All About Coconut Milk – Pros, Cons And Storage

Coconut has many uses. It is one of those fruits that can be used in multiple ways and to cook many different food items. We get oil, tender coconut water an malai, cream of coconut and coconut milk from it. Coconut milk in particular has gained immense popularity amongst those who are shifting from poultry to plant-based options. And coconut milk is a great option with many nutritional benefits. Let us look at some advantages, side effects and shelf life for plant-based coconut milk.

Pros of coconut milk

Coconut milk is high in calories and it gives you a lot of instant energy. That enhances your stamina. It is also rich in electrolytes, which hydrates your body. So, if you work out or do heavy physical labour throughout the day, then coconut milk is the best option for you.

2. Helps lose weight

It is a part of keto diet, that eliminates any sort of carbs from the diet for the purpose of weight loss. Coconut milk has saturated fats as well as nutrients like calcium, iron, magnesium and phosphorus, so it makes for a great option to be included in keto-friendly diet.

3. Promotes heart health

Coconut milk decreases bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol. It helps maintain a healthy body weight and is the perfect choice if you want to keep your heart healthy. The milk is easily digestible and does not get stored as fat.

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1. Weight gain 

While having moderate quantities of coconut can help you to lose a chunk of weight, drinking too much of this high—calorie, high fat milk can definitely lead to weight gain. Balanced diet is key to losing weight.

2. Constipation

Suddenly adding a lot of coconut milk to your diet can actually lead to constipation as well as indigestion. In some extreme cases, it can also lead to diarrhea and gas problems. So, if you are transitioning to coconut milk, make sure you do it slowly and gradually.

Storage

Coconut milk, just like dairy milk, can also go bad if not stored properly. The shelf life of coconut milk depends upon the source and packaging of it. Freshly prepared home strained coconut milk should be consumed within 2 days, while packed and sealed ones can last a year, if not opened. Canned coconut milk, that is thick, can actually last 2-4 years if the can is unopened.