Coconut milk is produced by grating a mature coconut and squeezing it with the use of a cheesecloth or both bare hands. The milky white liquid called gata in the Philippines and Santan in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei is used in various food recipes such as delicious curries, desserts, and sauces. Aside from making foods creamier and tastier, coconut milk is a healthy addition to different food preparations.
1. Regulates blood sugar levels (Manganese – 110%)
Poor glucose tolerance may mean a deficiency of manganese in the body. Coconut milk is an excellent source of this essential mineral. Nuts, legumes, and whole grains are some of the highest sources of manganese.
2. Keeps blood vessels and skin elastic and flexible (Copper – 32%)
The mineral copper is critically important for many bodily functions. Together with vitamin C, it helps keep blood vessels and skin elastic and flexible.
3. Builds strong bones (Phosphorus – 24%)
Coconut milk is rich in phosphorus, a nutrient which the body needs so little of but is just as important as the best-known bone mineral, calcium. Phosphorus often needs to be taken with calcium especially in the prevention of bone loss as it supplies the body with phosphate, the main element of the bone structure.
4. Wards off anemia (Iron – 22%)
Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies among individuals worldwide. Lack of iron in the body prevents it from creating enough hemoglobin to keep adequate levels of oxygen in the red blood cells which causes anemia. Every cup of coconut milk can supply the body with almost a quarter of the daily value of iron.
5. Relaxes nerves and muscles (Magnesium – 22%)
Every time you feel muscle soreness or muscle cramps have some food with coconut milk. Its rich magnesium content might help relieve the problem. One of the functions of magnesium is being a chemical gate blocker in many nerve cells. Without magnesium in the body, nerve cells can become overactive as a result of calcium which activates the nerves. Overactive nerve cells can cause over contraction of muscles.
6. Helps in weight control (Fiber – 21%)
Good news to people who are trying to lose weight. Coconut milk helps you feel fuller faster with the help of its rich fiber content.
7. Reduces risk of joint inflammation (Selenium – 21%)
Selenium is one of the antioxidants. By controlling free radicals, it helps relieve symptoms of arthritis. Low selenium levels in the body were also found in people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.
8. Lowers high blood pressure levels (Potassium – 18%)
Individuals who are concerned with their blood pressure will have no problem reaching for foods enriched with coconut milk as it contains potassium, the blood pressure-lowering mineral.
9. Guards the immune system (Vitamin C – 11%)
Coconut milk can help ward off coughs and colds by helping the immune system stay in top shape by providing an additional supply of vitamin C in the body.
10. Promotes prostate health (Zinc – 11%)
The mineral zinc may play an important role in prostate health as preliminary studies have shown that it helps slow down the activation of cancer cells.
Nutrient data source: USDA
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