Coconut milk-summer fad or really worth the hype?

Coconut milk is making another comeback this summer (it seems to be in a close race with Madonna for most comebacks). What is the hype all about?

First off, coconut milk is derived from the flesh of the coconut by soaking the fibers in water and draining them with a cheese cloth.

Coconut milk is supposed to be an anti -viral as well as an anti-carcinogen, there is hope that it can be used in the future to help HIV patients.

On the nutritional side, coconut milk contains a moderate amount of carbohydrates and a very high amount of saturated fats. How the hell did this become a health food then?

The chemical structure of those fats is somewhat different, they are medium chain triglycerides (MCT's), which are easily metabolized in the liver for energy. So in other words, the body is more likely to use these fats than store them.

Some people claim to feel an energy boost, when consuming MCT's. Improved digestion could be a reason. Most noticeably, coconut milk improves the quality of skin and hair, it can help clear up acne and blemishes.

So it seems that there are some benefits to coconut milk, just keep in mind : every gram of MCT's has 7 calories so you need to cut 2 grams of carbs to even out your energetic balance.

Another reason to love the tropics!