It can be included in the diet as a part of various dishes. For example, it can be used as an ingredient in curries, soups, smoothies, whipped cream, yoghurt, etc. You must consult a qualified doctor before taking coconut milk in large quantities or any herbal supplements.

I recently came across a research paper which suggests that consuming coconut milk alongside a high-protein diet may help lower or regulate levels of belly fat, weight increase, food consumption, cholesterol, and triglycerides.

I strongly recommend the regular consumption of coconut milk in moderation as it tends to be heavy in fat and carbs that may result in weight gain. Coconut milk, a natural preparation, has no specific side effects.

However, if any reaction is noticed on using it, seek immediate medical attention. Consult your ayurvedic physician who has prescribed it to you, and they will be able to treat it effectively.

As with any other general medicine, general precautions should be taken while having coconut milk. Pregnant women and lactating mothers should take special care. You must consult your doctor before having coconut milk. Precautions should be taken before giving coconut milk to the elderly or children.

In such cases, you must have coconut milk only if your doctor prescribes it. Also Read: Goat Milk: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects By Dr.

Coconut milk may interact with isoniazid, a drug used to treat tuberculosis. Coconut milk may reduce the rate and extent of absorption of isoniazid. Additionally, coconut milk may also reduce the bioavailability of isoniazid.

Also Read: The Health Impact: Understanding Organic Milk Benefits. Coconut milk may fight against bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.

It may act as a quick source of energy. Coconut milk may enhance digestion. It may also protect against breast cancer. Coconut milk may increase good cholesterol levels and reduce bad cholesterol levels.

It may also be beneficial to manage anxiety. Coconut milk may contain fats, carbohydrates, sugar, potassium, calcium, fatty acids, and other constituents. Yes, there are several benefits of drinking coconut milk on human health. Coconut milk may cause weight gain. It may also interact with isoniazid, a drug prescribed for tuberculosis.

Suyitno T. Health benefits of coconut milk. Indonesian Food and Nutrition Progress. Department of Agriculture. Lakshmi TS, MaryPramela A, Iyer P. Anti-microbial, anti-fungal and anti-carcinogenic properties of coconut milk kefir.

Home Sci. Ekanayaka RA, Ekanayaka NK, Perera B, De Silva PG. Impact of a traditional dietary supplement with coconut milk and soya milk on the lipid profile in normal free-living subjects.

Journal of nutrition and metabolism. Zubair S, Sarfaraz S, Naveed S, Sarwar G. Evaluation of the effect of coconut milk on anxiety. J Anal Pharm Res. Bigoniya P, Shrivastava V, Rana AC.

Effect of coconut milk on bioavailability of isoniazide. Asian J. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication.

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Table of Contents Toggle Introduction: Nutritional Value of Coconut Milk: Properties of Coconut Milk: Potential Uses of Coconut Milk for Overall Health: How to Use Coconut Milk?

The technical term for fat is triglyceride. It has two primary purposes, they either burn for energy or get stored as body fat. For example, coconut milk has medium-chain triglycerides. A study confirms that consumption of MCT oil as part of a weight-loss plan improves weight loss compared with olive oil.

Therefore, you can successfully include it in a weight-loss diet. This plant-based milk contains medium-chain triglycerides.

Due to their shorter chain length, medium-chain triglycerides are more rapidly broken down and absorbed into the body. Therefore, it makes them a quick energy source and less likely to be stored as fat.

Keto diets are nowadays becoming popular. These diets are low carb diets that may promote weight loss. Since coconut milk is full of nutrients and has saturated fats, it is a fantastic addition to the keto diet plan.

The diet works by depleting the body of its sugar reserves. As a result, it breaks down fat for energy. It results in the production of ketones molecules that our body uses for fuel. When the body burns fats, it can also lead to weight loss. Among other coconut milk benefits, it is also rich in saturated fats and electrolytes.

Therefore, it may be just what you need to lose those few extra kgs. It makes you feel full without adding to the glycemic load. It is less likely to turn into fat and more likely to make you even more active.

Coconut milk is an excellent source of triglyceride, which is medium-chain. A study reveals that it helps treat muscle dysfunction and exercise impairment. In addition, it preserves high temperature-induced impairment in exercise performance and muscle function.

It leads to a subsequent increase in mitochondrial biogenesis and metabolism in the skeletal muscle. A Happy heart means a healthy life. But, unfortunately, with the pace of life speeding up, health often gets behind.

Health science is advancing now, and we know almost everything that can cause a cardiovascular accident or a stroke. But can you control all of them? Although coconut milk is high in saturated fats, some studies show that it benefits heart health via other means.

For example, coconut milk decreases LDL, which is bad cholesterol. It also increases HDL, which is good cholesterol. Studies show that plasma triglyceride levels predict cardiovascular disease risk. These diseases are one of the most commonly growing reasons for the early death rate.

It is especially among the young population indulging in junk food. This plant-based milk is perfect for keto diets. These diets help maintain desired weight and act as a healthy choice for maintaining heart health.

Medium-chain triglycerides in coconut milk break down quickly and reduce the risk of being stored as fat. In addition, it decreases the overall build-up in the arteries. As a result, the free and enhanced blood flow promotes proper body oxygenation. There are many ways to add coconut to your diet.

If cooking is your passion, then coconut milk is a delight. From sweets to curries, from soups to appetisers, you can add coconut milk to a whole variety of delicacies. Unsurprisingly, like all non-dairy milk products, coconut milk can also go bad if not stored properly.

The shelf life is how long you can consume the food before it gets bad. The shelf life of coconut milk depends on the type of milk, thick coconut milk or thin coconut milk. It also depends upon the packaging. What about the coconut milk you bought from the supermarket? Well, most supermarkets sell canned coconut milk, Unopened coconut milk that is canned will have a shelf life of two to five years when properly stored.

Coconut milk in aseptic packaging has a shelf life of between six and twelve months and can last for up to a month of its expiration. Please check the expiration date printed on the back.

Finally, you should consume coconut milk sold in the refrigerated section, which is not in aseptic packaging within a week of the expiration date. You should use fresh coconut milk as soon as possible because it has no added preservatives. If you are straining it at home, try to use it within two days.

It will ensure you consume the nutrition filled, bad-germ-free coconut milk. On the one hand, you can call it the elixir of youth because of its nutritional benefits. But, on the other hand, it can cause you some painful trips to the washroom.

In addition, there are some well researched side effects of coconut milk, from constipation to severe allergic reactions. Coconut milk in large quantities can be harmful. Excess of coconut milk means an excess of saturated fats.

Combining this with a carbohydrate-rich diet will surely add a few pounds to your body. Remember, healthy eating is balanced eating. If you disrupt that balance by overeating or eating irresponsibly, your body will suffer.

Suppose your body is void of high dietary fibre. In that case, a sudden addition of coconut milk to your diet might cause constipation. In addition, drinking or having excess coconut milk may lead to severe gas formation and diarrhoea.

Fasting and then binging on coconut milk can also cause stomach problems. It will lead to abdominal pain and stomach cramps. As we know, coconut milk in moderate quantities may raise good cholesterol. However, at times this ratio between LDL and HDL gets imbalanced.

As a result, it increases LDL and HDL. Therefore, people at risk of developing cardiovascular disease have to be cautious when drinking coconut milk for this very reason. Coconut allergy is a rare phenomenon. However, if you observe any skin rashes, difficulty in breathing, swollen facial features or any other irregularities, visit your doctor at the earliest.

These are the standard features of an allergic reaction. In extreme cases, drinking coconut milk could be fatal. It can happen if you have a tree nut allergy. Coconut milk increases stamina and helps in boosting immunity. In addition, it helps in weight loss and increases the good cholesterol in the body.

Although coconut milk has fewer nutrients than dairy milk, it has higher saturated fats. Hence, you can use it as a milk substitute for lactose intolerance. Coconut milk increases stamina and is good for immunity, but it can also cause digestive issues.

In addition, having lots of coconut milk can also result in weight gain. No, it does not contain vitamin D in large amounts. However, you can fortify it with vitamin D and other nutrients for health benefits.

Yes, coconut milk contains fewer calorie load than cow milk. So, it is better for weight loss. In moderate quantities, coconut milk is good for you.

Coconut emerges as a noteworthy source of protein, providing up to 7 grams per serving. Coconut milk helps maintain a healthy digestive system. Enriched with dietary fibre, it supports regular bowel movements and nourishes beneficial gut bacteria. The presence of lauric acid, an antioxidant in coconut milk, may contribute to preventing stroke and heart disease.

Coconut milk's anti-inflammatory properties can alleviate symptoms of acid reflux by soothing the oesophagus and protecting the stomach lining. The nourishing properties of coconut milk make it a valuable remedy for dry, dull, and damaged skin.

It acts as a deep moisturiser, particularly effective in treating skin issues such as eczema. Oct 25, , PM IST Reasons to Make the Switch to Coconut Milk Today.

This is certainly one area of research to watch. It should be noted, however, that due to large variances in diet and lifestyle patterns within the various studies, the findings to date may not be conclusively applied to a typical Western diet.

One animal study found coconut milk reduced the size of a stomach ulcer by the same amount as that of an anti-ulcer drug. Further studies confirm the mechanism behind this and explained that it is partly due to compounds in coconut milk and coconut water that appear to suppress inflammation.

These compounds may also have a positive effect on the growth of the stomach lining. Allergic reactions to coconut are rare, although contact dermatitis and sensitisation to the tree pollen is more often seen. Coconut milk, especially the lower-fat variety, can be used in moderation up to two times per week.

However, The British Heart Foundation recommends swapping saturated fats and sources of them, including coconut oil, for unsaturated varieties. Jo Lewin is a registered nutritionist RNutr with the Association for Nutrition with a specialism in public health. All health content on bbcgoodfood.

com is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. If you have any concerns about your general health, you should contact your local health care provider. See our website terms and conditions for more information.

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Also Read: Soy Milk: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects By Dr. From my knowledge, coconut is known for its antibacterial effects. This property makes coconut milk a potentially good choice to destroy a few undesirable bacteria residing in our mouth and shield our gums and teeth from illness but always remember it is not a replacement for dental hygiene.

Coconut milk may be a good source of energy which contain medium chain fatty acid in coconut milk may be directly funneled to the liver and converted to energy. This may provide an instant source of energy.

This energy burst may have a stimulating effect on the entire body. However, more studies are required to check whether coconut milk is a good energy source. Coconut may help to improve digestion due to the presence of medium-chain fatty acids.

These medium-chain fatty acids may be digested and absorbed easily in the body. They may be immediately broken down by saliva and gastric juice without involving the enzymes from the pancreas. Therefore, consuming coconut milk may be good for people with digestive problems. Further research on the effect of coconut milk on digestion in human bodies is required.

Coconut milk may help to fight against viruses like herpes and HIV. Monolaurin in coconut milk may disrupt the lipid membranes of the virus causing disintegration of the viral envelope and restricting its activity.

However, further studies are required to check the effect of coconut milk on viral infections. Some viral infections are dangerous. In such cases, you must consult your doctor instead of self-medicating. Coconut milk may be used in case of fungal infections and studies have shown that coconut milk may fight against fungi like Candida albicans.

A constituent monolaurin in coconut milk may inactivate the fungi by disrupting its cell membrane. More research is required to confirm the anti-fungal activity of coconut milk.

If you suspect a fungal infection, you must immediately consult your doctor and seek proper treatment. Coconut milk may act against certain strains of bacteria due to its antimicrobial properties. Coconut milk may fight against infections caused by Staphylococcus, Streptococcus and Listeria.

Monolaurin, a constituent in coconut milk, may help to fight against bacterial infections by causing lysis of the plasma membrane.

Further studies are yet to be done to confirm the anti-bacterial properties of coconut milk. You must consult your doctor if you suspect a bacterial infection and get treated instead of self-medicating.

Coconut milk may be beneficial for cancer. Various studies on cell lines have shown that coconut milk may help in the case of breast cancer. Coconut milk may kill the cancer cells and suppress the growth of cancer-causing cells. Coconut milk may fight against cancer cells due to its antioxidant properties.

Further clinical studies are required to determine the effect of coconut milk on cancer. However, cancer is a serious disease and get proper medical checkups rather than self-medicating.

Coconut milk may have properties to reduce bad cholesterol levels. Fatty acids present in coconut milk may alter cholesterol levels and a study was conducted on healthy volunteers in the age group years to check the effect of coconut milk on cholesterol levels.

The coconut milk benefits listed below refer to the coconut milk beverage. So is drinking coconut milk good for you? Is it healthier than regular milk? Coconut milk offers another delicious dairy-free alternative for people who follow a plant-based diet or cannot tolerate dairy.

Like other plant-based milk alternatives, coconut milk is also a relatively eco-friendly option with a smaller carbon footprint than dairy. Canned unsweetened coconut milk contains calories per cup , whereas unsweetened coconut milk beverage contains 40 calories per cup.

Coconuts are a natural source of medium-chain triglycerides MCTs , a type of fat believed to benefit overall health and help increase energy expenditure and support a healthy weight , says Emily Tills , MS, RDN, CDN.

Lauric acid is the type of saturated fat in coconuts, and it may have some heart-healthy benefits. Other researchers found that lauric acid triggers apoptosis, or cell death, in breast and endometrial cancer cells, suggesting it could inhibit cancer cell growth.

However, the amount of lauric acid a person is likely to consume in coconut milk is not enough to say it prevents cancer. Coconut milk contains high levels of saturated fat, making it a calorie -rich food.

It also contains vitamins and minerals, but the nutritional contents vary by product. Coconut milk drinks, for example, have a different nutritional profile than canned coconut milk.

Here is the nutritional profile for grams g — or approximately 1 cup — of raw, unsweetened coconut milk for cooking:. The nutritional profile per cup, or g , of sweetened coconut milk beverage is as follows:. The drink contains no vitamin C, but it is fortified with calcium and vitamins A , B12 , and D2.

There are plenty of opportunities to add coconut milk to meals and drinks. It is a staple ingredient in many Indian and Malaysian dishes, for example. People can use coconut milk products as part of a plant-based diet in place of dairy milk products.

At least one study has concluded that canned coconut milk is a low FODMAP food , making it suitable for people with irritable bowel syndrome. To make fresh coconut milk at home, a person can combine unsweetened shredded coconut with warm water in a blender. Puree the mixture, then strain it through a cheesecloth.

Many types of coconut milk are available in grocery stores and health food shops. Some have higher fat and calorie contents than others. This depends on how the manufacturer has blended the milk and how much water it has added.

Canned coconut milk usually has a thick, cream-like consistency. It is higher in fat, and people typically use it for baking or cooking. Coconut milk beverages tend to be thin and have a consistency closer to dairy milk. Store these drinks in the refrigerator and keep an eye on the expiration dates.

Also, some brands add sugar, so check the labeling. In general, it is best to buy coconut milk products that contain very few ingredients. Be sure to watch out for added sugars, preservatives, and artificial thickeners, such as gums. What are some more substitutes for heavy cream? In moderation, coconut milk can have health benefits, but consuming too much can have some undesirable effects.

Coconut milk contains high levels of calories and fats. Combining a high intake of coconut milk with a carbohydrate-rich diet can result in weight gain. Replacing dairy milk with coconut milk may mean that a person consumes less calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin A.

Anyone using coconut milk instead of dairy milk should choose a product that is fortified with these nutrients or eat other foods that contain these nutrients.

Although the Food and Drug Administration FDA classifies coconuts as tree nuts, they are technically fruits. Having a tree nut allergy does not necessarily mean a person will have an allergy to coconut products. Research suggests that allergic reactions to coconut are rare.

However, the authors of a review warn that when a reaction occurs, it may be severe. Black and Asian Americans may also be at a slightly higher risk of coconut allergy. The symptoms of a coconut allergy are similar to those of other food allergies.

In some cases, an allergic reaction can quickly lead to anaphylaxis — a severe, life threatening reaction that causes swelling , wheezing , and hives.

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can be life threatening. The symptoms develop suddenly and include:. Some people may need more than one epinephrine injection.

If the symptoms do not improve in 5—15 minutes, or they come back, use a second pen if the person has one. Coconut milk contains antioxidants that may be beneficial for health.

However, it can also be high in fat and carbohydrates. Coconut milk drinks may also contain added sugar.

It is made from coconut, which is a plant, and therefore, it is not a dairy product.