leach from linings of packaged canes to food.
- Coconut milk can lead to cardiovascular problems and high blood pressure as it is high in fats.
Summary
Like other coconut products, coconut milk provide many health benefits like lowering cholesterol, promote weight loss, good makeup remover etc. It is a a base ingredient in various recipes and home remedies for skin and hair problems.
There are numerous benefits of coconut milk can be availed and easily avoid its side affects, provided if taken in right quantity. As the famous proverb says “Nothing in this world is good if taken in excessive” is rightly fit in the case consuming of coconut milk as well.
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