Coconut Milk Benefits and Uses: For Hair, Skin, And Health

Coconut Milk Benefits – You may think why coconut milk? Because coconut milk is one of the most popular and tasty milk with numerous health benefits. 

Coconut Milk Benefits

If you ask about the benefits of coconut milk, it has numerous benefits for your health such as it protects the heart, improving the nervous system, and many more. Coconut milk is lactose-free (a sugar present in only milk and products made from it), fluffy, and creamy and you can use it in anything. Coconut milk is good for you and has been used in many cuisines around the world. 

Now let us dig deep into the theory of coconut milk and its uses:

Nutrition value of coconut milk

Before using coconut milk, you should know the nutritious value it contains so that you can use it according to your needs. Coconut milk contains lots of nutrients as well as calories, it contains iron, selenium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, protein, and vitamins C, E, B1, B3, B5, and B6, etc.

As per the Indian Council Of Medical Research (ICMR), 100 ml of coconut milk provides the following nutritional value:

Coconut milk even being high in calories and saturated fat is good for the heart if consumed in moderation and provides many other nutrients. 

How coconut milk is made?

The creamy coconut milk is made from the flesh, the white part of a coconut. Making coconut milk is easy, all you need is fresh brown coconut, a cheesecloth, and a blender. 

• You can cut or grate the white part of the coconut and blend it by adding the filtered water or coconut water itself. 
• Blend it for 1-3 minutes until coconut end up with a smooth consistency. 
• Then, strain the shredded coconut pulp through cheesecloth and extract the white liquid.

The white liquid is coconut milk. You can repeat the process 2-3 times but then the consistency of milk will become thin. You can use thin coconut milk to make soups and sauces. And thick coconut milk is generally used in desserts. 

When and how does coconut milk go bad?

Coconut milk is available in cans and cartons and if you want to keep them for longer, you have to place them in a cool, dark place. The unopened canned coconut milk shelf life would be 2-5 years, yes it can stay good for that period. But the same for the unopened carton, it would last for 2-3 weeks after manufacturing. 

When coconut milk goes bad, you’ll know by its smell and color. The smell will become sour, and the color will appear chunky and darker than usual. By keeping them in the refrigerator and opened canned coconut milk will last about a week while that of a carton will last for 7-10 days.  

When coconut milk separates

One more thing to keep in mind if you’re new to coconut milk is that the white and watery parts will get separated. The separation usually happens in raw coconut milk that has no additives. The cream and the water will become separated in the can and have a thick layer on the top. This separation doesn’t mean that it has gone bad, it’s perfect as it is. You just need to bring it back altogether, 

For that, you can pour all the parts of coconut milk into a bowl and heat it until the thick part melts. If you’re making a dish using coconut milk, you don’t need to do this pre-melting procedure, you can simply add this right into a pan, and it will heat with the rest of the dish. 

Coconut Milk for Hair

You must be thinking if you’re using coconut oil, then why you should be using coconut milk? Besides coconut oil, coconut milk is also widely used for hair and provides various benefits to your hair. 

Why is coconut milk good for your hair?

Coconut is one of the versatile fruits that it used for its water, oil, and milk. The flesh of the coconut is rich in nutrients like fiber, vitamins B, C, and minerals. Coconut milk is made out of its flesh. These nutrients are beneficial for hair as well as your overall health. 

Along with these nutritions, coconut milk has those properties that our hair requires for healthy growth such as the natural fatty acids which give moisturizing effects and help your hair grow longer. Coconut milk can improve the quality of your hair in just one use. It is a natural remedy with no side effects. 

Coconut milk versus coconut oil for hair

You might think is coconut milk better than coconut oil for hair? Well, they both are made of coconut flesh. Coconut having its own benefits and nutritions, provide those benefits into coconut milk as well as coconut oil. 

Following is the difference between coconut oil and coconut milk:

Is coconut milk good for hair straightening?

Coconut milk for hair straightening is good and a natural ingredient with many nutrients. The reason behind this is the moisturizing properties of coconut milk. It is well known to straighten hair permanently to some extent. Follow the simple recipe for hair straightening with coconut milk naturally:

• In the case of straightening hair permanently, homemade coconut milk would be better. For that, grate the flesh of the coconut and extract the milk with the help of a muslin cloth.
• Add few drops of lemon juice to the milk and keep it in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours. 
• The creamy and watery layers will get separated during that time.
• Apply the creamy part onto your hair from scalp to ends covering all your hair. 
• Leave it for at least one hour then shampoo your hair normally. 

Twice or thrice application of this in a week can give you desired results. This is the simple and easiest way to straighten the hair to some extent. 

Benefits of coconut milk for hair 

Coconut milk provides such benefits that coconut oil cant.  With nutrients like iron, sodium, calcium, magnesium, and vitamins, the scalp can remain nourished and your hair follicles can be strengthened. 

Following are the benefits of coconut milk: 

1. Coconut milk promotes hair growth

Nutrients such as protein, iron, B-vitamins, and vitamin C in coconut milk help promotes hair growth. Coconut oil has proven in making hair follicles stronger, coconut milk can also give such benefits to your hair. All you need is a good coconut milk hair mask recipe to apply to your hair. You can even pour some coconut milk onto your hair and massage your scalp and leave it for 15-20 minutes, this will give you some benefits of coconut milk in a short time.  

2. Act as a natural conditioner

Did you know that coconut milk acts as a good conditioner? It gives your hair even better shine and softness than those conditioners containing chemicals can’t. The reason behind this is coconut is a natural thing with natural nutrients that helps hair. You can either make a homemade coconut milk conditioner or can wash your hair by mixing coconut milk with your shampoo in equal amounts. 

3. Restores dry and damaged hair

Coconut milk contains those natural fatty acids that can give your hair soothing effects. It gives nourishment to your hair as it contains coconut oil which is well known for damaged hair. People who have dry, damaged hair and scalp should try using coconut milk. With just one application, you’ll notice the change in your hair. 

4. Prevents dandruff

Yes, coconut milk also helps in preventing dandruff from the scalp. It has those moisturizing properties that can nourish the scalp and help you get rid of those flakes on your scalp. The anti-inflammatory effects of coconut oil help scalp conditions and coconut milk contain coconut oil, thus it will provide such benefits to your hair and scalp. 

5. Helps in frightening pre-mature greying

Premature hair greying can be caused due to deficiency of B vitamins. Coconut milk contains B vitamins along with vitamin C and E, which can be good for your grey hair. Try to add coconut milk as a part of your hair care regimen, it will not provide harm to your hair but give benefits to them. 

6. Makes your hair naturally straight and shiny

Coconut milk can be used as a natural remedy for straightening hair. It provides moisture to your hair and helps tame frizzy hair. With one application of coconut milk on your hair, you will notice the shine and straightness level in your hair. A natural remedy with natural ingredients can give you natural effects. 

Coconut Milk for Skin

Coconut milk can be used for the skin as well. It gives a nourishing glow to your skin and treats several skin conditions such as acne, dry skin, etc. talking of coconut milk for hair and health, let us talk about its uses and benefits for the skin.

Is Coconut Milk Good for Your Face?

Yes, coconut milk is good and suitable to use for all skin types. It contains vitamin C content which is highly beneficial for the skin. Other nutrients like copper in coconut milk help prevent wrinkles and age spots. Coconut milk for face is a natural remedy to cure skin inflammations. 

Furthermore, coconut milk is filled with antioxidants and healthy skin oils, these can give many skin-friendly benefits. You’ll need to know how you can use coconut milk on your face and the detailed benefits it provides to your skin. By knowing the detailed information you can apply coconut milk to your skin according to your skin’s needs. 

Should we apply coconut milk on the face daily?

Coconuts are highly beneficial for our skin and hair whether you drink green coconut water or make milk from mature brown coconuts. Coconut milk is highly used as a natural cleanser for the skin. If you apply coconut milk as a cleanser daily on your face, you’ll likely have clear and brighter skin.  

It can removes build-up dead skin cells on your face, at the same time it nourishes your skin and gives you a smoother texture. There are many coconut milk uses for skin that you can opt for having glowing skin.   

What are the best ways to use coconut milk for skin? 

Coconut milk is widely used for skin and hair because of its nutritious benefits. It is easily available in cans or cartons in the market. If you prefer to use fresh coconut milk, you can make it at home by yourself. Coconut milk is easy to make then, you can use it in the following different ways:  

1. Add coconut milk to your baths

Moisturizing coconut milk can give you a fresh and rejuvenating bath.  All you need is to add half a cup of rose water in a mug and fill it with fresh coconut milk, then add this combination to your bath water and soak yourself in it. The fatty acids of coconut milk hydrate the skin and balance its pH level. It also reduces inflammations and nourishes dry skin. 

2. Use it as a face cleanser

Use coconut milk as a face cleanser to remove makeup. After a heavy day, your face would be tired with makeup on, you must need a rejuvenating cleanser to boost up your skin’s energy. You can remove your makeup by just dipping a cotton ball in fresh coconut milk or you can add 1 teaspoon coconut oil to 1 teaspoon of coconut milk and massage your face with it and wipe it out with cotton. This one is recommended for dry skin types. 

3. Coconut milk is a great skin salve for sunburns

According to dermatologist, coconut milk and oil both contains fatty acids that help to reduce inflammation and itchiness caused by staying under the sun for a long time. You should take a bottle filled with coconut milk before going for a beachy Sunday. You also can apply coconut oil or milk to your skin like sunscreen. 

4. Use coconut milk as an exfoliator

Coconut milk can be used as a face and body scrub because it has moisturizing properties which can exfoliate the skin by mixing it with other ingredients. 

As face exfoliator: Take 1-2 tbsp of cooked oats mix with enough coconut milk to make a smooth mixture and use it on your face as a scrub. You can use this on a regular basis as this scrub is very mild and can remove blackheads. 

As skin exfoliator: You can mix your body scrub with coconut milk and exfoliate your skin or you can make a homemade scrub by adding sugar and coconut milk in equal quantities with 1-2 tsp of any oil. Massage these mixtures on your body’s dry areas and rinse them off in a shower. 

5. Coconut milk face pack for skin brightening 

Vitamin C and E content in coconut milk helps to dissolve dead skin cells stuck in the pores and make your skin clear and brighter. There are many forms of face packs that you can make according to your skin type. The simplest coconut milk face pack for skin brightening you can make is: 

• Mix 1 tsp of coconut milk, powdered oats with half tsp of honey, and make a smooth paste.
• Apply this mixture on your face and massage well in circulation motion.
• Leave it for 15-20 minutes then wash off with lukewarm water. 

6. Make coconut milk facial oil for glowing skin

Coconut milk facial oil doesn’t mean to directly use coconut oil, it means to make fresh oil from coconut milk by yourself and use it as a facial oil. For this, you can heat some coconut milk in a pan on a low flame. After some time of heating, you’ll see the milk getting clear and turning into an oil texture. Use this freshly made oil by adding a pinch of turmeric in it every time you want to have a facial massage. This will give you a glow on your face. 

What Are the Benefits of Using Coconut Milk on the Skin?

Coconut milk is extremely beneficial for the skin as well. With its vitamin C and E nutrition content, it provides a nourishing glow to your skin and treats many skin conditions. Following are the 6 benefits of applying coconut milk on the face:

1. Soothes skin irritation

Coconut milk is beneficial in treating red and irritated skin. It has those moisturizing properties that can calm down the irritation of your skin whether it’s on your face or anywhere else on your body. Applying chilled coconut milk would be more effective in cooling down the redness.  

2. Coconut milk removes makeup naturally

As said above, coconut milk can be used as a cleanser or makeup remover. If you have dry skin, you should try using coconut milk for removing your makeup and dirt from the skin. It works the same as coconut oil in removing dirt from your pores and nourishes the skin. Dermatologists say coconut milk can not only cleanse the skin but also replenish healthy oils and antioxidants into your skin. 

3. Prevents premature aging 

Vitamin C and copper nutrition in coconut milk help to improve the elasticity and flexibility of the skin. This improves the appearance of the skin and smoothest away fine lines and wrinkles. Most of the commercial beauty products include coconut milk. You can either apply a coconut milk face mask or you can just use it as a cleanser on regular basis. 

4. Treats skin ailments

The use of coconut milk can prevent acne-causing bacteria. Coconut milk has lauric acid which is effective against acne because of its anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties. Also, the fat content in it prevents skin pores from clogging. 

5. Provides moisture to the skin

This benefit of coconut milk is well-known and has been mentioned many times in this article. The moisturizing properties of coconut milk provide nourishment and moisture to the skin. Apply coconut milk on your skin again after it dries out as it can improve your skin quality. Take a coconut milk bath to rejuvenate your skin. 

6. Treats sunburns

The anti-inflammatory properties of coconut milk are effective in healing the skin from sunburns. The fat content also reduces pain, redness, and swelling caused by the sun. You can apply coconut milk to the affected area at the night and wash off in the morning. Make sure to apply coconut milk as a sun-protection lotion before stepping out in the sun.   

Coconut Milk for Health

Coconuts are highly nutritious and rich in fiber, vitamins C, E, and B vitamins, minerals including iron, sodium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Coconut milk as named clarify is made from brown coconuts flesh and is also highly nutritious with these nutrients. 

Is coconut milk healthier than milk?

No, both kinds of milk nutritional profile are different because come from different sources. Coconut milk originates from the coconut trees and is created as a fruit juice whereas whole milk is an animal product produced with a nutrients profile specifically designed for supporting growth requirements.

Considering coconut milk vs cow milk, coconut milk has fewer nutrients than cow milk or whole milk and they are not interchangeable foods. The difference might make you think “is coconut milk bad for you?”  Well, it is a versatile food providing a wider range of minerals and healthy when consumed in moderate amounts. 

When to drink coconut milk?

You can drink coconut milk whenever you like but you should maintain its frequency. Consuming too much coconut milk can cause problems as it contains high levels of calories and fats. As a healthy adult, you can consume coconut milk 1 to 2 times per week but make sure that you drink fresh coconut milk. Here is some FAQ’s: –

How coconut milk tastes like? 

Well if you think coconut milk would taste the same as coconut water, you would be wrong. Coconut milk is a liquid that is made up by combining coconut water with coconut meat. It is not recognized as coconut water because it has a thicker consistency and milkier appearance.  

Have you ever eaten the inner skin of a matured brown coconut? The taste of coconut milk is the same as coconut with a sweet, floral, nutty flavor of coconut. However, some brands producing coconut milk with added flavors that will taste much better than organic one. 

Health Benefits of drinking coconut milk

Coconut milk with its nutritional qualities can provide the following health benefits:

1. Coconut milk prevents heart disease

Coconut milk increases the level of good cholesterol (HDL) and decreases the level of bad cholesterol (LDL). And a healthy level of cholesterols is important for good heart health. Good cholesterol has inflammatory properties that can help prevent heart disease. 

2. Boost your immunity

Coconut milk contains lauric acid which helps in improving the immune system. It makes your body strong in fighting infections caused by bacteria or viruses. Research in the Philippines proves that patients with pneumonia have responded to treatments faster when they have given coconut milk with antibiotics and these patients were mostly children. 

3. Coconut milk is good for bones

As mentioned above, coconut milk is made up of 30% coconut oil which has antioxidants compounds that help maintain bone structure and prevent bone loss due to hormonal changes. Therefore, drinking coconut milk will be beneficial for your bones, it is also rich in calcium and phosphorus. 

4. Helps in weight loss

Even being high in saturated fat, coconut milk can help you in weight loss. The reason behind this is coconuts contain Medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) which increase insulin that promotes weight loss. In fact, some researches have shown that MCTs worked in reducing body weight and waist size. 

5. Promotes healthy digestion

Coconut milk is consumed in moderate amounts can promote healthy digestion. The healthy fats in coconut milk can help digestive organs function properly. Drinking it early morning can help remove waste from the body and prevent gut-related issues. 

6. Helps in controlling diabetes

Coconut milk can be added to your diet if you’re a diabetic patient. Coconut milk has that nutrition that can be good for a diabetic patient but at the same time, it is high in fat. So, it is suggested to drink it under the prescription of your doctor. 

Conclusion

Coconut milk is nothing but the liquid form of coconut meat and water. It has the nutritional content that a human body might need. By knowing the goodness of coconut milk you would decide to add it into your diet or not. Also do consult your doctor before adding it to your diet. 

This article explains all the detailed information about coconut milk. We hope you’ll find everything you needed to know about coconut milk. 

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