COCONUT MILK: BENEFICIAL VEGAN MILK OR HIGH FAT TRAP?

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Coconuts are one of those foods that oscillate between the 'good' food and 'bad' food camps.

 So, is drinking coconut milk good for you, or is it just a non-dairy milk alternative and a significant source of what we've been led to fear for years: saturated fat?

 What's the truth about coconut milk nutrition?

 While it's true that the fatty acids in coconuts are primarily saturated fats in the form of medium chain fatty acids (fats that are easy to digest and are supportive of neurological health) that doesn't raise cholesterol levels and cause heart damage, instead, they are known to actually do the opposite - the nutrients in coconut milk can help lower cholesterol levels, improve blood pressure and prevent heart attacks or a stroke.

THE TOP 5 BENEFITS OF COCONUT MILK

  1. BONE SUPPORT
Coconut milk is significant source of both calcium and vitamin D, the one bone strengthening power duo you do not want to miss out on, as the pair fosters and strengthens bone density and structure. Its valuable phosphorus and manganese content further aids in bone metabolism.


  1. CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH
Though saturated fat is considered to be harmful to health, research suggests otherwise. Specifically, saturated fat mat not be as heart-clogging as previously thought. The use of coconut and its products, a heavy source of saturated fat, has shown to actually reduce LDL or "bad" cholesterol while improving HDL or "good" cholesterol.  Iron, the mineral responsible for oxygenating red blood cells,  further promotes cardiovascular health. Coconut milk's copper content increases the absorption if iron and aids in increased red blood cell formation as well.


  1. IMMUNE STRENGTH
Coconut milk contains lauric acid, a type of saturated fat found in several vegetable based fats. Lauric acid is oftentimes extracted from coconut to develop monolaurin, an antimicrobial agent used to treat viral infections including the influenza (flu). It ultimately can boost the immune system and further fight against bacteria and yeasts. 


  1. WEIGHT LOSS
Suggestive to lauric acid, the type of saturated fat is additionally a medium-chain triglyceride (MCT). MCTs oils, compared to long-chain triglycerides (LCTs), are proclaimed to bypass typical fat digestion. This atypical digestion route suggests MCTs so not become stored in fat cells and may did in weight loss when consumed in moderate amount.


  1. ALLERGEN-FREE
Coconut milk is absent of the common allergens or intolerances - dairy, soy, nuts and lactose. Individuals with lactose intolerance or a dairy or nut allergy can confine in coconut milk and use is as a safe alternative!

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