Can Homemade Coconut Milk Reduce Your Risk of Heart Attack?
Homemade coconut milk is a great alternative for people who are lactose intolerant or prefer to avoid dairy products. It can also support heart health and reduce the risk of heart attacks.
According to Pooja Palriwala, a nutritionist working in the US, homemade coconut milk can support heart health when consumed in moderation.
“It contains fats that can help increase good cholesterol, which is good for your heart. However, since it is also high in saturated fat, it is important to balance it with heart-healthy foods like fruits and vegetables,” says Pooja Palriwala.
According to Ms. Archana S, senior nutritionist at Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru (India), there is currently not enough research to show whether coconut milk can actually reduce the risk of heart attack, but adding coconut milk to the diet can certainly contribute to improving cardiovascular health.
“Coconut milk contains Medium-Chain Triglyceride (MCT), which helps promote heart health and improve lipids by increasing good HDL cholesterol in the body,” said Archana S., adding that coconut milk contains potassium, a substance that regulates blood pressure, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Nutritionist Palriwala shares that the health benefits of making coconut milk at home will ensure more freshness and no added chemicals or preservatives. Therefore, it can reduce stress on the heart.
“You can customize the consistency and sweetness to your liking. Plus, it retains more nutrients, which saves you money and is better for the environment due to the reduced packaging used,” says Palriwala.
Can homemade coconut milk pose any health risks?
According to nutritionists, people with heart disease, high cholesterol or diabetes should use coconut milk in moderation.
Palriwala warns that the high saturated fat content in coconut milk can increase the risk of heart disease and other health problems. To reduce the risk, she recommends balancing saturated fat with healthier fats from sources like nuts and avocados, and eating plenty of fruits and vegetables.
