Coconut milk, a versatile and nutrient-rich liquid extracted from the white flesh of mature coconuts, is a popular ingredient in various culinary dishes and a nutritional powerhouse for its benefits for hair, skin, and overall health. To know how to make coconut milk is extracted after moistening the grated coconut meat and subjecting it to squeezing and filtering. [1]
According to Ayurveda, Coconut milk is characterized by its sweet taste (Madhur rasa), sweet post-digestive effect (Madhur Vipak), and cooling energy (shita veerya). It possesses the properties of being heavy (guru) and unctuous (snigdha). These attributes collectively contribute to its potential therapeutic effects. It is particularly effective in balancing the Vata and Pitta Doshas, two of the fundamental energies in Ayurvedic philosophy. Its consumption is recommended for alleviating various health conditions such as Daah (burning sensation) and disorders arising from an imbalance of Vata and Pitta Doshas. [6]
Packed with vital minerals, vitamins and healthy fats, coconut milk has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and beauty routines across various cultures. This article will delve into 20 surprising benefits of coconut milk for hair, skin, and health.
Benefits for Hair
- Hair Growth:
Coconut milk contains various nutrients that help promote hair growth by supplying nutrients to the hair follicles and boosting blood circulation to the scalp. [5]
- Hair Conditioning:
The natural fatty acids have a guna quality, add to the coconut milk benefits and work as excellent conditioners, making your hair smoother, shinier, and more manageable. [5]
- Prevents Hair Loss:
The vitamins and minerals in Coconut milk help prevent hair loss by strengthening the hair shaft and reducing breakage. [5]
- Natural De-tangler:
Among the other benefits of coconut milk for hair is its slippery texture, which makes it an effective natural detangler, reducing knots and tangles, thus minimizing hair breakage during combing. [5]
Coconut Milk Benefits for Skin
- Moisturizes Skin:
Coconut milk is an excellent natural moisturizer that hydrates and nourishes the skin thoroughly, leaving it soft and supple. [1] An aggravated Vata Dosha tends to increase dryness in the skin, and so by incorporating fresh Coconut Milk in the diet and skincare regimen you can give your skin the required nourishment that is essential to replenish its moisture levels and restore natural elasticity for soft and supple skin.
- Soothes Irritation:
The anti-inflammatory properties of coconut milk can soothe skin irritation, making it suitable for those with sensitive skin or certain unwanted skin conditions. [1]
- Minimizes acne:
Yet another of the several coconut milk benefits for skin is that it also helps minimize skin problems such as acne. [1]
- Reduces hyperpigmentation:
Coconut milk is known to thin the hyperpigmentation layer on the face skin instead of cosmetic products as it is natural and safe. [1]
- Gentle Cleanser:
Coconut milk can be used as a gentle makeup remover as well as for cleaning dirt and oil that sticks to the skin. It can also eliminate black spots on the face because coconut milk is rich in natural fatty acids that contain antiseptics. [1]
- Treats Sunburn:
Applying Coconut milk to sunburned skin can provide relief, thanks to its cooling and anti-inflammatory properties. [5]
- Evens Skin Tone:
Regular use of Coconut milk can give you an even skin tone, reducing dark spots and blemishes. [1]
Health Benefits of Coconut Milk
- Antioxidant:
The benefits of drinking coconut milk and incorporating it into your diet can help provide your body with antioxidants that can counteract oxidative damage caused by harmful free radicals. [2]
- Rich in Nutrients:
Coconut milk nutrition has a brimhana action and is immense, including minerals such as proteins, fats, carbohydrates, [2] iron, and phosphorous, as well as vitamins C and B. [4] It also has an effect on the tridoshas and helps balance the vata and pitta doshas as well as increase the kapha dosha.
- Heart Health:
The healthy fats in coconut milk, particularly medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), can improve heart health by increasing good HDL cholesterol levels and decreasing LDL cholesterol. [3]
- Boosts Immune System:
Lauric acid, abundant in coconut milk, has antimicrobial properties that can help strengthen the immune system and fight infections. [5]
- Bone Health:
The phosphorus in coconut milk is essential for maintaining sound bone health and preventing osteoporosis. [5] It also helps with shirashoola, katigraha, as well as a variety of other vata disorders and mamsakshaya.
- Weight Management:
MCTs in coconut milk are easily digestible and can aid in weight management by speeding up metabolism and promoting a feeling of fullness. [5]
- Lactose-Free Alternative:
Coconut milk is an excellent dairy-free alternative to traditional milk, making it suitable for lactose intolerance or dairy allergies. [4]
- Maintains blood glucose level:
Incorporating coconut milk into dietary routines can play a pivotal role in regulating blood sugar levels, especially for those with diabetes. [5]
- Digestive Health:
The fiber content and the vipaka, veerya, and sheeta qualities in coconut milk supports digestive health by facilitating regular bowel movements and preventing constipation, acidity, and indigestion. [5]
FAQs
• What contributes to the high coconut milk calories?
The elevated saturated fat content makes coconut milk a calorie-dense substance, with a tablespoon providing about 30 calories.
• How to make coconut milk at home?
After breaking open the coconut, grate the flesh out and run it in a blender with water. Then, squeeze the white liquid out of the coconut.
• Is coconut milk powder and coconut milk the same?
lthough they are related, they are not the same. The process of obtaining coconut milk powder involves the following:
1. Grating coconut flesh
2. Soaking it in hot water
3. Skimming off the coconut cream or fat that rises to the top
The remaining liquid is then strained through cheesecloth to extract the white liquid, which is coconut milk. This coconut milk is then processed into powder form.
Conclusion
Incorporating Coconut milk into your hair care, skin care, and dietary routines can yield many benefits. Whether you want to enhance your hair’s health, achieve radiant skin, or boost your overall well-being, coconut milk stands out as a natural and versatile ingredient that has been celebrated for its remarkable properties for centuries.
Disclaimer:
This article is written from a health and wellness perspective and is not medical advice. Kindly seek the help of a certified medical practitioner before initiating any treatment.
References:
- Coconut Milk as an Alternative of Cosmetic Material for Thinning Hyperpigmentation on the Face Skin
- Antioxidant and Nutritional Properties of Domestic and Commercial Coconut Milk Preparations
- Impact of a Traditional Dietary Supplement with Coconut Milk and Soya Milk on the Lipid Profile in Normal Free Living Subjects
- The Effects of Coconut Skim Milk and Coco-Dairy Milk Blend on the Nutritional Status of Schoolchildren
- 20 Incredible Benefits of Coconut Milk For Skin, Hair And Health
- International Journal of Applied Ayurved Research ISSN: 2347-6362 NARIKELA (COCOS NUCIFERA LINN.), A HEIGHTED PALM TREE WITH HIGH MEDICINAL VALUE IN AYURVEDA – A REVIEW
