Homemade coconut and almond milk

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Author of the article: Maxim Fadovsky

Healthy and healthy lifestyle specialist.

Residents of northern countries are increasingly including exotic foods in their diet. An example of this is coconut milk. It has only become widespread in the last decade. What motivates these innovators who promote its use?

First of all, take care of your own health. Secondly, the need to use natural products containing beneficial elements.

Benefits for the body

There are many questions associated with the use of coconut milk: what is the composition, what can be prepared, how to use it, how to make it at home and how it is made on an industrial scale. The answers to these questions should be systematized in order to know about the benefits and harms of coconut milk for the human body.

Legend says: under the Queen of Sheba, coconut milk began to be called the “elixir of youth.”

Compound

The reason is hidden in the composition. The list of vitamins and minerals it contains is extensive:

• more than twenty amino acids;
• vitamins of group B, A, E;
• cellulose;
• magnesium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, calcium, iron and selenium in compounds;
• essential and fatty acids;
• antioxidants.

This set contains the secret of the beneficial properties of coconut milk.

Important!!! The body easily digests processed coconut, and the minerals add value to the structure.

Calorie content

The calorie content of coconut milk is worth mentioning separately. It is equal to 230 kcal. For comparison, the calorie content of condensed milk is 360 kcal, raisins are estimated by experts at 302 kcal. Calorie content is calculated per hundred grams of product, which means that when drinking a glass of milk, the body will receive almost 500 kcal. This figure will be twenty percent of the daily caloric intake of an adult.

You can buy canned coconut milk at the store.

BJU

When studying the distribution of BJU in coconut milk, a conclusion arises about a high fat content:

• saturated fats – 21 percent;
• proteins –2.3 percent;
• carbohydrates –5.5 percent.

How is it useful?

A feature of coconut, which is noted by nutritionists, is the absence of cholesterol. This is proof of the benefits of coconut milk for the body. But consuming saturated fats causes the body to produce cholesterol on its own. This contradiction gives reason to think about the benefits of coconut milk.

Fats are a source of energy for the body; it needs them. They are usually found in animal products. Coconut milk, having an impressive range of vitamins and minerals, and also being a plant product, does the important job of saturating the body with essential fats.

The micro and macroelements present in milk affect the proper functioning of digestion and strengthens bone tissue.

Benefits of coconut milk for the body

The product contains a huge number of vitamins, macro- and microelements, which undoubtedly has a positive effect. Milk can also be used during diets, thereby giving the body great support.

It has been scientifically proven that regular use of the product:

• reduces the likelihood of heart disease;
• prevents thrombosis;
• improves brain activity and develops it;
• improves mood, helps get rid of depression;
• strengthens the immune system;
• strengthens bones;
• relieves fatigue and tension;
• helps fight viruses;
• fills the body with energy;
• maintains the elasticity of blood vessels;
• protects against the harmful effects of free radicals;
• helps fight ulcers;
• improves digestion;
• increases hemoglobin;
• controls blood sugar levels;
• quenches thirst.

The liquid also has a beneficial effect on the skin, hair and nails. It is consumed internally, and various masks are also made with it.

Is there any harm from using it?

But the coin has two sides, so, in addition to the benefits, it is worth talking about the harm. With rapid absorption, allergic reactions occur as a result of consumption, which lead to complications. It is not suitable for those who suffer from fructose intolerance.

Young children are a direct contraindication for use due to the risk of allergies. Not suitable for people who are overweight. People suffering from atherosclerosis and high cholesterol should be careful when consuming coconut milk. Is it possible to be allergic to bananas?

Coconut flour - waste-free production

We have introduced you to the coconut milk recipe. But do not rush to throw away the shavings that remain after preparing the product. We will now make coconut flour from it! This is done like this:

1. The chips are distributed on a baking sheet previously covered with parchment paper.
2. Place the product in the switched off oven for one to two days.
3. After this, the coconut mass is ground in a coffee grinder.
4. Store in a jar in a cool place. For example, in the refrigerator.

This product is an excellent replacement for the usual wheat flour. Some people prefer coconut because it is gluten-free.

How to do it at home?

The question arises of how to make coconut milk at home. Supermarkets most often sell canned products. Coconut milk and coconut water are not the same thing. The second is located directly inside the nut, and the first is artificially created from the pulp.

Is it possible to extract milk from coconuts yourself? The process seems complicated. Coconut's status as an exotic fruit leads to the fact that many are afraid to even think about how to make coconut milk themselves. There are only two ingredients for cooking:

• fresh coconut pulp;
• water.

Water is taken based on fat content.

1. At the initial stage, the coconut is correctly and carefully split, and the juice and pulp are found inside. Juice is not involved in cooking.
2. The pulp is crushed by grating or processing with a blender.
3. The resulting mass is coconut flakes. The shavings are filled with water and left for half an hour.
4. Then the mass is filtered.
5. The resulting drink is poured into a suitable container. A glass of milk is usually prepared from one medium-sized coconut.

Important!!! When making coconut milk at home, the fat content level is adjusted by adding water. With a higher water content, a lower percentage of fat content.

Coconut milk from coconut flakes

The easiest way to make a drink is from shavings; you can do without a blender. All you need is a container in which manipulations will take place.

Ingredients:

• coconut flakes
• soy, cow's milk or water

Keep the proportion 1:2 everywhere

Step-by-step preparation:

1. mix milk and shavings;
2. simmer over low heat for three minutes;
3. let the mixture brew for 30 minutes;
4. strain through a sieve or cheesecloth;
5. squeeze out the chips well;
6. the product is ready!

Review Reviews

Reviews about the use of coconut milk are numerous:

• found in many Korean and Japanese cosmetics;
• applicable for masks that promote cell regeneration and fight signs of aging;
• has the effect of creating a protective film, which resembles the result of a facelift.

It is known to use milk when working with hair. It is suitable for all hair types, does not damage the scalp even with prolonged use, fights dandruff and significantly improves appearance.

There are reviews about coconut milk in medical practice. Oncologists advise drinking it after radiation therapy due to its effect on the human body.

Coconut milk is widely used in cooking. For Asians, there is no question of what to make with coconut milk. Desserts based on it are famous all over the world. In addition to them, first courses are widespread. In Asian countries, milk is regularly made at home. A soup called “Tom Yam” is prepared on its basis and is very popular. Chicken Curry of the classic recipe is prepared with coconut milk.

Important!!! Storing milk in the refrigerator for more than two days is not recommended, but freezing will preserve all the nutritional properties. Coconut flakes are regularly used to make desserts. When specially dried, it has a long shelf life and also has the aroma and taste of coconut.

A coconut milk smoothie is considered a complete breakfast option for those who exercise or hope to replenish their body's energy reserves. It can be prepared with the addition of chia or flax seeds.

Health benefits of coconut milk

Coconut milk contains a lot of vegetable fats, protein and oil. It is rich in vitamins C and B, as well as manganese and iron. This relatively low-calorie product is useful for chronic fatigue, loss of strength and vitamin deficiency. Regular consumption of coconut milk, as Indian experts have found, has a beneficial effect on cardiac activity. Even in ancient times, coconut was known as a natural aphrodisiac, stimulating the formation of hormones and reducing the risk of impotence in men. One of the most important benefits of coconut is its positive effects on the function of our cardiovascular system. In particular, eating coconut helps restore blood quality and normalize blood circulation, reduce blood cholesterol levels, prevent atherosclerosis and various heart diseases, and so on.

Coconut products such as milk and oil have excellent cleansing effects, and the fats they contain stimulate metabolism and restore the functions of vital organs and systems in the human body.

Preparing coconut oil

Coconut milk contains 40% coconut oil.

, which is the most valuable dietary product. Its main asset is its unique lauric acid, which, in addition to coconut oil, is also found in palm oil and human breast milk. Lauric acid helps protect the body from infections and viruses.

To prepare coconut oil, cut the coconut flesh into large pieces and grind in a blender or grate. Then transfer the grated pulp into a deep bowl. Bring water (about two and a half glasses) to a boil. Let the water cool slightly and pour in the grated coconut (not boiling water) and leave until the water cools completely, stirring the resulting mass periodically.

When the water has cooled, cover the bowl with a lid and place it in the refrigerator for ten hours. After this time, remove the lid from the bowl. A thick crust of coconut oil has formed on the surface of the bowl. You need to collect it all, put it in a mold and melt it in a water bath. If there are pieces of coconut in the oil, the oil itself can be strained.

Place the mold with clean oil back in the refrigerator. This oil can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Coconut oil

Excellent for skin care when visiting solariums, it makes the tan even and the skin velvety.
Coconut oil
is high in lauric fatty acids and triglycerides.
This property ensures good absorption of coconut oil
into the skin.
When applied to the skin, Coconut Oil
melts quickly and is absorbed, leaving the skin smooth and velvety.
Coconut oil
is great for skin care and preventing stretch marks during pregnancy.
Coconut oil
prevents the formation of small cracks on the skin of the hands and heels.

Preparing coconut flakes

The squeezed shavings remaining after receiving coconut milk can also be used in cooking, and if you plan to store them, you need to dry them in the oven at a low temperature (50 degrees).

The shavings turn out to be much more aromatic and tastier than those bought in a store. If you need shavings to decorate confectionery products, then it is better to grind the coconut pulp not in a processor, but to grate it.

The coconut meat can be thinly sliced ​​using a Berner grater or vegetable peeler, dried in the oven to make coconut chips.

All about the benefits of the product

And one more important question. How will drinking coconut milk along with all the elements it contains be beneficial for you and me? Let's find out this too:

• Reducing high blood pressure. This is facilitated by potassium, which the product is rich in. The element allows you to regulate blood pressure.
• Protection against the negative effects of free radicals. This mission is undertaken by the antioxidants contained in this coconut product.
• Normalization of blood sugar. Yes, coconut milk is also recommended for diabetics. The fact is that the magnesium it contains during metabolism helps the body better absorb glucose.
• Strengthening the immune system. Lauric acid takes on this task. The element is known for its antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal effects. The highest content of lauric acid is in human breast milk. Now we understand why pediatricians advise mothers not to refuse such feeding. Breastfed babies have stronger immunity and are less susceptible to diseases.
• Normalization of the proportion of cholesterol in the blood. Saturated fatty acids, which coconut milk is rich in, cope with this.
• To normalize weight, lose weight. Coconut milk is rightfully classified as a dietary product. It's all about the same saturated fats. What are they good for? The element helps you feel full when you eat a portion that is much smaller than the standard one. Scientists have already established that the main cause of obesity is a lack of saturated fat in the body. And the banal replacement of them with simple carbohydrates, which lead to obesity.
• Normalization of metabolism. Coconut milk is high in medium chain fatty acids. They are immediately sent for energy synthesis, and are not stored in reserve. Milk is also beneficial for those suffering from pancreatitis. Medium chain fatty acids do not require pancreatic enzymes to be absorbed by the body.

It is also important to note that coconut milk is ideal for those people whose bodies are sensitive to lactose (an essential component of regular cow's milk). With such a product, they can eat milk porridges and desserts that were previously completely unsuitable for them.

In addition, researchers note that coconut milk replicates all the beneficial properties of the equally popular coconut oil.

So we have discussed with you how to “extract” such a useful liquid for the body from a coconut or from shavings of fruit pulp. As you may have noticed, this process is absolutely uncomplicated and does not require special skills or significant time investment. Enjoy your meal!