Coconut milk is considered a miracle liquid in most parts of the world. This not without some good reasons. Coconut milk popularity has continued to rise over time. Apart from it being a tasty alternative to cow’s milk, coconut milk has great health benefits to its users. If you want to learn more about this wonder milk, its uses and benefits, this article is meant for you.
What is coconut milk?
Let not the name confuse you. Coconut milk is not actually dairy milk as the name suggests. It’s a liquid extracted from mature coconuts found in coconut trees. To get the milk, you will need to grate the inner white part of the coconut then strain the content. The solution is what is known as coconut milk and has many uses. The more mature the coconut, the more the milk in a creamy texture. The milk, with healthy saturated fatty acids, can be consumed as a substitute for milk. That’s why it’s highly recommended to patients who are lactose intolerant.
However, don’t confuse coconut milk with coconut water. Coconut water is the first to come out when you crack a coconut fruit. That water contains certain electrolytes and is higher sugar. As the coconut matures, the water inside it is replaced with the coconut white part. Meaning, if you are looking for coconut milk, then you will get it in plenty in mature coconuts but for coconut water, younger coconuts are the best.
Various uses of coconut milk
Now that you are well conversant with what exactly coconut milk is, get to learn its uses. As you will find out, coconut milk has many uses and it has been in use since time immemorial. And therefore, if you haven’t tried it, its time you do so.
Cooking
Coconut milk has been used in cooking various delicacies for years. It’s a superstar in most kitchens. A splash of healthy coconut milk in most dishes will not only make them yummy but the food will also be very nutritious. The milk can be used in curries, soups, iced drinks, baking, smoothies and elixirs among other foods. So, if you have not had it in your kitchen, then be sure you are missing a lot.
Beauty
Coconut milk is an ingredient in many cosmetic products. From making face and hair masks to using it as a moisturizer and cleanser, there is so much you can do with coconut milk when it comes to beauty. In other words, coconut milk is safe for use on your skin and hair anytime.
Improve your health
Coconut milk has been used to help patients with various illnesses. Although it is not prescribed medicine, many people have used it and got satisfied with the results. For instance, people suffering from anemia can use coconut milk because it’s rich in iron. Iron is a vital mineral in the body and can help you avoid the risk of having anaemia. Hence, incorporate coconut milk in your diets to get an adequate amount of iron your body requires. In addition to anemia, there so many other health conditions that could improve when you consume this extraordinary milk. Therefore, including it in your diet and beauty programs can help you get the best out of it.
Benefits of coconut milk
Promotes hair growth
If you adore long, strong and healthy-looking hair, make good use of coconut milk. The milk promotes significant hair growth and restores dry damaged hair. Thanks to its awesome moisturizing properties and all the nutrients it contains. Applying coconut milk on your hair for about five minutes and then shampooing it, as usual, can boost your hair follicles and promote its growth. You can also use it as a leave-in conditioner whereby you will apply it after shampooing the hair. Both ways, you will still achieve that long, thicker and healthy hair with the shine you have always wanted. Thus, before you ruin your hair with chemicals because you want it to look healthier and fuller, consider using coconut milk. It does not have side effects that most artificial hair products have.
Smooth skin
Who doesn’t love to have flawless skin? Coconut oil has a lot of benefits to any skin type. If your skin is prone to acne or you have oily skin, always use coconut milk as a cleanser. Since it has great antibacterial properties, it will not clog pores and thus prevent acne. Furthermore, coconut milk is rich in Vitamin C which helps prevent premature ageing which occurs when the skin lacks flexibility and elasticity. The milk also has high levels of copper which your skin needs to prevent sagging, spots and wrinkles. If you want to age gracefully, use coconut milk and maintain smooth younger-looking skin.
Maintain a healthy weight
Due to its creamy and thick texture, a lot of people do not know that coconut milk can help them in their weight loss journey. They even think it will do the opposite. The truth is, the milk contains medium-chain triglycerides which are considered healthy fats. When you consume the milk, you tend to feel fuller for longer and this may stop you from consuming large amounts of food often. The prolonged feeling of satiety will also prevent you from cravings in between meals. This means you will eat less and this will help you lose weight. Another impressive thing about coconut milk is that the fats found in the milk are likely to be converted into energy instead of fatty acids which are preferentially stored in the body and can lead to obese.
Coconut milk is a wonder liquid
From what you have read, coconut milk is a liquid with various benefits to your body and overall health. The most impressive thing is that you can easily access it. You also have the freedom to consume it as it is, in your food and drinks, or apply it on your hair or skin. Whichever way you choose, you will still get its benefits. Various forms of coconut milk are available in most grocery stores. However, you can also make fresh coconut milk right in your kitchen. In this case, break the coconut fruit and remove the white part. Grate it, mix it with warm water and then blend the mixture. Puree the mixture and then strain it. The milk is now ready for use.
