Coconut milk is a great natural product that can be used in a number of ways. Although coconut milk contains 17% fat it is fat that is good for human health. This post will look at how coconut milk can be used and why exactly it is not bad for your health to eat coconut milk.

Coconut milk has a rich and creamy taste that has a delightful coconut aroma. There are two types of coconut milk – thick and thin. Thick coconut milk comes from the first squeezing of fresh coconut meat. Thin coconut milk comes from the subsequent squeezing. Usually canned coconut milk is a combination of both thick and thin milks. The easiest way to separate the two is to open a can and leave it to settle. After a few hours the thick coconut milk rises to the surface and can be scooped off.

Thick coconut milk is good to make dry curry dishes such as those found in Thai cuisine. It can also be used in desserts. Thick coconut milk is sometimes referred to as coconut cream.

Thin coconut milk is most commonly used to make soups and wet curry dishes such as Thai green curry.

Another use of coconut milk is as a substitute for dairy products. Thick or thin coconut milk can be used to replace yoghurt or milk. It tastes great with fruit and it makes delicious smoothies. Coconut milk contains a high percentage of vitamins and minerals such as calcium and so is ideal for people who are lactose intolerant.

Coconut milk also contains lauric acid. This is a medium chain fatty acid that is easy for the body to metabolize and turn into energy. Unlike polyunsaturated fats such as soy, the fat in coconut milk does not produce bad blood cholesterol. Indeed the opposite is the case. Recent research has shown that coconut milk helps to keep a balance of total cholesterol levels in the body and prevent lipid disorders.

So enjoy the great taste of coconut milk; and don’t feel guilty – it might taste ‘sinful’, but it is actually good for your health.