Here's Why You Should Start Drinking More Coconut Milk

Unless you've had your head in the sand, then chances are you know coconut products are huge in the world of health and wellbeing. From coconut oil and coconut water to coconut blended beverages and coconut milk, there are a lot of options to choose from. But you should start drinking more coconut milk. It is essentially a combination of the coconut cream and coconut water when the mature coconut "meat" is grated and pressed (via Pure Green).

It's important to acknowledge that this alternative milk has its disadvantages, but it has a lot to offer. "When compared to soy or almond milk, coconut isn't as healthy," according to plant-based dietitian Julieanna Hever, RD (via Women's Health). Coconut milk is higher in fat and calories than other kinds of milk, but it has just one gram of carbohydrates per serving, which makes it a great option for diets like keto. Coconuts are also high in magnesium and lauric acid, both of which are good for the heart. Magnesium helps circulation and minimize stress while lauric acid could help improve cholesterol.

Drinking more coconut milk doesn't mean drinking a lot of it. It is important to only consume it in moderation like most foods. "Treat coconut milk as a treat," said Hever to Women's Health. Coconut milk packs tons of good vitamins and minerals. In addition to lauric acid and magnesium, coconut milk is rich in iron, potassium, manganese, copper, and selenium (via Healthline). 

While there is limited research on the direct effects of coconut milk, early studies have led some to believe it has the potential to help reduce inflammation.  There's also a chance that the lauric acid in coconut milk can help your body fight viruses and bacteria. Finally, coconut milk has helped reduce stomach ulcers in rats by 54 percent, which is effective enough to be compared to an anti-ulcer drug. So there are high hopes for everything that coconut milk has the potential to aid.