Coconut Milk – sources, health benefits, nutrients, uses and constituents at NaturalPedia.com

07/22/2017 / By Earl Garcia

Coconut milk is the liquid extracted from grated coconut meat. According to an article in the health and wellness website Live Strong, the creamy coconut milk is a popular staple among Island populations around the world due to its culinary use and high nutrient content.

List of known nutrients

Coconut milk contains high levels of important nutrients that boost the body’s overall health. An article on the SELF Nutrition Data website lists the many essential vitamins and minerals found in coconut milk, which include:

Calcium
Capric Acid
Choline
Copper
Folate
Iron
Lauric Acid
Magnesium
Manganese
Niacin
Pantothenic Acid
Phosphorus
Potassium
Riboflavin
Selenium
Sodium
Thiamin
Vitamin A
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B6
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Vitamin K
Zinc

Medicinal uses for coconut milk

Coconut milk is notably high in phosphorus, which makes it an essential superfood for bone strength. In fact, one cup of coconut milk contains as much phosphorus as a single serving of regular milk. The superfood is also an excellent source of selenium, a potent antioxidant that fends off free radicals and relieves arthritis symptoms. The high selenium content in coconut milk is also known to reduce the risk of joint inflammation.

Coconut milk is also remarkably effective in maintaining cardiovascular health. While it is loaded with saturated fats, coconut milk may actually help reduce cholesterol levels unlike butter and dairy-based creams. This is due to the high lauric acid content in coconut milk. Lauric acid is found to increase good cholesterol levels in the blood. Aside from this, the healthy fats in coconut milk are easier to break down and metabolize.

In addition, various plant-based fats in coconut milk possess antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties that fend off infections. In fact, lauric acid gets converted into monolaurin, a potent compound known to combat viruses and bacteria that cause herpes, influenza, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Besides this, coconut milk is also touted for its rich manganese supply. Manganese is an essential mineral that facilitates glucose metabolism and regulates blood sugar levels in the body. Manganese is also an important mineral that prevents osteoporosis and relieves inflammation and symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Likewise, the mineral helps promote nutrient absorption, metabolism, and overall digestive health.

Moreover, coconut milk is notably high in magnesium that calms the nerves and alleviates muscle contractions. Magnesium is also known to maintain a healthy cardiac rhythm. Likewise, the high phosphorus content in coconut milk is touted to support the tissues of the heart, kidneys, brain, and muscles. Aside from this, the superfood’s abundant iron supply helps bolster the body’s overall blood circulation.

Furthermore, the ample fiber supply in coconut milk helps promote satiety and induce healthy weight loss. Likewise, coconut milk is known to improve skin health and address hair conditions such as tangling and baldness.

Body systems supported by coconut milk

Coconut milk benefits the skeletal, muscular, and digestive systems. Similarly, it is beneficial to the circulatory, nervous, and immune systems. The superfood also supports the urinary and female reproductive systems.

Ways to use coconut milk

Coconut milk can be incorporated in a number of dessert recipes including baked goods, sweets and coolers. Likewise, coconut milk is a sumptuous addition to soups and stews. The superfood may also be used in different meat and vegetable dishes. Online recipe generator TheKitchn.com has curated various coconut milk recipes across the web.