A traditional food ingredient used in Southeast Asia and Africa; coconut milk is a thick, creamy liquid derived by grating tender white coloured flesh of brown coconuts. By soaking the extracts in water and then straining them, a milk-like consistency can be derived.

Since it is made from shredded coconut extracts, it does not come in the category of a dairy product. People who do not consume dairy products use it generously instead of milk. Moreover, its white liquid can lend richness to soups and curries. A nutritious plant-based superfood, coconut milk is vegan, and lactose-free, making it an ideal choice for those who are lactose-intolerant and seeking a plant-based diet alternative. Coconut milk is rich in medium-chain triglycerides lauric acid, and other essential components and has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties.
Coconut milk

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This plant-based diet consists of nutrients necessary for keeping the body in good health. Coconut milk has saturated fat and medium-chain triglycerides. Despite being high in calories, it has all the essential vitamins and minerals. A great source of potassium, it also contains manganese and copper, phosphorus, and selenium.

Why Coconut Milk For Hair, Skin And Body?

A great go-to ingredient in cooking and beauty regimen, here is how this lactose-free milk alternative boosts your overall health:

Aids Weight Loss

Coconut milk contains about thirteen percent medium-chain triglycerides, capric, and caprylic acid. Since these components do not get stored, they promote the production of ketones. All these factors induce satiety and keep you fuller for a longer duration.

Reduces The Risk Of Alzheimer’s

 Medium-chain triglycerides in coconut milk can get easily absorbed by the liver and converted to ketones. Ketones become an alternative source of brain energy and can be beneficial for people with Alzheimer’s or those who are at risk of this brain disorder.

Soothes Ulcers

Owing to its anti-ulcer and antibacterial properties that fight the bacteria causing the ulcers, drinking coconut milk can significantly reduce and prevent stomach ulcers.

Promotes Prostate Health

Zinc is an element that is known to maintain the health of the prostate gland and keep prostate cancer at bay. Drinking coconut milk regularly ensures that zinc levels in the body are always optimum.

Prevents Premature Aging

One of the best skin-befitting ingredients is Vitamin C and coconut milk has significant amounts of this component. Vitamin C helps to keep the elasticity and flexibility of the skin and brightens the overall appearance and health.

Exfoliates Skin

Coconut milk is one of the best ingredients that can help to exfoliate your skin. It has copper, antioxidants, and other skin-healing ingredients that can exfoliate dead skin and let the new skin breathe freely.

Augments Hair Growth

Coconut milk is imbued with ample hair-healthy nutrients that can nourish the hair follicles and bolster hair growth. When used regularly on dry and damaged hair, it can bring shine, treat itchiness, and reduce dandruff on the scalp.

How Much Of Coconut Milk Should be Consumed?

High in calories this plant-based food product should be consumed moderately. Overconsumption of this milk may cause digestion problems and weight gain. On an average, one small cup daily is fine. Also, excessive consumption of coconut milk should be avoided by people with elevated cholesterol levels. People with tree nut allergies should also check for possible allergic reactions.

Also Read: Virgin Coconut Oil: Uses, Nutrition And Health Benefits

How To Use Coconut Milk?

In the following ways, you can use coconut milk in your daily routine:

  • Drink coconut milk as it is, to get a fabulous dose of vitamins and minerals and yes, some extra calories too
  • Try coconut milk as an alternative to regular milk in your breakfast cereals
  • Coconut milk can be used in puddings and desserts to make them creamier
  • This milk variety for its rich nutty flavor can be added to soups to get a dose of healthy fat
  • It can be used to your beauty routine by topically applying to the body and face to nourish your skin
  • Using coconut milk on tresses promises a boost in hair health besides preventing sudden hair fall, and mild to severe dandruff