It tastes and smells of the tropics, with a wide-range of health benefits. Coconut milk contains essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that supply a host of benefits to the human body. The popularity of coconut milk is on the upswing.
Coconut Milk, Once Vilified, is now Appreciated
Coconut milk has gotten a bad rap in mainstream medicine because of its saturated fat content. It was vilified as clogging arteries during a mass campaign against all saturated fats. Today, many health advantages of coconut milk are now becoming widely understood.
In fact, the saturated fat in question, lauric acid, is easily metabolized by the body. It also promotes strong bones and healthy brain development. Researchers have found it is anti-carcinogenic, anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-microbial.
Coconut Milk Contains Many Vitamins and Antioxidants
Coconut milk contains calcium, potassium, chloride, vitamin A and E. Some researchers say it helps to reduce blood pressure, stabilize blood sugar, and improve bone and dental health.
There are also several kinds of antioxidants found in coconut milk. Antioxidants help the body scavenge dangerous free radicals that can degenerate cells. Antioxidants help to prevent cancer and ward off degenerative diseases such as premature aging, sagging skin, wrinkling, and bone problems, just to name a few.
Coconut Milk Battles Bad Bacteria, Boosts Immune System
Because coconut milk has the health benefit of boosting the immune system and fighting off bacteria and germs, it's no surprise that it's gaining in popularity. It’s believed coconut milk can help to strengthen the immune system by getting rid of stomach bacteria, the flu, colds, sore throat and a range of other illnesses.
Coconut milk can also aid in digestion, according to researchers. Scientists and nutrition experts have found that coconut milk contains beneficial substances that allow the stomach to digest food properly. Because coconut milk is anti-bacterial, it kills off bad bacteria in the stomach.
Coconut Milk Great for Hair and Skin
Coconut milk plays an important role in the pharmaceutical industry. It is often one of the ingredients in products that relate to skin and hair care. Products that contain coconut milk are usually intended for moisturizing, repairing and healing of skin and hair.
It is important to state that one can use coconut milk as a homemade remedy for dry hair and skin.
Sources:
Health Mad.com, “The Health Benefits of Coconut,” Accessed June 18, 2010
SpringCleanse-Clean.com, “The Surprising Health Benefits of Coconut Milk,” Accessed June 18, 2010
Steady Health.com, “What are the Benefits of Coconut Milk”, Accessed June 18, 2010
Joy Richardson - Joy Richardson has worked as a reporter, photographer, and editor for several local newspapers in the Atlanta area. Her articles have been ...
Join the Conversation