Coconut milk is very often added to the daily cooking menu of Indonesian people. However, is coconut milk good for the body?
Coconut milk is made from the juice of old coconut meat. The consistency is thick with a rich, creamy texture.
Coconut milk is often included in people’s daily cooking menu because it adds a savory taste. Not only cooking, drinks also become more delicious if you add coconut milk.
However, there is an opinion that coconut milk can make you fat, so quite a few people who are on a diet avoid it.
Is it true that consuming coconut milk can increase weight? Come on, find out the answer here.
Coconut Milk Calories and Other Ingredients
Coconut milk is often accused of causing various health problems. Starting from obesity to high cholesterol.
The fact is that coconut milk, especially the low-fat type, can be consumed in appropriate amounts (1-2 times per week).
Overall, cholesterol levels will indeed increase with coconut milk intake. But in cases where “bad” cholesterol (LDL) is increased, “good” fats (HDL) will also usually increase.
The following is an example of the contents of 100 ml of packaged coconut milk, such as calories and others:
- 154 calories
- 1.4 gr protein
- 15 gr fat (13.2 gr saturated fat)
- 3.4 grams of carbohydrates
Coconut does contain a certain amount of fat, but the fat contained in it is mostly medium-chain saturated fatty acids (MCFA), or more specifically lauric acid.
Lauric acid is converted in the body into a form called monolaurin, which is an antiviral and antibacterial that can protect the body from various diseases.
MCFA is rapidly metabolized by the body into energy in the liver. Unlike other saturated fats, MCFA is used more quickly by the body and less is stored as fat in the body.
However, this does not mean that coconut milk is “free” from factors that cause heart disease. Coconut milk still contains fat, although the effect is not like other saturated fats.
So, if consumed in excessive amounts, coconut milk can disrupt your diet and make you fat. Therefore, don’t put too much of it in your food or drink.
Tips for consuming coconut milk without making you fat
Even though coconut milk is nutritious, this cooking ingredient is also high in calories so it has the potential to make you fat if consumed too much. Keep this in mind when using it in your food or drink recipes.
You can add a few tablespoons (30-60 ml) of coconut milk to coffee, smoothies, protein shakes, cereal, or sliced fruit.
If possible, when choosing packaged coconut milk, choose a product that only contains coconut and water, is unsweetened, or is low in fat and calories, namely 125 calories per 1/2 cup (120 ml).
If you have time to make your own coconut milk, it is the freshest and healthiest.
You can make your own by mixing 1.5–2 cups (355–470 ml) unsweetened shredded coconut with 4 cups hot water, then strain through cheesecloth.
Coconut milk is a delicious, nutritious, and versatile cooking ingredient. Including ideal portions of coconut milk in your food or drinks can provide health benefits.