Coconut milk can be made by squeezing the grated meat of the coconut through cheesecloth. For thinner coconut milk, the meat can then be soaked in warm water and squeezed a second time. Many people who make their own coconut milk at home simply blend shredded coconut with warm water.
Health Benefits of Coconut Water
Because coconut milk is made from the meat of the coconut, it contains many of the same health benefits of coconut, namely iron, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, zinc, in addition to its very high saturated fat content.
Medium-Chain Triglycerides (MCTs)
Specifically, coconut milk contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), a type of saturated fat that is easily absorbed by the body. As a result, it is commonly used to treat malnutrition and malabsorption syndromes. MCTs are also great for those who are looking to lose or maintain weight because it promotes fat oxidation (when your body breaks down fat cells in order to access the nutrients stored there). MCTs are also beneficial for treating and preventing neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s by providing energy for neurons and slowing their decline.
Mark Sisson provides a comprehensive post on the benefits of coconut, as well as tips for making your own coconut milk.
