Table of contents:
- What is coconut milk?
- Benefits of coconut milk for health
- Debunking various myths about the dangers of coconut milk
- Is it true that coconut milk makes you fat?
- Is it true that coconut milk contains dangerous chemicals?
Coconut milk is a cooking ingredient that is quite popular in Indonesia. Dishes containing coconut milk usually taste more savory and thick, for example opor or rendang. Who can resist its deliciousness? No wonder coconut milk is a must-have item in your kitchen. Coconut milk has been believed to be a nutritious food ingredient for the body since time immemorial.
However, there are many myths circulating that coconut milk is actually dangerous for health. One of them is because of the saturated fat content in coconut milk. Is it true that consuming coconut milk can increase your fat and weight? Wait a minute, keep listening to the following facts about coconut milk and prove it yourself.
What is coconut milk?
Coconut milk is made from shredded coconut flesh and crushed together with water. The result is a thick liquid coconut extract. Due to its savory and slightly sweet taste, coconut milk can be used to cook various types of dishes or be processed as a drink.
Benefits of coconut milk for health
There are many benefits that you can get from coconut milk. Coconut milk contains lauric, antimicrobial and capric acid which have antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral functions. These functions are able to protect the immune system from attacks by various harmful bacteria and viruses such as herpes, influenza, and HIV.
The acid contained in coconut milk has also been shown to kill the three main atherogenic organisms that cause plaque formation in arteries and lead to heart disease.
For skin and hair beauty, coconut milk can help brighten the skin and make hair look brighter. Coconut milk is rich in antiseptic which is good for treating dandruff, infections, itching, and dry skin. The high acid content in coconut milk also acts as a natural moisturizer for the skin.
Debunking various myths about the dangers of coconut milk
Is it true that coconut milk makes you fat?
Many sources say that coconut milk has a very high saturated fat content, even more than whole cow's milk. Then this fat will accumulate in the body and make you fat faster. It is true that coconut milk contains high levels of saturated fat. However, keep in mind that the type of saturated fat in coconut milk is medium-chain triglycerides, not long-chain triglycerides. Medium-chain triglycerides have a simple molecular structure, which means that these saturated fats dissolve easily in water. This fat is also easier to move from the small intestine to the liver so that it can produce energy more quickly. Since this fat is burned immediately for energy, only a small amount of fat is left and accumulates in the fat tissue. This type of fat can also speed up the body's metabolism. So, those of you who are looking to lose weight can actually get healthy fat intake from coconut milk.
Although it will not make you fat fast, you should pay attention to the saturated fat content in coconut milk. The relationship between saturated fat consumption and the risk of coronary heart disease has been proven, so coconut milk should not be consumed in excess.
Is it true that coconut milk contains dangerous chemicals?
Apart from the myth that coconut milk can make you fat, there is also a myth that the acid content in coconut milk can produce substances that are harmful to the body. In fact, coconut milk itself does not contain chemicals that are harmful to the body. Coconut milk will only experience dangerous chemical reactions when packaged in cans containing Bisphenol-A (BPA). BPA is a hazardous chemical usually found in metal and plastic packaging. When metal meets coconut milk, which is high in fat and acidity, the BPA in the metal will be released and mix with the coconut milk. When consumed by the body, BPA risks triggering brain disorders, especially for babies and children.
We recommend that if you want to buy ready-made coconut milk, choose one that says on the packaging that it is BPA-free. You can also choose coconut milk which is packaged in cartons to minimize the risk of harmful substances mixed in the coconut milk.
If you want to be even safer, you can make coconut milk yourself homemade You. The method is quite easy. Prepare fresh grated coconut that is free of sugar, salt or other ingredients. Put it in a blender and add hot water (not boiling water). Blend until smooth and strain until you get coconut extract with a smooth texture. Store at room temperature.
