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Coconut milk has distinguished itself as a culinary staple as well as a nutritional powerhouse because of its velvety texture and distinct tropical flavour. This plant-based milk offers a variety of health benefits beyond its delicious flavour because it is rich in vital nutrients and flexible in its applications.
Use it in smoothies, soups, and curries. Most curries in Kerala and parts of South India use coconut milk in their stews, vegetable side dishes, and curries. Add it to oatmeal or cereal. Coconut milk is one of the main ingredients in payasam, the South Indian dessert savoured after meals. Use it as a base for salad dressings or sauces. It can be added while cooking flavoured rice like ghee rice, coconut rice, etc. You can also drink it on its own or add it to your coffee for a rich taste.
Let us explore the plethora of benefits that can come from including coconut milk in your diet. We look at the compelling reasons for embracing this liquid treasure, from improving bone strength to promoting heart health. Additionally, we reveal how to make coconut milk in the convenience of your own kitchen, giving you access to this healthy beverage whenever you require it.
5 Reasons To Add Coconut Milk To Your Diet:
Antioxidants-Rich:
Antioxidants are abundant in coconut milk, especially vitamins C and E, which are essential for scavenging the body's damaging free radicals. These anti-oxidants minimise oxidative stress, shield cells from harm, and promote overall health.
Immune System Booster:
Coconut milk contains fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals that can strengthen the immune system. Coconut milk has a lot of lauric acid, which is recognised for having antibacterial characteristics that help fight off infections and strengthen the immune system.
Promotes Healthy Skin And Health:
Coconut milk contains vitamins and minerals like vitamin E and copper that support healthy skin and hair. Copper helps collagen synthesis and hair colouring, while vitamin E nourishes the skin, resulting in healthy-looking skin and beautiful hair.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties:
Lauric acid and other substances included in coconut milk have anti-inflammatory effects. Consuming coconut milk could reduce the body's inflammation, which is associated with a number of chronic conditions.
May Help In Weight Loss:
Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) found in coconut milk are easily metabolised by the body and can help improve energy expenditure despite their delicious flavour. This may speed up the metabolism and encourage feelings of fullness, both of which can help with weight management.
However, it is important to note that coconut milk is high in calories and fat, so it is important to consume it in moderation. It is also important to choose unsweetened coconut milk, as sweetened coconut milk is high in sugar. Overall, coconut milk is a nutritious and versatile food that can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet.
Coconut Milk Recipe
Here's how you can make coconut milk at home:
Ingredients:
• 1 coconut
• Water
Method:
• To begin, split open the mature coconut. This can be accomplished by lightly striking it along its equator with a hammer or a strong knife until it breaks open. Place the coconut water in a different container after draining it.
• Use a knife to delicately extract the coconut meat from the shell once the coconut has been broken open. To make blending easier, chop the coconut meat into small pieces.
• Blend the coconut meat bits in a food processor. Cover the coconut meat with water, then add more. Use more water for a thinner consistency and less for a thicker coconut milk. 1 part coconut meat to 2 parts water is a typical ratio.
• For a few minutes, blend the coconut meat and water at a high speed until the mixture is smooth. The coconut meat will be finely blended, and the water will take on a milky colour.
• Place a cheesecloth, nut milk bag, or fine mesh strainer over a dish or container to separate the coconut milk from the coconut pulp. Squeeze or press the combined mixture through the strainer to extract as much liquid as you can. This is your own handmade coconut milk.
• Repeat the blending and straining procedure using the same coconut meat and a little more water if you want to get more coconut milk out of the pulp. The result will be coconut milk that is thinner.
• Put the freshly prepared coconut milk in a spotless glass jar or container. For up to three to four days, keep it in the refrigerator. It's better to use homemade coconut milk within a few days because it doesn't include preservatives.
• The remaining coconut pulp can be dried and added to a variety of dishes or used as a topping.
