Coconut has a cooling energy, so it is a great choice for warmer days. Coconut milk is rich in vitamins, minerals and good fats. But its benefits cannot only be gained in the kitchen. Coconut milk can be used as medicine, and also finds good use in cosmetic products.
Coconut milk is rich in vitamin C, E, B1, B3, B5, B6 as well as in iron, selenium, calcium, magnesium, sodium and phosphorus.
Coconut is composed of multiple layers. Its external layer is dark brown “hairy” hard shell with three holes on the bottom. Then follows a thin brown “skin”, then beige-white edible coconut “meat” and finally, in the middle there is the milky coconut juice or water. This juice is often mistakenly referred to as coconut milk – true coconut milk is produced from coconut’s “meat”. Coconut milk is the liquid that comes out of grated or minced meat of the coconut. The color and rich taste of this milk it due to high fat or oil.
Coconut milk is quite often used ingredient in tropical kitchen. In the West, coconut milk is mostly used in beverages and cocktails or in vegetarian kitchen.
Coconut milk contains large amounts of lauric acid, which is also found in large quantities in breast milk and in secretion of the sebaceous glands. It contains “good” cholesterol, which is very important for the human body. The body turns this cholesterol into monolaurin, which is a compound that has antiviral and antibacterial properties.
10 coconut milk advantages
1. Coconut milk can be great substitute for milk/coffee cream
You can add coconut milk in your morning coffee. You will get a boost of energy – not just the caffeine, but the electrolyte containing in the coconut milk. Coconut contains potassium, sodium, magnesium chloride… all these compounds help the body to be hydrated and to properly function.
2. Helps in strengthening the bones
Coconut milk is great source of calcium. One glass of coconut milk contains more than 380 milligrams of calcium, while one glass of regular milk contains 300 milligrams of calcium. Anyway, it is rich source of phosphorus because it contains 240 milligrams of this compound in one glass. This contributes to good bone health.
3. Treats arthritis
Coconut oil contains selenium, which is an antioxidant that soothes arthritis symptoms. Selenium controls free radicals and reduces the risk of joint inflammation.
4. Moisturizes the skin
Coconut milk is great for skin hydration. It also makes the skin soft and smooth. Apply a thin layer of coconut milk to a clean face, leave to act for 15 minutes and then rinse with clean water. The skin will be very soft.
5. Controls body weight
Thanks to the fibers, of which coconut milk is consisted, it makes you feel full longer and in moderation can help control body weight.
6. Reduces cholesterol
Despite the saturated fats contained in coconut milk, it can help you reduce cholesterol levels. Coconut milk actually increases the level of cholesterol, but its lauric acid increases levels of HDL (good) cholesterol. Fats in coconut milk are great for the body because they are healthy fats, including omega-6 fatty acids.
7 Treats sunburn
After a long day in the sun, it is not a bad idea to continue the tropical mood by using coconut as a remedy. Apply a thin layer of cold coconut milk onto the area where you have been sunburned and you will immediately feel as your skin is soothing and hydrating.
8. For makeup removal
Mix 1 teaspoon of coconut milk with 2 teaspoons of olive oil and use it as a mild tool for removing makeup around the eyes and skin. No need for heavy, alcoholic products full of chemicals. Coconut milk does best.
9. Regulates blood sugar level
Coconut milk is a rich source of manganese, which is vital for regulating sugar in the blood. Manganese is necessary for the human body. This compound treats inflammation, protects against osteoporosis and relieves menstrual pain in women.
10. Improves hair’s health
Apply coconut milk into the scalp and comb your hair from root to tip. After that, wrap your hair in a towel and let the coconut milk act for about 2 hours. Wash your hair with your favorite shampoo afterwards and see as your hair becomes shiny, soft and hydrated
Preparing homemade coconut milk
Coconut milk can easily be done at home. Mix grated coconut with hot water. You can add spices or sweeteners if you want to. Thus prepared, it contains 17-24% fat. When refrigerated, coconut will rise to the top and separate from the milk. That is normal, you only need to heat the mixture on fire and the mixture will once again merge. For commercial sale, to prevent this, emulsifier and stabilizer are added in the coconut milk.
Ingredients needed:
(Always mix 1/3 of coconut flour with 2/3 of water)
- 1 bug cup of organic coconut flour
- 2 tablespoons of hot water (not boiled)
- If you want to you can add little bit of vanilla
Method of preparation:
Pour the hot water over the coconut flour and, using a mixer, mix for several minutes, until coconut is completely mixed and secretes fat.
Strain the mixture through thick gauze and squeeze the milk out of the coconut. This is it.
Keep the jar with coconut milk in the refrigerator. The milk will go bad after three days.
You can also add powdered cinnamon or nutmeg in the milk.
