Is Coconut Milk Good For Diabetics

So Is Coconut Yogurt A Healthy Alternative Or No

The short answer to the question in heading: No. But let me elaborate.

To the hype around plant-based-health-food hype surrounding almost all plant-based products, coconut yogurt does not live up. There is no real evidence on it having general health benefits to already overall healthy people. It certainly doesnt belong to superfood. In fact, due to its oil content being mainly saturated fat, we should eat it in small amounts.

For the people struggling with some health issues like obesity and diabetes, coconut flesh and virgin coconut oil may have beneficial effects, but the evidence isnt clear about coconut milk or, in our specific case, yogurt. That being said, because dairy products have been the subject of many health concerns, including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer, due to its high saturated fat content and hormones inherent in them. From this perspective, coconut yogurt may indeed provide some benefits by avoiding some of these pitfalls.

Because the process used to produce coconut yogurt differs significantly from the processes used to make, say, virgin coconut oil, the researched benefits cannot entirely translate even though coconut yogurt does contain quite a bit of fats.

Readers Also Read & Shared

Dont Gulp Down Gallons

Enjoy your best and passable milks, but always keep in mind that too much of a good thing can be just that too much. Pritikin guidelines for dairy and dairy substitutes are two servings daily.

Two servings daily of dairy, along with the many other healthy foods that are part of the Pritikin Eating Plan, give us everything our bodies need while avoiding the excesses that promote obesity and our most common diseases, sums up Nutrition Director Kimberly Gomer.

Plant Sources Of Calcium

Did you know that many plant foods are rich sources of calcium, such as leafy greens like collard greens, turnip greens and kale, as well as tofu and tempeh.

But in recent years, the evidence on soys benefits has weakened.

In 2011, for example, researchers from the University of Southern California gave 325 healthy, postmenopausal women 25 grams a day of either soy protein or milk protein. After three years, there were no strong data showing significant lowering of cholesterol among the soy group compared to the milk protein group.

Moreover, progression of atherosclerosis, evidenced by scans of the carotid artery wall, was the same for both groups of women.

Now certainly, youll be doing good things for your cholesterol levels and cardiovascular health if you drink soymilk instead of saturated-fat-rich dairy like whole milk, 2% milk, and 1% milk, not to mention cream-heavy concoctions like Frappucinos.

So if you enjoy fortified soymilk, and prefer its taste to nonfat cows milk, by all means keep enjoying it.

Don’t Miss: Best Medication To Lower A1c

Diabetes Diet Can Be Tricky As There Are A Lot Of Do’s And Dont’s We Tell You Why You Should Drink Coconut Water And How Much Quantity Should Be Consumed To Manage Diabetes And Keep Blood Sugar Levels Stable

Coconut water is one elixir that you can drink anytime and anywhere. This drink is fresh, sterile, and devoid of any artificial sweetener or preservatives. The consumption of coconut water is said to contain many health benefits. One of the most important benefits is that it makes for a superior drink for restoring electrolyte balance during and after workouts or physical activity thanks to its two most essential salts – potassium and sodium. Moreover, it comes packed with calcium, phosphorus, zinc, manganese, iron, copper, and fundamental amino acids. While it may be great for overall health, coconut water has turned out to be a great drink for diabetics. Yes, you heard that right! According to a study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food, coconut water helps improve diabetes. What is important to note that coconut water is naturally sweet and contains fructose therefore, one must not drink it in excess. We tell you why you should drink coconut water and how much quantity should be consumed to manage diabetes and keep blood sugar levels stable.

Is Coconut Milk Good For Diabetes

Milk is one of the most nutritious drinks we have known from our childhood. Sometimes it is also called the reference protein.

In case of milk, cows milk is the first one to come in our milk. But there are a lot other milks which are beneficial for us too. Sadly many of us dont know about them. However, its never late to gain knowledge.

Today, Im here to enrich you with the knowledge of versatility of milk. But theres a little twist. In this article I will mainly narrate the good terms between different types of milk and diabetes. Mostly I will focus on the coconut milk and other coconut products like coconut water, oil and flour.

Diabetes restricts your lifestyle. If you are a foodie, diabetes will disappoint you. But its not a massive hindrance. Diabetics always get into confusion regarding their intake when it comes to any relatively low-key foods and drinks. Coconut milk might bewilder some people though not all.

So lets see why and how its beneficial for the diabetics!

Table of Content

Read Also: Side Effects Of Using Insulin

Which Milk Is Best

Whole milk. 2%. 1%. Skim. Almond. Rice. Coconut. Chocolate. Almond-Coconut. Ai yai yai!

Is it any wonder that people are confused these days about which milk is best for health? On supermarket shelves are seemingly endless varieties. Get answers.

With so many milks to choose from, what’s truly best for your health? Find out, and learn a surprising fact about 1% and 2% milk.

To help streamline your grocery shopping, the registered dietitians and doctors at the Pritikin Longevity Center recently scrutinized the many types of milks currently available.

Here are their recommendations for helping you decide which milk is best, which ones are passable, and what ought to just remain on the shelf.

Extra Tips For Diabetes

Most people think that they have to follow very strict food diet when they have diabetes, but that is not always true. You can have most of what you want to eat, so long as you eat in moderation. You just need to follow some specific principles and you can add a lot more to your diet.

Eat More Healthy Foods

It is always a good idea to add more plant-based stuff in your diet. Include veggies, fruits, and whole grains in your diet because they provide you with vitamins, fiber, and minerals. You can also include low-fat animal products in your diet. It is also fine to add some low-fat milk products in your diet.

Limit Your Carbs and Fat Intake

However, it is important to understand that you will have to limit your intake of carbohydrates. You need to know what you can eat and how often. Your blood sugar levels will go up quickly if you opt for foods high in refined carbs. Therefore, you should avoid them and opt for healthier sources of carbs, such as beans, whole grains, lentils, and starchy veggies.

Similarly, you may want to limit your intake of pork, chicken, and beef you can always swap in some fish because it provides you with healthy fats and is low in calories. Do not eat fried fish though you will be better off sticking to baked, grilled, and seared fish.

Eat Healthy Fats

Recommended Reading: Metformin Prediabetes Dose

Coconut Flakes Are They Processed

Coconut has always been a source of adaptability, whether it is considered a fruit or a nut. It is a valuable commodity that may be processed into a wide range of goods, including milk, cream, oil, powder, water, copra, and flakes. These coconut-derived items may be used for human consumption, cosmetics, or industrial purposes.

Q Is Unsweetened Almond Milk Good For Diabetes

Answer: Unsweetened almond milk is one of the best milk options for diabetics. They fulfill the nutrient requirements of people with diabetes. This milk is high in protein, fiber and healthy fats but low in carbs. According to different studies, this is helpful for following reasons:

• May improve insulin sensitivity if you have an almond enriched diet.
• Might help in the prevention of heart disease.
• High vitamin E content protects cholesterol against oxidation.
• Helps in the management of weight by increasing the feeling of fullness. This prevents obesity which increases the risk of diabetic complications.

You May Like: Greek Yogurt And Diabetes

Here Are A Few Things To Consider:

Whenever it comes to coconuts, there are a few considerations to keep in mind, just as there are with anything else.

Coconut is rich in fat, particularly saturated fats, so it is something that should be consumed in moderation if you are trying to maintain a healthy weight. Those fats, but on the other hand, can have a beneficial effect. They will help you feel fuller for a longer period of time when combined with slow-digesting fiber. This reduces your likelihood of snacking, which is beneficial for both losing weight and sugar management.

Fresh coconut, consumed in moderation, is a good lifestyle option for diabetics to consider. In the event that you do not have access to a fresh coconut, approximately 28-30 grams of dried coconut will be equitable to 2 inches square of freshly harvested coconut.

Avoid the stiff variety found in the baking section of your supermarket, which has been sweetened with additional sugar.

Individuals with or without diabetes should consume 25 to 38 grams of fiber per day, depending on their body weight. In addition, all of the previously mentioned considerations must be taken into account. Getting the exact amount of nutrients you need each time and staying away from other types of food can be difficult, however.

Additionally, it is recommended that you consult with your healthcare professional or diabetes educators before adding any new food items to your diabetes diet list.

Dairy And Kidney Disease

Dairy has a bad reputation when it comes to kidney disease. This may leave you wondering, is coconut milk ok for kidney disease as an alternative to regular cows milk?

Dairy has become a taboo on the renal diet because it has a fair amount of potassium and phosphorus in it. For some people with kidney disease, it is important to limit these nutrients. But this is not the case for everyone. Read on to understand if these nutrients are a concern for you.

You May Like: Diabetic Face Rash

What Are The Benefits Of Coconut Milk

• What makes coconut milk special for diabetics is its capacity to increase their bodys sensitivity to insulin. This benefit can ensure that the bodys levels of blood glucose are controlled and managed. However, consumption of this milk should be limited.
• In terms of heart health, coconut milk is highly effective in boosting your hearts functions. It helps prevent the emergence of many heart diseases.
• The immune system must be properly taken care of to continue its function in fighting against diseases and infection. Coconut milk is highly able to strengthen and boost the bodys immune system.
• Other than the mentioned benefits, coconut milk is also great in enriching the skin and hair. No doubt its used as the main ingredient in skin and hair products, such as soaps and lotions.

Coconut Water And Diabetes

The thin liquid found inside of a green coconut is called coconut water and should not be confused with coconut milk obtained by grinding up coconut meat. Coconut water is packed with essential nutrients and serves as an emergency saline drip to replenish lost minerals. You can also include in your routine to beat the heat and replenish any lost energy during the summer season. But, many people have questions about it and want to know the connection between coconut water and diabetes. Should diabetics include it in their diet? Let’s find out now!

You May Like: Regular Insulin Side Effects

Quick Question Re Coconut Milk

Diabetes Forum The Global Diabetes Community Find support, ask questions and share your experiences. Join the community Does anyone have any info on coconut milk and effect on blood sugar please? I have been avoiding it so far but keep coming accross nice recipes which use it! I’ve used coconut milk in Sharron Longs Key Lime Pie and a Mary Dan Eades Salmon with spicy topping thing . Have fun and let us know what you made and liked. Thanks Katherine, that’s what I wanted to hear! I’m going to try out a thai soup recipe – if it’s any good I’ll post it Hey jessie, I use it at least once a week to make thai curries and stuff. Very low in carbs so it shouldn’t have too much impact on the blood sugars. mmmmmmmmm curry thats me sorted friday then I have a feeling I’m going to be eating lots of Thai food then as I love coconut and curry! I have a feeling I’m going to be eating lots of Thai food then as I love coconut and curry! It has a cooling effect so you can use hordes of very hot chillies and add coconut milk for an interesting combination of opposing factors. Yes Thai cooking has some excellent combinations and as long as you avoid the inevitable rice you can find some very useful mealsContinue reading > >

• Coconut palm sugar: Can people with diabetes eat it?

Are You Aware Of The Sugar Content In Coconut Water

The naturally existing sugars in coconut water are responsible for its sweet flavour. Most packaged coconut water has a high sugar level, which is not always because sugar has been added to it. It can include up to 15g of sugar per 330ml carton and is sometimes merely a highly concentrated type of coconut water. It is equivalent to about 4 tablespoons of sugar. Hence, always look for products that have less than 2g of sugar per 100ml.

Moreover, you can always limit your intake to 12 cups.

Don’t Miss: Metformin Swelling

How Many Carbohydrates Are Included In Shredded Coconut

Shredded Coconut includes 1.5g total carbohydrates, 1.5g net carbohydrates, 13g fat, 1.3g protein, and 133 calories per serving.Unsweetened coconut flakes are what they sound like.They are unsweetened and contain no sulfur, so Go Ahead and Bake! Coconut Flakes are flavorful and nutritious. Due to the small size of these flakes, they are ideal for decorating cakes and pies. Utilize them in granola, trail mixes, or just as a snack. They are unsweetened and contain no sulfur.

Golden Milk Can Have Benefits In Diabetes

How Golden Milk can benefit people with diabetes. Did you know that turmeric and curcumin have significant benefits in diabetes? Turmeric lowers blood sugar, detoxifies the liver, and reverses insulin resistance, all of which are major components in controlling diabetes. Curcumins anti-inflammatory properties have also been shown to delay and reverse some of the complications of high blood sugars in diabetes such as painful diabetic neuropathy , diabetic nephropathy , and retinopathy . It works as an antioxidant and decreases oxidative stress and heart disease risk in diabetes. In autoimmune diabetes, it can repair and regenerate pancreas islet cells, which are responsible for making insulin. Curcumin can even reverse prediabetes, and can aid in diabetic wound healing. I think a great way to add turmeric to your day is drinking golden milk. There are many good recipes out there, but here is a recipe from Dr. Andrew Weil : GOLDEN MILK RECIPE Yields 2 Servings Heat 2 cups light, unsweetened coconut milk, or almond or soymilk Add ½ tablespoon peeled, grated fresh ginger Add 1 tablespoon peeled, grated fresh turmeric Add 3-4 black peppercorns Heat all ingredients in a saucepan and stir well Bring to a simmer and simmer covered for 10 minutes. Strain and add a few drops organic liquid Stevia extract or Stevia powder to taste for sweetening if desired. So as the November days and evenings get colder, enjoy some warm, healing golden milk. To your health!Continue reading > >

You May Like: How Many Points Does Metformin Lower Blood Sugar

What Are The Benefits Of Coconut For Diabetes Patients

Once you know how foods, especially carbohydrates, affect your blood sugar, you can evaluate foods such as fresh coconuts and make educated estimates with your educator or doctor about whether and when you can eat them. Read below to know a bit more in detail about this plant food called Coconut.

Coconut is a plant food rich in nutrients. When thinking of a healthy diet, the milk, oil, and cream of coconut all are beneficial. In fact, coconut oil, which is solid at room temperature, is excellent for cooking.

On the other hand, sweetened coconut products, such as the flakes used in baking are not recommended for people with diabetes.

Nutritional benefits:

Coconuts are high in naturally occurring saturated fats such as lauric acid.

Lauric acid is converted in the body into monolaurin, a beneficial compound that destroys a variety of organisms that cause disease.

It is used to fight common colds and viral infections, such as flu.

Coconuts also contain the following nutrients that can have benefits for the body:

• Vitamin C
• Potassium

Find the fibre:

Coconut is an exceptional source of dietary fibre. So much so that coconut fibre is packaged in capsule forms and sold as a health supplement for people who dont get enough in their food. A small snack-sized portion of fresh coconut contains 4 grams of dietary fibre, a full 16 percent of your recommended dietary intake.

A few considerations:

Read More:Coconut for Diabetes: Everything You Should Know

Smart monitoring:

What Is The Best Cereal For Diabetics

Wheat bran cereals are winners, when it comes to having the lowest GI rating and glycemic load. On average, they have a GI rating of 55 and a glycemic load of 12. When served as cereal, wheat bran is processed into flakes or pellets. They are heavier than rice-based cereals, due to their large fiber content.

Don’t Miss: Does Metformin Make You Hungry