{"id":3842,"date":"2023-05-17T07:36:48","date_gmt":"2023-05-17T00:36:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/7-benefits-of-coconut-milk\/"},"modified":"2023-05-17T07:36:48","modified_gmt":"2023-05-17T00:36:48","slug":"7-benefits-of-coconut-milk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/?p=3842","title":{"rendered":"7 Benefits of Coconut Milk"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div itemprop=\"articleBody\">\n<p>If you\u2019re looking for a dairy-free <a href=\"https:\/\/www.beachbodyondemand.com\/blog\/11-delicious-dairy-free-milk-alternatives\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">milk alternative<\/a>, you\u2019ve got plenty of options to choose from \u2014 like soy, macadamia, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.beachbodyondemand.com\/blog\/oat-milk-nutrition\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">oat<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.beachbodyondemand.com\/blog\/almond-milk-nutrition\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">almond<\/a>, cashew, and rice milk, just to name a few. But <a href=\"https:\/\/www.beachbodyondemand.com\/blog\/coconut-milk-nutrition\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">coconut milk<\/a> benefits in particular have been getting a lot of attention recently.<\/p>\n<p>So what exactly is coconut milk? There are two products that go by this name, so it\u2019s helpful to understand the difference:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Traditional coconut milk<\/strong> is made by soaking grated coconut flesh in hot water and then straining out the solids. This produces the thick-and-creamy canned coconut milk often used in desserts, soups, and sauces.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Coconut milk beverage<\/strong> is produced by adding water, sweeteners, and stabilizers to traditional coconut milk. The flavor and consistency is similar to low-fat milk, and it\u2019s typically packaged in cartons and marketed as a dairy substitute. (This is the type of coconut milk you\u2019ll see\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.starbucks.com\/menu\/product\/2123162\/hot?parent=%2Fdrinks%2Fhot-coffees%2Flattes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">on the menu at Starbucks<\/a>.)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The coconut milk benefits listed below refer to the coconut milk beverage. It\u2019s important to note that coconut milk doesn\u2019t provide protein and isn\u2019t a 1:1 alternative to regular milk.<\/p>\n<p>You\u2019ll also want to be sure to choose a coconut milk beverage that\u2019s fortified with calcium and vitamin D, much like regular milk would be.<\/p>\n<p>So is drinking coconut milk good for you? Is it healthier than regular milk? Before you decide whether to stock your fridge, let\u2019s get clear on all the coconut milk benefits.<\/p>\n<h2>1. It\u2019s Plant-Based and Dairy-Free<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/bod-blog-assets.prod.cd.beachbodyondemand.com\/bod-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/16124426\/coconut-milk-benefits-600-plant.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-159767\" src=\"https:\/\/bod-blog-assets.prod.cd.beachbodyondemand.com\/bod-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/16124426\/coconut-milk-benefits-600-plant.png\" alt=\"bottle of coconut milk next to coconuts | Coconut Milk Benefits\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>This may seem like an obvious benefit, but it\u2019s an important one! Coconut milk offers another delicious dairy-free alternative for people who follow a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.beachbodyondemand.com\/blog\/what-is-a-plant-based-diet\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">plant-based diet<\/a> or cannot tolerate dairy.<\/p>\n<p>Like other plant-based milk alternatives, coconut milk is also a relatively eco-friendly option with a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/pub.epsilon.slu.se\/16016\/1\/roos_e_et_al_190304.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">smaller carbon footprint<\/a>\u00a0than dairy.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re going to drink coconut milk every day, opt for the beverage version. Canned unsweetened coconut milk contains\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/fdc.nal.usda.gov\/fdc-app.html#\/food-details\/496452\/nutrients\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">420 calories per cup<\/a>, whereas unsweetened coconut milk beverage contains\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/silk.com\/plant-based-products\/coconutmilk\/unsweet-coconutmilk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">40 calories per cup<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>2. It Provides Healthy Fats<\/h2>\n<p>Coconuts are a natural source of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), a type of fat believed to benefit overall health and help\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC2874190\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">increase energy expenditure and support a healthy weight<\/a>, says\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nourishedwithemily.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Emily Tills<\/a>, MS, RDN, CDN.<\/p>\n<p>And while coconuts do have saturated fat, that doesn\u2019t mean coconut milk nutrition should be lumped in with butter or bacon. Lauric acid is the type of saturated fat in coconuts, and it\u00a0may have some heart-healthy benefits.<\/p>\n<h2>3. It\u2019s Lower in Carbs Than Other Plant-Based Milks<\/h2>\n<p>While the exact carb count may vary a bit by brand, coconut milk generally contains fewer carbs than other dairy alternatives.<\/p>\n<p>Unsweetened coconut milk has\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/silk.com\/plant-based-products\/coconutmilk\/unsweet-coconutmilk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">1 gram of carbohydrates<\/a>\u00a0per one-cup serving. The same amount of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/fdc.nal.usda.gov\/fdc-app.html#\/food-details\/1061745\/nutrients\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">unsweetened oat milk<\/a>\u00a0has 14 grams, while\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/fdc.nal.usda.gov\/fdc-app.html#\/food-details\/171942\/nutrients\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">unsweetened rice milk<\/a>\u00a0has as much as 22 grams per cup.<\/p>\n<p>This makes coconut milk a good alternative for anyone who needs to control their carbohydrate intake, Tills explains.<\/p>\n<h2>4. It May Be Easier to Digest<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/bod-blog-assets.prod.cd.beachbodyondemand.com\/bod-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/16124419\/coconut-milk-benefits-600-stomach.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-159766\" src=\"https:\/\/bod-blog-assets.prod.cd.beachbodyondemand.com\/bod-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/16124419\/coconut-milk-benefits-600-stomach.png\" alt=\"man drinking milk | Coconut Milk Benefits\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Some people have issues digesting milk, even if they\u2019re not lactose intolerant. If that applies to you, substituting coconut milk for dairy may help you sidestep these issues.<\/p>\n<p>And coconut milk may be a bit gentler on your stomach than other nut-based milks thanks to the MCT, which is \u201can easily digestible fat that is often well tolerated in individuals who might have trouble digesting other fats,\u201d says\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/ph.ucla.edu\/about\/faculty-staff-directory\/dana-hunnes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Dana Hunnes<\/a>, PhD, MPH, RD, a senior dietitian at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center.<\/p>\n<h2>5. It\u2019s a Good Source of Potassium<\/h2>\n<p>You\u2019ll get\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/silk.com\/plant-based-products\/coconutmilk\/unsweet-coconutmilk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">310 mg of potassium<\/a>\u00a0in one cup of unsweetened coconut milk \u2014 nearly as much as a banana, which delivers\u00a0<a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/fdc.nal.usda.gov\/fdc-app.html#\/food-details\/1102653\/nutrients\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">451 mg per serving\u00a0<\/a>and has a reputation as a potassium powerhouse.<\/p>\n<p>This mineral is a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/potassium.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">type of electrolyte<\/a>\u00a0that\u2019s crucial to nearly\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/ods.od.nih.gov\/factsheets\/Potassium-Consumer\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">every function of the body<\/a>, including your heartbeat, muscles, and nerves.<\/p>\n<h2>6. It May Support Immune Health<\/h2>\n<p>Coconut milk has\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7422486\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">antioxidant-like properties<\/a>\u00a0which may help support a healthy immune system, Hunnes says. And\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6923562\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">research suggests<\/a>\u00a0the lauric acid in coconut may also provide some benefits for healthy immune function.<\/p>\n<h2>7. It Adds Flavor to Your Recipes<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/bod-blog-assets.prod.cd.beachbodyondemand.com\/bod-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/16124411\/coconut-milk-benefits-600-recipes.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-159765\" src=\"https:\/\/bod-blog-assets.prod.cd.beachbodyondemand.com\/bod-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/16124411\/coconut-milk-benefits-600-recipes.png\" alt=\"group of friends sharing a homemade smoothie | Coconut Milk Benefits\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Last but not least, let\u2019s talk about one of the most important coconut milk benefits: It\u2019s delicious! Some dairy alternatives don\u2019t taste like much, especially if you buy the unsweetened kind. Coconut milk, though, is packed with flavor.<\/p>\n<p>Take full advantage of that by using coconut milk in a protein shake recipe, like our\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.beachbodyondemand.com\/blog\/coconut-macaroon-shakeology-recipe\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Coconut Macaroon Shakeology<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.beachbodyondemand.com\/blog\/halloween-candy-shake-recipe\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Chocolate Coconut Smoothie<\/a>. And because coconut milk lacks protein, this is a great way to enjoy this dairy alternative while still boosting your protein intake for the day.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div data-type=\"_mgwidget\" data-widget-id=\"1675549\">\r\n<\/div>\r\n<script>(function(w,q){w[q]=w[q]||[];w[q].push([\"_mgc.load\"])})(window,\"_mgq\");\r\n<\/script>\r\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you\u2019re looking for a dairy-free milk alternative, you\u2019ve got plenty of options to choose from \u2014 like soy, macadamia, oat, almond, cashew, and rice milk, just to name a few. But coconut milk benefits in particular have been getting a lot of attention recently. So what exactly is coconut milk? There are two products &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":3843,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3842","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lifestyle"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3842","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=3842"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3842\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/3843"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=3842"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=3842"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=3842"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}