Growing up as a child , I remember eating curries make with coconut milk and drinking coconut water. The old school of thought was that coconut was loaded with fat and hence coconut milk should be used sparingly. Fast forward….now coconut milk is quickly becoming the new ‘Health Craze’ and the same fat is considered ” Healthy Fat” which delivers a multitude of benefits. My first experience with drinking coconut milk was in a smoothie. I went to a cafe in DC and had this exotic tasting berry smoothie which was unlike anything I had tasted before. On enquiry I found it had been blended with coconut milk. I read a little about it and jumped on the ‘ Coconut Milk Bandwagon’. Previously available only in special stores, you can now get it anywhere. Smoothie it, cook with it, turn it into ice cream or just drink it cool with ice cubes, it ‘s a treat. I do not recommend canned milk which is a more concentrated form for drinking. You can however cook with it if you wish. The packaged version in a carton is more drink friendly. It tastes absolutely delish in smoothies. I have recipes for making your own coconut milk. A quick and easy method and a more laborious method if you want to make your own milk.
Benefits of coconut milk
Higher in calcium than regular milk and almond milk.
Nutrient Rich : Coconut milk is rich in a wide range of minerals and vitamins. It contains iron, selenium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium, and also the following important vitamins: C, E, B1, B3, B5 and B6. Coconut milk is also a good source of protein.
Boost immune system : Half the medium-chain fatty acids in coconut milk are composed of lauric acid, which is anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-microbial and anti-fungal thus strengthening the immune system.
Weight Loss : The saturated fat in coconut is made up of short-chain and medium-chain fatty acids which the body quickly turns into energy instead of storing as fat. Therefore, even though it’s high in saturated fat, coconut can aid in weight loss. No wonder it’s the number one recommended milk for protein shakes. It is also said to boost metabolism.Coconut milk makes you feel full very quickly because of high concentrations of dietary fiber.
Relaxes muscles and nerves: Rich in magnesium which can help relive and ease cramps, muscle pulls and muscle soreness.
Aids in Digestion : Coconut milk contains beneficial substances that allow the stomach to digest food properly. Due to the high content of lauric acid, coconut milk is anti-bacterial and it kills off bad bacteria in the stomach that can cause you to not digest food properly. So adding coconut milk to your diet will help with digestion.
Dairy Free, Nut Free and Vegan : Coconut milk is a dairy-free alternative for those who are lactose intolerant or allergic to nuts. This vegan drink is also soy-free and gluten-free.
Recipes for home-made coconut milk
Home -made coconut milk ( easy method)This quick and easy method will give you a glass of fresh coconut milk in minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp dried coconut flakes or fresh/ frozen grated coconut meat
- 1 glass warm water
- 1 date ( optional)
Instructions
http://www.suesnutritionbuzz.com/2012/05/21/going-nuts-over-coconut-milk-health-benefits-more/
- Blend together the dry coconut flakes or the fresh/frozen flakes with water till smooth.
- Add date and blend with the above mixture for a natural sweet taste.
- Enjoy your glass of fresh coconut milk
Home-made coconut milk with fresh coconutThis method of making coconut milk takes some work, but will yield you a creamy rich milk which can be used for cooking. Also makes a delish drink !
Ingredients
- 1 coconut
- 2 glasses hot water
- Tools
- Grater
- Sharp Knife
- hammer
- Blender
- fine muslin or cheese cloth to strain
Instructions
http://www.suesnutritionbuzz.com/2012/05/21/going-nuts-over-coconut-milk-health-benefits-more/
- Break coconut by piercing eyes with a sharp knife.
- Drain coconut water into a bowl. Split the coconut by covering in a kitchen towel and smashing with a rolling pin or hammer.
- With a sharp knife, pry the coconut meat from its husk.
- Put the coconut flesh and coconut water in a blender, adding 2 cups hot water and blend until the coconut and water forms a smooth slurry.
- Pour coconut mixture through a muslin or nut milk bag or fine cheesecloth into a bowl or pitcher. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
- Refrigerate your fresh coconut milk.
To make this delish mango coconut milk smoothie, just click on this link. It’s one of my favorite recipes 🙂
Hi there! I’m Sunithi, AKA Sue, a registered dietitian with a sweet tooth and a passion for eating healthy (quite a combo) currently working as an independent consultant in the DC Metro area. I’m also a blogger, health nut, nutrition geek who jogs to keep sane :)! I love to revamp recipes and add some ‘Nutrition Bytes’ to them. All my recipes are gluten free! I also blog on natural health and fitness! Visit often and drop me a note if you have any nutrition queries!
This is good stuff ! Knew coconut milk was healthy , but wasn’t quite sure why esp with the fat etc. It mkaes sense now. Think I’ll switch from almond milk to coconut for my smoothies. Won’t taste odd I hope 😉 Not sure I’ll make it since it’s ready to buy in stores etc, but nice recipes !!
Hmm… may make the easy milk recipe. I like the idea of adding the date to it. Sounds Yumm ! I dod use coconut milk occasionally, but now think I will increase my usage ! Good info sue ! and the mango smoothie is great 🙂
Love the pics and the recipes. huge fan of coconut milk and so glad to hear it’s healthy ! I cook with it. I make a nice rice pudding which comes out all creamy like with the extra fat I guess !
looks so yummy… i love all recipe’s w/ coconut milk……
Achieving and maintaining health is an ongoing process, shaped by both the evolution of health care knowledge and practices as well as personal strategies and organized interventions for staying healthy. Thanks.
Wow! Coconut can be use for weight loss then I’ll surely add it up to my list. I will definitely try this recipe, perhaps it must be taste better compared to soy milk. Thanks!
Tastes Awesome 🙂 Try it !!!!
Coming from the Philippines, I’ve always loved coconut. Now I’m on this coconut water kick because it keeps me hydrated.
Achieving and maintaining health is an ongoing process, shaped by both the evolution of health care knowledge and practices as well as personal strategies and organized interventions for staying healthy. Thanks.
What a great post, thanks so much! I mentioned you in my blog: https://pursuitofhappieness.wordpress.com/2012/11/11/coconut-broccoli-stew/
I usually take flavored products of herbalife from Perth. I think I should try your recipe because coconut milk is really good for people like me who are conscious with our weight.
Sunithi Selvaraj I leave a comment and in this comment there was query that is coconut water is helpful for electrolytes but this comment deleted. Kindly comment on this query. Thanks
One of my secret health products is coconut milk. I really love drinking it because it helps my stomach digest food properly. I drink it during lunch time because I don’t eat dinner at night because I follow my after-six diet.
Oh it exciting for coconut detox
There are really lots of benefits that a coconut have. It has a good side effects to one’s body. I love it!
Coconut is a nature’s gift. A dozens of recipes can be prepared with coconut as its ingredient and the health benefits of coconut is no secret to us.
Your write-up is pretty helpful! Looking at your work has educated me. Discovered a lot from it. I will favorite your blog and will consistently browse your forthcoming blog posts. Awesome! Kudos!
Magnificent goods from you, man. I’ve understand your stuff
previous to and you are just extremely magnificent.
I actually like what you have acquired here, certainly like
what you’re saying and the way in which you say it.
You make it entertaining and you still take care of to keep it smart.
I can not wait to read much more from you. This is actually a
wonderful website.
At this time I am going to do my breakfast, when
having my breakfast coming over again to read more news.
Thanks for finally talking about >Going Nuts Over Coconut Milk !
Health Benefits & More – Sue’s Nutrition Buzz <Liked it!
Wow! At last I got a website from where I be able to truly obtain helpful facts regarding my study and knowledge.
One of the most remarkable qualities of metal is that it his bound by the industry rules
and roofingintelligence.com reevaluation to offer the best service and quality.
For $2.99 your not really loosing a bunch of cash and it could
help you !!! Patsyb May 31, 2013.
I was looking for something like this…I found it quiet interesting, hopefully you will keep posting such blogs….Keep sharing.
Right away I am going away to do my breakfast, later than having my
breakfast coming again to read other news.
Heya i’m for the first time here. I came across this board and
I in finding It really helpful & it helped me ouut much.
I am hoping too present something again and aid others such as you aided me.
I am genuinely leased to read this weblog podts which inchludes lots
of valuable information, thanks for providing these information.
Come stavamo dicendo, queste tipologie di siti non possiedono pochi iscritti, e infatti nel caso
successo Be2 parliamo vittoria circa 20 milioni delle utenti nella continuo aumento:
in tutto il mondo si guadagna un ottima posizione nella classifica dei siti di incontri
più consultati, i cui iscritti vengono effettuate ben distribuiti tra donne e
uomini.
Awesome things here. I am very satisfied to peer your
post. Thanks so much andd I am looking ahead tto touch you.
Will yoou please drop me a mail?