7 reasons to include coconut milk in your menu –

The healthy menu now has a delicious addition: ready-to-drink coconut milk. The drink, made with natural ingredients, is a great alternative to cow’s milk and other vegetable milks. Due to its vegan origin and naturally lactose-free, it is also a sure option for those who are intolerant or allergic to milk protein.

No wonder coconut milk has already conquered the group that takes care of the body and focuses on healthy eating. Actress Karina Bacchi is an example. Fitness muse, who is very concerned about the quality of her meals (even more so now, pregnant with her first child), she has already included the drink in her eating routine.

With the arrival of ready-to-eat options on the market, it is not even necessary to extract the milk from the fruit, literally. Ducoco, for example, brought innovation with two flavors: original and chocolate. The products can be consumed pure, with cereals or fruit smoothies.

Next, with the help of functional clinical and sports nutritionist Stella Santiago Jacob, we list 7 other reasons to incorporate the drink into your daily life.

Coconut milk is rich in good fat
The drink is based on coconut pulp, a source of lauric acid, known as “good fat”, which reduces the oxidation of LDL (the so-called bad cholesterol), preventing cardiovascular diseases. It also has antiviral and antibacterial action, strengthening the body’s immunity.

Our body needs good fat
Just by calling it “fat” do you turn your nose up? Because know that our body does need good fat to function. “This macronutrient is forgotten by the general population, but it must be consumed every day”, emphasizes Stella. Even during pregnancy – as is the case with actress Karina Bacchi –, the need to consume all nutrients increases, which calls for more attention to food. “During pregnancy, it is interesting to consume for satiety reasons, because during this period women tend to feel more hungry, and fat sources are healthy!”notes the nutritionist.

Fits perfectly well before training
“Coconut fat is called MCT (medium chain triglycerides). Our body gets quick energy from this type of fat.”, says Stella. For this reason, ready-to-drink coconut milk can be consumed before workouts at the gym. One suggestion is to beat 200 ml with a fruit of your choice.

Helps in the fight against hypertension
The potassium present in the drink causes an increase in the elasticity of the artery walls and has a preventive action against strokes, especially among women. This nutrient still helps in regulating the amount of water present in cells and acts in muscle contraction and relaxation. “It also contributes to bone health”recalls Stella.

Gives more satiety
In other words: the drink is great for those who are struggling with the scales and suffer from hunger attacks. “The morning can be a good time to consume, as coconut fat provides more satiety throughout the day”suggests the nutritionist.

It is a source of vitamins A, D and B12
The first strengthens the immune system, improves vision, helps in the formation of teeth and collagen, and is necessary for cell renewal. The second helps with immunity, cuts off chronic inflammatory processes and strengthens the bone structure. And the third is responsible for the proper functioning of the body’s cells. Need more reasons? So goes the last reason!

Can be consumed by anyone
Especially for those who are lactose intolerant or allergic to milk protein, as it is of vegetable origin and naturally contains zero lactose. “It is always good to look for a specialist to evaluate the most appropriate amount and time”points out Stella.