Coconut Water: Typically derived from young coconuts, coconut water is found in the center of the nut. Coconut water is a good source of potassium, magnesium and calcium. It is low in sugar but gains most of its calories from it. Coconut water is also a good source for electrolytes (minerals) that can be depleted during vigorous exercise or diarrhea and is sometimes called "Natural Gatorade".
Coconut Milk: Made from mature coconuts, coconut milk is processed by mashing the meat of the coconut with water. Because the meat of the coconut is high in fat, coconut milk is very high in calories derived mainly from saturated fat. The fats in coconuts do not raise your LDL or "bad" cholesterol as they are processed differently in the body than saturated fats from animal sources.
Canned coconut milk has been controversial due to the lining of the cans containing bisphenol-A or BPA which has been linked to cancer, diabetes, ADHD, infertility and heart disease. BPA leaches into products with high acid (like tomatoes) and high fat like coconut. Canned coconut milk also contains guar gum, a thickener that is often difficult to digest and can cause diarrhea.
According to one article I read, you can make coconut milk yourself or you can purchase one brand for certain that does not have any BPA in it. The one brand without BPA is Native Forest. For more information, please read.
Today, there are a number of coconut milk brands in cartons. I was unable to find enough information on them to make a comment on how they are processed and stored.
The best source of anything in the food world is as close to the whole food as nature intended. So, if you're going to consume coconut water, get young Thai coconuts and drink directly from the nut. If you want to have coconut milk for your recipes, go with home made.
For information on living a Delicious and Healthy life, see www.DeliciousAndHealthy.com and learn how to eat for health, graceful ageing and longevity.
No comments:
Post a Comment