Eat Me: Four health benefits of coconut water, milk

You’re not new to coconut water and coconut milk. However, it’s important you know the difference between the two so as not to mix them up.

Coconut water is the clear liquid usually contained inside young green or immature coconut fruits. This coconut water is what matures to become coconut meat; the white and edible part of a mature coconut.

On the other hand, coconut milk is the solution gotten from grated coconut meat. This liquid is tasty and usually forms the ingredient for some of our special delicacies like coconut rice.

One important thing to note is that coconut water is super rich in nutrients like; sodium, carbohydrates, and magnesium. And this beverage has been used for centuries to aid in health issues like aiding digestion. Coconut milk is a great source of vitamin C.

While we drink these liquids for sheer fun, knowing their health benefits can help us be intentional about how and when we consume them as well as include them in our diets. This is the major reason for this article – to help identify and highlight the importance of coconut water and milk for you.

Coconut Water Dehydrates

Coconut water is a great dehydrating agent which is best enjoyed straight from a fresh coconut. This special water contains electrolytes like; magnesium and potassium which help keep the body hydrated and even help to replenish energy after rigorous activities like say taking a run.

Coconut water is slightly sweet, rich, and low in calories

Coconut Milk Aids In Weight Loss

Recall that it’s been previously mentioned how coconut water is low in carbohydrates and calories. In addition to this, coconut contains a unique substance known as chain triglycerides. These substances are usually referred to as “healthy fats”.

These chain triglycerides prolong the feeling of being satisfied after drinking the milk, making it easier for a person to eat less.

Coconut Water May Have Antioxidant Properties

Recall that coconut milk is rich in vitamin C and A which are powerful antioxidants. These antioxidants neutralize oxidative stress and free radicals created by exercise.

For reference sake, antioxidants are natural or artificial substances which slow down or delay several types of cell damages. Vitamin C is one of the 3 major antioxidant vitamins alongside vitamin E and beta-carotene [the body usually converts this substance into vitamin A].

Basically, these antioxidants contained in coconut water help nullify the effects of free radicals. Free radicals are weird molecules produced in your cells during metabolism. When produced at a normal rate, they may be harmless but too much of these free radicals can put your body in a state of oxidative stress.

Coconut Milk Promotes Healthy Hair and Skin

It’s no coincidence that tons of hair and skincare products are made from coconut milk especially as a conditioning agent. Coconut milk helps prevent dandruff and other hair problems when applied to the scalp.

Coconut milk has the ability to combat these hair conditions because it contains lauric acid which acts like an anti-fungal and anti-bacterial.

For the skin, coconut milk encourages elasticity when applied topically – this, in the long run, discourages wrinkling and helps give the skin a younger, supple look. This isn’t all, the antibacterial properties in coconut milk help prevent pimples – which is pretty awesome by the way!

Here’s hoping that at least one person gets to drink more coconut milk and water for the benefits they add to the body. We’d like to hear your experiences in the comment section. See you there!

One more thing I’d advise is to stay off artificial coconut water and milk if you can because they could have added preservatives and chemicals added which may not provide you with the best of nutrients or give you the best results from either of these beverages.