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.

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