Coconut milk is good for weight loss, prevents heart diseases and boosts immunity. But, can diabetics have coconut milk? Does coconut milk spike insulin?
Diabetes is a lifestyle and hereditary chronic condition associated with raised blood glucose levels. Its management involves strict cut-offs on carb-heavy, high-fat, and sugary foods. Those accustomed to coconut sweets and products may then ask: is coconut milk good for diabetes? Coconut milk high in sugar? Does coconut milk spike insulin? Let’s find out about coconut milk and its benefits for people with diabetes.
Contents:
Coconut Milk: Nutritional Profile
Coconut milk’s glycemic index is low (41), making coconut milk good for diabetics.
100 grams of coconut milk contains:
| Fats: 24g |
| Carbohydrate: 6g |
| Fiber: 2.2g |
| Sugar: 3.3g |
| Protein: 2.3g |
| Potassium: 263mg |
| Sodium: 15mg |
Advantages of Coconut Milk For Diabetes
- Coconut milk is rich in fiber, which plays a significant role in slowing the conversion speed of starch into glucose, maintaining steady blood glucose concentration.
- Medium-chain-triglycerides (MCTs) in coconut milk aids weight loss by enhancing metabolism.
- It is a very rich source of essential minerals required for the sound functioning of all body systems.
Ways To Consume Coconut Milk For Diabetes
Replacing dairy milk with coconut milk is one good option. Use it to make low-calorie smoothies, coffee, protein shakes, fruit shakes, soups, oatmeal, or chicken curry for intermittent meals or as breakfast delicacies.
Best Time To Consume Coconut Milk For Diabetes
Consume coconut milk in moderation for optimum health benefits, i.e., in the morning hours before meals, 1-2 times a week. Morning is ideal because coconut milk’s fat content is relatively easy to digest at this time when your stomach is actively producing digestive gastric juices.
Risks of Over Consuming Coconut Milk For Diabetes
Consuming too much coconut milk with diabetes may pose various health complications. Since it is a calorie- and fat-rich product, it can cause weight gain and high blood cholesterol levels when consumed in excess. This can further cause imbalanced blood sugar levels.
Other Health Benefits of Coconut Milk
- Coconut milk helps relieve inflammation and stomach ulcers.
- It contains lauric acid that helps fight infection-causing viruses and bacteria.
- It also helps strengthen bones and relaxes nerves and muscles.
Don’t Have Time To Read?
- The glycemic index of coconut milk is low, making it super-healthy for diabetics.
- It contains various electrolytes, essential minerals, vitamins, proteins, fats, and fiber.
- Its fiber content slows the conversion of starch into glucose, maintaining steady blood sugar levels in diabetics. Its MTCs enhance metabolism and aid weight management.
- Replace dairy milk with coconut milk in coffee, shakes, oatmeal, curries, etc. It is best consumed in the morning.
- However, it is rich in fats and calories and can cause excess weight gain and high cholesterol if taken in excess.
- It helps enhance immunity and bone strength and lower inflammation and ulcers.
- Use Phable Care App to consult India’s leading diabetologists, order medicines, book lab tests, integrate Accu-Chek instant and other devices to get real-time remote care from the comfort of your home. Let’s treat diabetes together.
Friendly Asked Questions
Yes, coconut milk is a super-healthy drink for diabetics as it helps lower blood sugar and manage body weight with its high fiber content, essential micronutrients, and minerals. But its overconsumption may have a reverse effect and increase weight and cholesterol through its fat content.
No, since the glycemic index of coconut milk is low, it is absorbed and assimilated slowly, thereby maintaining steady blood sugar levels. Its high fiber content helps improve the body’s metabolism, which, in turn, helps optimize blood sugar levels.
No, diabetics must not drink coconut milk every day. Since it’s high in fat, overconsumption can increase blood cholesterol and weight. This may result in elevated blood glucose levels and other diabetes-related complications.
Coconut milk’s high fat content becomes a risk factor when consumed excessively. So, drink thin coconut milk, that too in moderation. If you have diabetes, try not to consume more than one full glass 1-2 times a week to avoid elevated blood cholesterol levels.
Coconut milk wins the race in iron and vitamin C content and lactose intolerance. But for overall health benefits, including heart health, regular cow milk is better than coconut milk. So, take it as an additional drink but not a complete substitute for regular milk.