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Fruits constitute a part of a healthy diet, it provides our body with benefits in ways more than one. In fact, it is believed that eating a variety of fruits and vegetables will enhance the defense of the body against an amalgam of health problems. Among others, one that will prove to be best would be avocado. In the rest of this article, you will gain insights on why this fruit is recommended to be eaten at least several times within a week

Promoting Heart Health

All over the world, coronary heart disease is considered to be one of the most serious health problems and a leading cause of death. For this reason, you should consider eating avocado more as it has been linked into improving heart health. One of the things that make avocado friendly for the heart is that it contains mono-saturated oleic acid, which will reduce cholesterol for improved cardiovascular health.

Promoting Eye Health

Eye problems are also common for many people, especially for the aged. This should be given priority, especially given the fact that it can be actually avoided, provided that you have a healthy diet. In this case, avocado should be considered as part of your diet. It is rich in carotenoid lutein, which is the one that is responsible for the reduction of the likelihood of having macular degeneration and cataract.

Prevents Cancer

You should also consider avocado if you would like to lessen the likelihood of having cancer. The high fiber content of this fruit is known as being good for being able to avoid colorectal cancer. It also contains oleic acid, which is known for being able to fight the cells that can cause breast cancer. Certain studies in the past have also proven its effectiveness against prostate cancer.

Weight Management

Struggling to lose weight? Do not worry as you are not alone. There are many other people who are finding it hard to do so. Fortunately, avocados can help. Even in spite of the fact that it is high in fat and calories, it is undeniably one of the best food for weight loss. Its mono-saturated fatty acids will provide you with energy that will be burned slowly.

Prevents Diabetes

The oleic acid that is found in avocado is the one that is responsible for making it a good fruit for those who have diabetes. While it is able to lower the bad cholesterol in the body, it is able to raise the good cholesterol. More so, since it is high in mono-saturated fats, it holds the benefit of the reduction of triglyceride and improvement of the level of blood glucose.

Promotes Healthier Skin

Through eating avocado, you will enjoy having glowing and youthful skin, which can be also attributed as a function of mono-saturated fats. It also contains Omega-9 fats, which will reduce irritation and redness on the surface as a possible outcome of having damaged skin cells. To add, it also has Vitamins C and E, which can help to promote the firmness and elasticity of the skin.

Prevention of Arthritis

Having arthritis can lead into excruciating pain, which is caused by the inflammation of the joints. Avocado should be a part of your diet because of its anti-inflammatory compounds. The phytosterols that are found in avocado makes it able to prevent inflammation.

Cures Bad Breath

Having bad breath is surely something that you would not want as it is very humiliating. To prevent this, you can also consider eating avocado as it can make your breath fresher naturally. This does not work on the surface of the tongue directly, but it cleans the intestine, which is the actual reason on why some people suffer from bad breath.

Prevents Stroke

If you would like to reduce the likelihood of having stroke, you have another good reason to eat avocado. Foods that will prevent stroke are those that are rich in folate, which is exactly the reason why avocado is highly recommended.

Improves Nutrient Absorption

Adding avocado to your salad is also a good thing because it will help you to increase the likelihood of absorbing the other nutrients better. In fact, according to several studies in the past, carotenoids are absorbed five times more by those who often eat avocados.

Its summer and you can never have enough of coconut water this season, but is that all that you desire the wonder food for? If yes, then you sure are wasting the pulp which can be put to such wonderful use. Yes, for yourself and by yourself too. Have you heard of coconut milk yet? And it’s wonderful health, Skin and Hair benefits? You must make your cup of coconut milk now and use it in ways so many.

How to make coconut milk:

Grate and soak the coconut flesh in luke warm water. Let the coconut rise and float on the top and then skim it off. Next, strain the liquid through a cheese cloth to obtain your creamy coconut milk.

Now that you’ve made your coconut milk, here is how you must use it like a daily staple.

Beat effects of age and injury: Stronger Bones

Did not the word milk give the hint out already? Coconut milk is a boon for those who are dairy intolerant and have week bones. Why? It may not have as much calcium but it is a richer source of Phosphorus which is responsible for giving you stronger bones. It also helps alleviate arthritis symptoms as due to its antioxidant properties, it controls free radicals and decreases the risk of Joint inflammation.

Live Longer : Lowers Cholesterol

And this may come as a shocker but despite the high content of saturated fat in coconut milk, it still helps lower levels of cholesterol as compared to other dairy creams and butter. Coconut milk has lauric acid that boosts the good cholesterol or HDL in your body. Thus, coconut milk is one of the best forms of saturated fats as it is easy to break down for your body. It metabolizes to healthy forms like essential fatty acids including Omega 6.

Secret to the beach body: Aids Weight Loss

You might have steered clear of coconut milk fearing what the saturated fats will do to your body and the never satisfying business, but you’ll be presently surprised to know that the coconut milk does not add to your weight. On the contrary, you can rely on it for aiding weight loss since it is rich in fibre. It hence makes you feel fuller for longer and if taken in moderate quantities it can infact help you control weight or even lose it.

No more catching infection: Stronger Immune System

How long have you been wishing to not get so sick so soon? Take your daily dose of coconut milk and get a much stronger immune system. Coconut milk is rich in lauric acid, capric acid and antimicrobial lipids. These possess anti- bacterial, anti- fungal and anti viral properties. The lauric acid on being consumed by humans gets converted into monolaurin which is compound that helps fight the bacteria as well as viruses responsible for causing influenza, herpes and even HIV.

Stronger and Silkier : Complete Hair Nourishment

If you thought those were all the benefits coconut milk had to offer, think again. Applying coconut milk on your scalp can be much better than even coconut oil. It helps give a cooling sensation to your scalp. It nourishes your hair and imparts natural moisture to it from roots till the ends. You get much better, well manageable hair with lesser split ends. Massaging your hair with coconut milk and leaving for 20 minutes will also help stimulate hair growth. So get hair with replenished nourishment.

No more seeing the scalp: Prevent Baldness

Coconut milk can do wonders for your hair loss and regrowth too. You can see fast results with the baldness going away. Miss one part of coconut milk with two parts of water and one fourth part of camphor solution to see your hair reappear. Rub this mixture onto the scalp specially where there is baldness. Leave on for a couple of hours and rinse off with luke warm water. Next keep your hair covered with a moist towel. Let your hair dry naturally.

2 Minutes of Combing: Natural Hair Detangler

Coconut milk can also be used as a leave in conditioner for tangled hair. Rub a little coconut milk to your hair before combing and see the tangles getting more manageable. You would then comb right through with little or no hair left on your comb. Make sure however that you use the coconut milk in moderation as your hair might end up looking greasy otherwise.

Beat the Wrinkles : Anti Aging Properties

You see premature aging signs on your skin? Add coconut milk to your daily diet and also topical application and see the wrinkles disappear and never appear again. Coconut milk helps improve skin elasticity as it has high vitamin c and copper content. These help slow the aging process of your skin, you would thus not have any saggy skin and age spot woes.

Flaunt on the beach : No more sunburns

You’ve got skin that is super sensitive to sunburns and tan? Worry no more for the sun damaged skin. All you ought to do is apply plain coconut milk in a thin layer over the sunburnt area. It will help cool the skin and restore moisture as well as get rid of redness. The fats and oil help reduce the pain and redness too. Leave the coconut milk applied overnight to the affected areas and relieve the pain of the burns and rashes caused by damage from the sun.

Coconut milk is similar to the conventional dairy beverage in terms of its creamy consistency. It is famous in countries with lush coconut tree farms like the Caribbean, the Philippines, and other Asian countries.

The milk is slightly sweet in flavor, which makes it a remarkable cow’s milk substitute in preparing smoothies and other desserts. Nowadays, coconut milk gains a lot of attention with the popularity of Vegan diet, which keeps people from taking in conventional dairy products. This article will discuss the benefits as well as the side effects of drinking coconut milk to answer the question “Is coconut milk good for you?”.

Is Coconut Milk Good for You?

Note that the key in getting the health benefits of coconut milk lies in moderation. Avoid drinking too much. Limit your daily intake within 2 cups. Also opt for freshly made coconut milk. Drink less from a can because processed foods can bring potential danger.

Health Benefits

1. Vitamins and Minerals

Common vitamins found in coconut milk are vitamin C, E and several B vitamins. Each vitamin is crucial for your health due to their contributions. Vitamin C and E improves your immune system. On the other hand, cellular energy increases with the presence of B vitamins taken in with the milk.

Aside from these vitamins, incorporating coconut milk on your diet also supplies other essential nutrients like iron, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium. Iron is integral in producing erythrocytes or red blood cell, which carry oxygen for distribution. Magnesium is linked with several biochemical processes like nerve cell functions and heart rhythm regulation. Bones and teeth receive benefits from good amounts of phosphorus. Lastly, potassium is a vital nutrient for sustaining tissues found on major organs in the body like brain, kidney and heart.

2. Antioxidant

Several medical journals, including the Ceylon Medical Journal, cited and emphasized the high amounts of antioxidants in coconut milk. Antioxidants are vital in the body in preventing potential toxin-induced health issues. Numerous studies present linkage between free radicals and major diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, heart problems, and cancer. Dementia caused by aging also benefits from coconut milk’s ability in slowing down the aging process.

3. Lauric Acid

Lauric acid is often found in breast milk, but studies show the presence of this fatty acid in coconut. The National Center for Biotechnology Information claims lauric acid’s ability to counteract germs and viruses. Destroying these harmful foreign microorganisms ensure protection from different diseases.

In addition to its anti-bacterial properties, lauric acid also contributes in lowering the risk of heart diseases by reducing and stabilizing triglycerides and cholesterol levels.

4. Promote Cardiovascular Health

The Ceylon Medical Journal claims that while coconut milk has healthy fats, which are not the type that blocks arteries, which also implies protection from risk of heart problems. Monoglycerides, a type of lipid, found in coconut meat are immediately absorbed and converted to energy after consumption. Utilizing monoglycerides as energy means it will not be stored and clog the blood vessel.

5. Relieve Arthritis Symptoms

Joint inflammation is also linked with free radicals. Coconut milk contains selenium, a component that works as antioxidant that cleanses the body from free radicals and relieves joint inflammation.

6. Calm Nerve Cells

Nerve cells can be excessively stimulated among hypertensive individuals. Magnesium and calcium contents in this milk stabilize blood pressure and calm the nerves.

7. Regulate Blood Sugar

Magnesium also aids in stabilizing glucose level by breaking it down and promote better metabolic rate in the body.

 

Beauty Benefits

1. Moisturizing Skin

Coconut milk’s fat retains moisture in your skin, giving it a softer and smoother texture. You can experience its moisturizing properties by drinking or applying it directly on your skin. Let the milk stay on your skin for approximately 15 minutes after application then rinse.

2. Makeup Removal

Mixing coconut oil with olive oil creates an organic makeup remover. Applying the mixture on your skin makes removing cosmetic products easier.

3. Wrinkle Prevention

As mentioned earlier, coconut milk contains antioxidants that control aging. In addition, it is also rich in copper and vitamin C that enhance skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles and fine lines.

4. Sunburn Treatment

Sunburned skin can also be relieved by applying coconut milk. It moisturizes the affected area and relieves sunburn-induced pain.

5. Hair Conditioner

Various shampoo and conditioner brands blend coconut milk and oil that moisturize the hair while maintaining its natural shine. Get the same benefit the natural way by massaging coconut oil on your hair from root to tip. Apply coconut milk and wrap your hair with a towel for several hours to experience its hair moisturizing properties.

2. You can massage coconut oil into your skin to maintain its suppleness, but you should also take a tablespoon each day in its uncooked, raw form. It helps to cleanse and balance your healthy gut flora, which is thought to minimise the outbreaks of skin rashes,  and irritations. When taken internally coconut oil literally beautifies your skin from the inside out.

3. Used as a skin moisturiser,  coconut oil nourishes and hydrates your skin by replenishing your natural skin oils. It contains Medium Chain Fatty Acids (MCFA’s), which are also found in your natural skin oils. These MCFA’S are naturally anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti fungal.

4. A common cause for skin problems and dehydration is a build up of toxins, fungi and bad bacteria. Coconut oil helps to cleanse and neutralise these toxins,  fungi and bacteria on the outer layers of your skin, which not only detoxifies but also helps to build your skins natural immune system and protection.

5. Some forms of eczema and psoriasis are actually skin infections caused by a fungus. Using coconut oil topically can help these.

6.  It can also be used in your hair as a deep conditioning treatment. Coconut oil will make your hair shine and glow by bringing out your natural vibrancy and beauty.

7.  They say that drinking coconut water makes your skin look younger and more vibrant, as it aids in cleansing toxins naturally and erases any harmful toxic build up. The result? Clearer, healthier looking skin.

8.  You can also use coconut water as a facemask - thoroughly soak cotton pads in the coconut water and apply them to your face. Leave them on for up to 30 minutes for radiant, hydrated and moisture-filled skin.  

9.  To make coconut scrub to hydrate your skin, mix 1tbsp of coconut water and lentils into a paste. Rub it gently on the skin for two minutes then rinse it away. 

10. Coconut water can also be an effective clarifying moisturiser. Simply mix a few drops of coconut water with a few drops of lemon and then apply it to your skin. The coconut water hydrates and the lemon helps brighten and clear the skin.