Coconut milk is a commonly used dairy alternative and a cooking staple. But, Is coconut milk healthy? The answer is yes! It has a variety of health benefits.
Coconut milk is used as the main ingredient in a lot of food dishes, but Is cooking with coconut milk healthy?
Yes, cooking different food dishes using coconut milk is very healthy as it contributes to weight loss and has several other health benefits. Moreover, it is a tastier alternative to cow’s milk for lactose-intolerant people.
The article contains a complete description of the benefits of coconut milk related to different aspects of human health. It will also provide nutritional information about coconut milk.
Table of Content
Coconut Milk Calories and Nutritional facts
A 100 gram of coconut milk contains 230 calories. Here is the table demonstrating the nutritional information about coconut milk.
| Nutrients | % Daily Values |
| Total fat 24 g | 36% |
| Cholesterol 0 mg | 0% |
| Sodium 15 mg | 0% |
| Potassium 263 mg | 7% |
| Total Carbohydrates 6 g | 2% |
| Proteins 2.3 g | 4% |
| Calcium | 1% |
| Iron | 8% |
| Magnesium | 9% |
| Vitamin C | 4% |
| Vitamin D | 0% |
All of these values are based on a diet containing 2000 calories per day.
Is Coconut Milk Healthy to Drink? Complete Analysis!
Coconut milk is extracted from white part of coconut milk. It has a creamy texture with a thick consistency and it has various health benefits.
The nutrients present in coconut milk are almost the same as regular dairy milk and they provide several health benefits. Vitamins and minerals present in coconut milk have various beneficial effects on the human body.
Apart from being healthy and nutritious, coconut milk is tastier as well. Here is how coconut milk can be beneficial for different aspects related to human health.
Is Coconut Milk Good For Weight Loss?
The fats present in coconut milk are medium chain fatty acids. These are the triglycerides which are considered healthy. These fats can keep your stomach full, and reduce cravings hence, it helps in weight loss.
In addition, the medium-chain fatty acids are readily converted to energy sources and hence they get used up. This process helps in weight loss because fats do not accumulate in your body.
Is Coconut Milk Good for Fatty Liver?
Coconut milk contains essential fatty acids that are good for your liver. This is how coconut milk can help you fight fatty liver disease.
Lauric acid present in coconut milk can lower blood sugar levels and reduce cholesterol. It’s main function is to protect the liver from toxic substances and the damage caused by free radicals.
Lauric acid helps to reduce hepatic inflammation and eases liver functioning. It is famous for its antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. It enhances metabolism and prevents alcohol-related liver damage.
Is Coconut Milk Bad for Cholesterol?
Coconut milk can increase the good cholesterol level in the body that is HDL cholesterol. According to Scientific research, coconut milk can lower the level of LDL cholesterol, that is bad for health.
Coconut Milk is not bad for cholesterol if you consume it in low quantities. Because in low quantity, it can increase good cholesterol levels.
HDL cholesterol is good cholesterol having anti-inflammatory properties that protect the endothelium of the blood vessel lining. However, increased consumption of coconut milk leads to the deposition of LDL cholesterol.
LDL cholesterol promotes cardiovascular diseases and narrowing of blood vessels. This can result in heart attacks.
Are There Any Benefits of Coconut Milk for Skin and hair?
Coconut Milk can have wonderful effects if it is used as a hair conditioner. When you apply coconut milk to the scalp, it can help reduce dandruff and scalp itchiness.
This property is due to the presence of lauric acid in coconut milk. Coconut milk also has so many advantages for achieving a healthy skin.
It helps in the maintenance of skin elasticity, if you apply it directly on your skin. It also reduces wrinkles on your face. It gives you a more glowing and youthful skin.
The antibacterial properties of coconut milk contribute towards acne prevention. Women across the world now use it for skin cleansing and makeup removal.
Is Coconut Milk Healthy for Diabetics?
Diabetes can be best managed by maintaining blood sugar levels. So, Is coconut milk good for diabetics? Let’s find out!
The whole coconut fruit is an excellent food item for any diabetic. Coconut is the superfood to any diabetic, but it is not the same when it comes to coconut milk.
Coconut milk is a confusing food item for anyone who is diabetic. It has some great nutrients that are beneficial for people having diabetes. But at the same time, it’s glycemic index is also very high.
Diabetics should drink coconut milk in limited quantities, otherwise, it can have harmful effects. Some canned coconut milk is also high in added sugar, so an individual with diabetes should avoid processed coconut milk.
Is Canned Coconut Milk Healthy?
Canned Coconut Milk has a thick consistency and it imparts coconut flavor and creaminess to a dish. Sometimes, you may find that the can has the milk that is separated from cream.
But when you add it to the saucepan, it’s consistency returns to normal. You can use canned coconut milk to make delicious smoothies and cereals.
The flavor of canned coconut milk is more strong as compared to the natural one. This is because it has additives and artificial flavors in it. It contains canned sugar, sea salt, and sunflower lecithin. Therefore, the natural one is always better.
Is Coconut Milk Powder Healthy?
Coconut milk Powder is becoming a staple in kitchen pantries. You can use it instead of dairy milk and it is very versatile. It is very commonly used in most food items of Asian and European cuisine.
Coconut powder is healthy as it is gluten-free. Since it is dehydrated, no refrigeration is required and it has a long shelf-life.
However, natural coconut milk is always better than powdered or canned milk. This is because it has plenty of nutrients and no additives in it.
Coconut Milk Benefits and Side Effects
Coconut Milk is not only a popular food staple but it also has some health benefits. However, it can have some side effects in some sensitive individuals. Here are the benefits and side effects of coconut milk on human health.
Health Benefits
Vitamins and good fats of coconut milk makes it beneficial for human health. These are some amazing advantages of drinking coconut milk.
- Coconut milk contains a lot of antioxidants that slow down aging and prevents diseases like cancer.
- Vitamins present in coconut milk contribute to making the skin look good and youthful.
- Fiber present in coconut milk aids in digestion and promotes a healthy gut.
- Coconut Milk contains good fats that contribute to weight loss.
- Coconut milk contains HDL cholesterol that is good for heart health.
- Coconut milk is rich in electrolytes that are good for the proper functioning of body systems.
- Magnesium present in coconut milk promotes a healthy immune system.
- Potassium in coconut milk contributes to proper muscle functioning.
- Coconut milk contains calcium and phosphorus that promote healthy bones, teeth, and nails.
- Coconut Milk has anti-inflammatory properties, hence it aids in the reduction of joint pain and swelling.
Side Effects
Coconut Milk has myriads of health benefits. But overconsumption of coconut milk can lead to some serious health the sks. These are the following:
- People who are allergic to coconut can have serious allergic reactions when drinking. Over consumption of coconut milk can increase the level of LDL cholesterol and can cause heart diseases.
- Coconut milk can also cause digestive disorders in some individuals.
Unless you are allergic to coconut, the milk is unlikely to have these adverse effects. You can enjoy coconut milk in moderate quantities to enjoy its health benefits.
FAQs
Question: Is Coconut Milk healthy for toddlers?
Yes, coconut milk is healthy for babies of age above 1 year. You can give it to your baby as an additional nutrient source. Do not use it as an alternative to breast milk or powdered formula milk as it cannot fulfill your baby’s Nutritional requirements alone.
Question: Is coconut milk healthy in smoothies?
Yes, coconut milk is healthy in smoothies. It not only provides a good taste and creamy texture to your smoothie but can also give you an instant nutritional boost. It can also help in weight loss.
Question: Is coconut milk healthy for pregnancy?
Yes, coconut milk is healthy for pregnancy. Especially, if you are lactose intolerant and can’t drink regular dairy milk, you can drink coconut milk to fulfill your Nutritional requirements. But it is always wise to consult your physician first.
Bottom Line
Is coconut milk healthy? Yes, it is! In Fact, by adding enough coconut milk to your recipes you can not only make your food tasty but also ensure that your body has a good amount of nutrients.
Coconut Milk is the best choice for those who are lactose intolerant and those who want to lose weight. However, be careful while choosing canned coconut milk and try to drink natural ones.
