Coconut milk powder, a familiar product in many family kitchens, is not just a baking ingredient. With a healthy fat content and many other nutrients, coconut milk powder also brings many unexpected health benefits.
In addition to coconut milk, coconut milk powder is also a product extracted from fresh coconut meat. With a delicious, fatty flavor, coconut milk powder becomes an extremely versatile ingredient in cuisine. In addition to enhancing the flavor of dishes, coconut milk powder also brings many unexpected health benefits.
Nutritional composition of coconut milk powder
Coconut milk powder is a product made from fresh coconut meat. After the coconut is scraped off the hard outer shell, it will be pressed to extract the coconut milk. This coconut milk is then condensed to remove most of the water, forming a thick mixture. This mixture is then dried and ground into a fine powder, which is the coconut milk powder we often see.
Here are the estimated nutritional compositions in 100g of coconut milk powder:
- Calories: About 600 – 700 calories. This is a fairly high number, mainly coming from fat;
- Fat: The majority, about 60 – 70g. Mostly saturated fat, including lauric acid, caprylic acid and capric acid.
- These fatty acids are said to have some health benefits;
- Carbohydrates: About 20 – 25g, including fiber and sugar;
- Fiber: About 10 – 15g. Fiber is very good for the digestive system;
- Protein: About 5 – 7g;
- Vitamins and minerals: Coconut milk powder also contains small amounts of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, folate, iron, potassium, magnesium.
The nutritional composition of coconut milk powder may vary slightly depending on the brand and manufacturing process. To know the exact nutritional content of a product, you should check the nutritional information on the packaging.
Coconut milk powder is produced from the flesh of fresh coconut.
Health Benefits of Coconut Milk Powder
Coconut milk powder is a rich source of healthy fats, vitamins and minerals. Thanks to its special nutritional composition, coconut milk powder brings many health benefits.
Coconut milk powder is good for the heart
Coconut milk powder contains high levels of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) and lauric acid. Lauric acid has the effect of strengthening the immune system, helping the body fight against pathogenic bacteria. At the same time, lauric acid is also good for the heart, helping to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. In addition, MCTs are a type of fat that is easily digested and absorbed quickly, providing energy quickly to the body without increasing bad cholesterol. Thanks to that, coconut milk powder helps reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases.
Coconut milk powder supports the digestive system
The fiber in coconut milk powder, although not too high in content, plays an important role in supporting the digestive system. Fiber helps increase intestinal motility, prevent constipation and improve food digestion. In addition, coconut milk powder is also food for beneficial intestinal bacteria. From there, it helps balance intestinal microflora, improving overall health.
Supports strengthening the immune system
Thanks to its high lauric acid content, coconut milk powder has the effect of strengthening the immune system, helping the body fight against disease-causing bacteria and viruses. Lauric acid has the ability to inhibit the growth of some types of harmful bacteria and enhance the activity of immune cells.
Coconut milk powder brings unexpected health benefits
Coconut milk powder provides energy for the body
The neutral fat in coconut milk powder is a source of quick and sustainable energy for the body. The energy from this type of fat is quickly converted into energy cells, helping the body function effectively. In particular, it also has the ability to help reduce cravings and support weight loss.
Other uses of coconut milk powder
In addition to healthy fats, coconut milk powder also contains small amounts of vitamins and minerals such as manganese, copper, and iron. These nutrients participate in many metabolic processes in the body, helping to maintain health. Manganese plays an important role in bone formation and energy metabolism. Copper participates in the production of red blood cells and enzymes. Iron is an important component of hemoglobin, helping to transport oxygen to cells in the body.
Notes when using coconut milk powder for good health
Although it brings many health benefits, you also need to note some points when using coconut milk powder.
Notes when choosing to buy coconut milk powder
When choosing to buy coconut milk powder, you should prioritize products with clear origins, no preservatives and made from fresh coconut. You can choose to buy organic coconut milk powder to ensure the best quality. The most ideal ingredient of the product should be only 100% coconut milk powder, made from fresh coconut milk.
Should choose quality coconut powder to use
You should avoid buying products that contain a lot of additives, preservatives, artificial flavors, sugar, starch or other fillers. Pure coconut milk powder is usually ivory or naturally creamy white. Avoid products that are unusually pure white, which may have been bleached. Quality coconut milk powder has a characteristic aroma of fresh coconut, naturally rich. You should avoid buying products that have a foul, strange smell or chemical smell. In addition, good coconut milk powder has a smooth, loose texture, is not lumpy, and is not moldy.
Notes when using coconut milk powder
Although it contains a lot of healthy fats, if used too much, coconut milk powder can still cause weight gain. Therefore, you should use coconut milk powder in moderation and combine it with a balanced diet.
In addition, people who are allergic to coconut should avoid using coconut milk powder. Scientists believe that the protein in coconut is the main cause of allergic reactions. When the immune system mistakenly identifies this protein as harmful, it triggers an allergic reaction. If you have ever had an allergy to coconut oil, you are at a higher risk of having an allergic reaction to coconut flour.
Coconut flour can affect blood sugar levels, especially for people who use coconut flour with added sugar. Therefore, people with diabetes should consult their doctor before using coconut flour.
Use coconut powder properly to maximize effectiveness
Coconut milk powder is not only a delicious ingredient commonly used in cooking but also a healthy food. With a rich content of healthy fats, vitamins and minerals, coconut milk powder brings many health benefits. However, to make the most of those benefits, you need to use it properly.