Is Coconut Milk Good for Weight Loss?

Coconut milk is one of the most preferred non dairy milk substitutes
Coconut milk is one of the most preferred non-dairy milk substitutes

Some studies have revealed that a type of fat called medium-chain triglyceride or MCT present in coconut milk may help promote weight loss. The reason being that MCT may boost heat generation (thermogenesis) to burn more calories. MCT also helps promote satiety making you feel full for longer. They also promote gut health and increase insulin sensitivity in the body, both of which may aid weight loss.

To lose weight, however, you need to keep a check on your calorie intake. You need to burn more calories than you eat to promote weight loss. 100 ml of cow’s milk contains around 60 calories while the same quantity of coconut milk has 190 calories. Thus, if the amount of coconut milk you consume bears calories that fall within your calorie goals for weight loss, you may very well include it in your diet. Remember, moderation and mindfulness are necessary for any diet to give you the desired results.

What is coconut milk?

Coconut milk is a milky white fluid that is extracted from the flesh of mature coconuts. It has a slightly sweet and nutty taste that is liked by many. Coconut milk is one of the most preferred non-dairy milk substitutes, such as soy milk and almond milk. It is extracted from the pulp of grated coconut flesh. It can be made at home or bought from the market as canned coconut milk. It can be used in cooking, making beverages, such as coffee or smoothies, or in breakfast cereal. Coconut can be used as a milk substitute in people who do not prefer dairy. The growing modernization in the dairy industry has raised concerns, such as the use of hormones or antibiotics in cows and the rising pollution due to manure runoff. This has made many people prefer plant or nut-based milk over dairy.

Who can have coconut milk?

Coconut milk is a delicious substitute for dairy. It has a mildly sweet taste and nutty flavor. It has several health benefits when consumed in moderation. Anyone can consume coconut milk. It is, however, especially preferred in people who:

  • Have lactose intolerance
  • Develop allergies to milk and dairy products
  • Prefer a vegan diet or lifestyle
  • Have ethical concerns, such as mistreatment of cattle in industrialized dairies
  • Have concerns about the use of hormones or antibiotics in dairies
  • Prefer the rich and creamy taste of coconut milk

What are the health benefits of coconut milk?

When consumed in moderation, coconut milk may provide several health benefits, such as:

  • Promote heart health
  • Regulate blood pressure
  • Manage weight
  • Provide energy
  • Aid digestion and promotes gut health
  • Strengthen immunity
  • Maintain brain health

QUESTION

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References
Ferreira S. Going Nuts About Milk? Here’s What You Need to Know About Plant-Based Milk Alternatives. American Society for Nutrition. January 25, 2019. https://nutrition.org/going-nuts-about-milk-heres-what-you-need-to-know-about-plant-based-milk-alternatives/

Alyaqoubi S, Abdullah A, Samudi M. Study of Antioxidant Activity and Physicochemical Properties of Coconut Milk (Pati Santan) in Malaysia. J Chem Pharma Res, 2015; 7(4):967-973. https://www.jocpr.com/articles/study-of-antioxidant-activity-and-physicochemical-properties-of-coconut-milk-pati-santan-in-malaysia.pdf

Avens Blog. Benefits of Coconut Milk Powder. https://www.avensonline.org/blog/benefits-of-coconut-milk-powder.html

WebMD. Health Benefits of Coconut Milk and Coconut Cream. https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-coconut-milk-coconut-cream#1

Calorie Gallery. Chaokoh Coconut Milk. http://www.caloriegallery.com/foods/calories-in-chaokoh-coconut-milk.htm