Coconuts thrive in the southern regions of Asia, Malaysia, and Polynesia. Often mistaken for a nut, a coconut is in fact a one-seeded drupe—a type of fruit with an outer layer, a fleshy middle, and a hard, woody shell that encloses a single seed.
In Sanskrit, the coconut palm is called Kalpavriksha, meaning "the tree which provides all the necessities of life," since almost every part can be utilized, including the water, milk, flesh, sugar, and oil. The husks and leaves are also employed in making furnishings and decorations.
The process of making creamed coconut and coconut milk is quite similar to that of dairy. The coconut flesh is shredded and steeped in hot water, allowing the coconut cream to rise to the top for skimming. The remaining liquid is then pressed through cheesecloth to yield coconut milk. The milky-white fluid that flows from a freshly cracked coconut is pure coconut water, which, when mixed with the coconut meat and filtered, becomes the denser coconut milk.
Coconuts are nutrient-dense, loaded with fiber and abundant in vitamins C, E, B1, B3, B5, and B6, along with minerals like iron, selenium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Coconut milk, being lactose-free, serves as an alternative to cow's milk. It is an excellent choice for those allergic to dairy or nut- and grain-based milks, as well as for vegans and those on plant-based diets.
Considering all of this, it's hardly surprising that coconut milk is beneficial both internally and externally. We'll explore the benefits soon, but first, let's look at how to make it yourself.
How To Make Coconut Milk At Home
Creating your own coconut milk is not only delicious but also nutritious. Below is our preferred recipe for homemade coconut milk.
What You Need
- 8 ounces of unsweetened organic shredded coconut
- 4 cups of nearly boiling water
- Measuring cup
- Blender
- Nut milk bag
- Medium-sized bowl
- Clean mason jars with lids
How To Make It
1. Add the shredded coconut to the blender.
2. Pour the nearly boiling water over the coconut.
3. Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes, softening the coconut.
4. Blend on high speed until the mixture turns milky, which should take a few minutes. It's fine if there are still flakes of coconut visible.
5. Place the nut milk bag over a medium-sized bowl and pour the mixture into it.
6. Seal the bag and use both hands to squeeze out as much milk as possible into the bowl. You can discard the remaining coconut or dry it to make coconut flour.
7. Thoroughly clean the mason jars.
8. Transfer the milk into the jars and tightly seal the lids.
This milk will remain fresh for four days in the refrigerator or up to three months in the freezer. Remember to leave some space at the top before sealing the jar if you plan to freeze it. Note that the milk will separate when frozen, which is normal. Simply shake well after thawing before use.
10 Health & Beauty Benefits of Coconut Milk
1. Prevents hair loss and encourages hair growth
Coconut milk, rich in essential nutrients for healthy hair, can boost follicles and promote growth. Mix a quarter cup of coconut milk with half a cup of water, and for added benefits, include a few drops of lavender essential oil.
This not only adds a pleasant scent but also improves blood circulation and can prevent hair loss while encouraging growth. Massage this blend into your scalp and leave it for approximately two hours before rinsing thoroughly in the shower.
2. Treats dry, damaged hair
As a superb moisturizer, coconut milk can treat dry, damaged hair and soothe an itchy scalp. Chill a can of unsweetened coconut milk overnight in the refrigerator to solidify. In the morning, divide dry hair into sections and apply the coconut milk from roots to ends. Cover with a shower cap and let the mask sit for about 20 minutes before rinsing in the shower. This treatment is excellent for restoring dry hair and mending split ends.
3. Coconut milk serves as an excellent organic hair conditioner, softening the hair and promoting thickness and growth. It also functions as a natural detangler. Simply massage the milk along your hair's length while combing to ease through knots. Alternatively, it can be used as a leave-in conditioner, adding volume without a greasy residue. Dispense a small amount of coconut milk into your hand, rub your hands together, lean forward to let your hair hang down, and apply the milk from roots to ends.
4. Coconut milk also benefits skin health and appearance. Rich in Vitamin C, it supports skin elasticity and flexibility, and with its copper content, it helps prevent age spots, sagging, and wrinkles. For a facial mask, mix half a cup of coconut milk with a tablespoon of raw honey and five drops of eucalyptus oil. Apply with a clean cotton pad to your face and any wrinkle-prone areas. Leave for about 10 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water to keep skin hydrated and youthful.
5. To soothe sunburned or sun-damaged skin, apply a thin layer of cool coconut milk to the affected area. The milk's oils and fats restore moisture, diminish redness, and alleviate pain. It's beneficial to use before bedtime, allowing it to work overnight, and then rinse off in the morning.
6. For acne-prone skin, coconut milk is an effective cleanser due to its antibacterial properties, which help prevent breakouts without clogging pores. Use it regularly to maintain clear skin.
7. Overall Skin Moisturizer
Coconut milk is even more beneficial than traditional cow's milk for soothing skin. Pour a cup of coconut milk into your bath as the water fills the tub, and consider adding a half cup of rose water for extra benefits and a delightful scent. A 15-minute soak can restore moisture to dry skin, leaving it silky smooth. Applying coconut milk directly to the skin can also promote a healthier, more radiant complexion and alleviate dryness.
8. Heart Health Support
Consuming coconut milk can enhance overall health, particularly heart health, due to its rich lauric acid content. This substance has antiviral and antibacterial properties and is a healthy fatty acid that can improve cholesterol levels.
A 2013 study indicated that participants who ate coconut milk porridge five days a week for eight weeks had lower LDL (the "bad" cholesterol) and higher HDL (the "good" cholesterol). The study suggested that coconut fat in coconut milk may be beneficial for cholesterol levels, rather than harmful.
Additionally, coconut milk can aid in lowering blood pressure and reducing plaque buildup in blood vessels, which supports heart health and may decrease the risk of heart attacks.
9. Weight Loss
Coconut milk can be advantageous for weight loss as it aids in muscle building and fat reduction. Post-exercise, muscles require a range of nutrients, including potassium and magnesium found in coconut milk, which help repair and strengthen tissue. The high content of healthy fats in coconut milk promotes satiety, leading to quicker fullness, reducing the likelihood of overeating and snacking, thus facilitating weight loss.
10. Reducing Inflammation
Medium-chain fatty acids, or MCTs, in coconut milk are recognized for their inflammation-lowering properties. Since inflammation is linked to various health problems, including arthritis, muscle aches, and joint pains, incorporating coconut milk into your diet may help alleviate swelling and discomfort.
3 Homemade Health & Beauty Products Using Coconut Oil
Coconut milk is not only soothing and nutritious to drink but also beneficial for your skin and hair. Below are three recipes to try.
Rich and Creamy Chocolate Coconut Shake
This shake tastes so delightful, it's hard to believe it's healthy. It's perfect for a sweet, energizing treat at any time.
Ingredients:
- 4 ounces of full-fat coconut cream (frozen)
- 2 tablespoons of grass-fed butter
- 8 ounces of coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons of grass-fed collagen peptides
- 1 tablespoon of raw honey
- ½ tablespoon of almond butter
- 1 frozen banana
- A pinch of sea salt
Preparation:
1. Combine all ingredients in a blender.
2. Blend until the mixture is rich and creamy.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Coconut Milk Exfoliating Scrub
Eliminate dead skin cells and unveil smooth, nourished skin with this coconut milk scrub.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup coconut milk
- ½ cup turbinado sugar
- ½ tablespoon organic coconut oil, warmed
Preparation:
1. Mix the coconut milk and sugar in a small bowl.
2. Stir in the warmed coconut oil.
3. Gently massage onto clean skin in circular motions.
4. Rinse off and pat dry.
Tropical Leave-In Hair Conditioner
Struggling with tangles after washing your hair? This natural leave-in treatment will moisturize your hair, making detangling a breeze.
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup filtered water
- 1 tablespoon full-fat coconut milk
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
- A small spray bottle
Preparation:
1. Whisk together all the ingredients until well combined.
2. Transfer the mixture into a spray bottle.
3. Mist onto towel-dried hair and gently comb through.
Coconut Oil Coffee Creamer
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup of coconut oil
- 1/2 cup of raw honey
- 1 tsp. of Ceylon cinnamon powder
- Optional: 1 tbsp. of raw cacao powder
Instructions:
Mix all the ingredients in a bowl until well combined. Pour the coffee creamer mixture into a glass jar for storage. To enjoy, brew your favorite coffee and while it's still hot, add 1-2 tablespoons of the creamer. Blend on high for approximately 5 seconds. Savor your deliciously enhanced coffee.
Coconut oil is unique due to its medium-chain fatty acids, unlike the long-chain variety. These medium-chain fatty acids are quickly used by your body for energy, boosting your metabolism. Research suggests that consuming 1 to 2 tablespoons of medium-chain fats, such as coconut oil, each day can increase energy expenditure by 5%, leading to an extra 120 calories burned daily for the average person.
