Most people are looking for ways to eat better and get more nutritional value from the foods they consume. Here are several examples showing why coconut milk is a better choice than regular cow's milk.
Coconut milk is dairy-free
With all the lactose intolerant folks out there, this is a huge benefit. Using coconut milk instead of regular milk for cereal, as a creamer, or as a base for desserts like ice cream or pudding, means one can enjoy all of these foods without digestive issues. Dairy has been shown to cause gastric distress, and the reason for this is because it causes inflammation because of the sugar and the proteins. Sometimes, it contains added hormones and antibiotics as well because of the growth hormone dairy farmers inject the cows with to increase milk production. Coconut milk is made from coconuts. Period.
Coconut milk tastes sweet
Coconut milk is naturally sweet and delicious and imparts a creamier texture, which is superb for using in cooking, or for drinking on its own. Many people prefer the taste over cow's or goat's milk and the fact that it has a tropical background might aid in the healthy image department. Although it contains fats, the kind found in coconut milk are more beneficial because being medium and short chain fatty acids, they are not stored in the body as fat. In addition, it contain many essential nutrients such as lauric acid, which actually helps blood vessels remain elastic and clean. Another fact is that it contains many vitamins and is anti-viral, anti-carcinogenic and anti-microbial, making it an ideal choice for wellness. Many people mistake the water inside a coconut for coconut milk; however, the milk is actually made from the flesh of the coconut.
Coconut milk is gluten-free
Coconut milk is naturally gluten-free, so with all of the folks out there looking for alternatives to gluten, it again is the wisest choice for health and wellness. An easier way to consume coconut milk is to use a product called a coconut milk beverage which is found in cartons. Many companies have jumped on the bandwagon and are now producing these beverages in mass quantities, due to the popularity in recent years. It can be found refrigerated and shelf stable, making it a great option for storage. Being nut free, the chance of allergy is rare, however it happens in some cases. The best suggestion is to limit the daily intake unless highly sensitive to tree nuts. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration still considers it a tree nut.
All in all, the benefits outweigh the negatives of consuming coconut milk. With all the vitamins, nutrients and healthy fats – which provide energy, by the way – it helps give a boost to the immune system. Its many minerals are hydrating and help with body function. It tastes great and works well in coffee, over cereals and is a calming drink for the nerves. Truer words were never said than that it does a body good, just make sure it is coconut milk.