Coconut milk is the white, milky liquid that is extracted from a coconut’s flesh. Due to its health benefits, it has gained a lot of popularity, and it is also seen as an alternative to dairy milk.
Top Health Benefits of Coconut Milk
Heart Health
Research has shown that diets high in saturated fat and cholesterol can have an adverse effect on the heart and may result in heart disease. For this reason, some people may rule out coconut milk as a healthy heart drink, because it is high in fat.
But do you know that different sources of saturated fats all have unique ways in which they affect the body? Plus, there is “genetics,” which also plays a role in how an individual’s body metabolizes fat, and the impact of these fats on the health.
There hasn’t been a lot of research on the effect of coconut milk on cholesterol levels, but substantial research has been done on coconut oil.
A study has shown that coconut oil doesn’t increase the level of bad cholesterol, but it increases the level of good cholesterol in the body.
High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (good cholesterol) protects the heart and prevents low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (bad cholesterol) from the blood; instead, it carries it to the liver for breaking down. Afterward, the broken down component is eliminated by the body.
Although coconut oil will not considerably raise the level of low-density lipoprotein in the body, it should be consumed in moderation. And remember that coconut milk has more fat serving than coconut oil so that coconut oil might have a lesser effect on your cholesterol levels.
Weight Loss
Coconut oil contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), and it is advantageous in weight loss. It triggers energy through a process termed “thermogenesis,” also known as “heat production.”
Some studies have shown that MCTs can reduce body weight, and even trim down your waistline. It can also help balance unstable gut microbiota in the body, and when there is instability, it may lead to obesity.
A certain study carried out in 2015, showed that men who consumed medium-chain triglycerides at breakfast did not experience as much hunger pang as usual throughout the day.
Another study in 2018 showed that MCTs boost insulin sensitivity, and this can also promote weight loss because insulin is an important hormone responsible for controlling blood sugar levels.
Helps To Control Diabetes
Virgin coconut oil gotten from coconut milk has is known to have a positive impact on your body’s glucose level. It contains antioxidant properties that can increase insulin secretion. Also, it increases the efficiency of your body’s cellular reaction to insulin, lowers blood sugar level, stimulates metabolism, and also lowers the glycemic index of your food, and all of these work together to control diabetes.
Can Help Prevent Ulcers
Drinking coconut milk can significantly reduce your risk of having stomach ulcers because of its anti-ulcer and anti-bacterial properties that help in combating the bacteria responsible for ulcers.
If you are suffering from ulcers, regular intake of coconut milk can reduce the symptoms. When you drink a glass of coconut milk at least once a week, you should see a noticeable change.
Can Help Promote The Health of Prostate Gland
Coconut oil is rich in so many nutrients and vitamins, including zinc. Zinc is essential in promoting the health of the prostate gland, thereby lowering your risk of prostate cancer. The prostate gland contains a high level of zinc in its soft tissues, but when you drink coconut milk daily, the zinc level in your body is replenished.
Can Boost Immune System
Coconut milk contains lauric acid, which can be gotten from certain vegetable-based fats. Most times, lauric acid is gotten from coconut to develop monolaurin. Monolaurin is an antimicrobial agent that is used to treat several viral infections. Furthermore, it would ultimately boost the immune system and help prevent yeast and bacterial infections.
Prevention of Anemia
Coconut milk is significantly high in iron, and iron is essential in the formation of healthy red blood cells. Iron is an essential mineral that also helps to maintain normal hemoglobin levels in the body. So incorporating coconut milk into your diet daily would reduce your chances of developing anemia, which happens as a result of iron deficiency.
Healthy Hair and Skin
Coconut milk has recently become popular due to its effectiveness as a hair conditioner. Because it is high in fat, it can serve as a moisture sealant, and that’s helpful for length retention
When applied to the skin, coconut milk can help maintain the elasticity and reduce the formation of wrinkles.
