Certain foods benefit from a “healthy” image that is not always deserved. This is the case for a plant-based milk that should be consumed sparingly, even if it is used in many recipes.
If milk is (reasonably) part of a balanced diet for its supply of calcium, vitamins and proteins, this is not the case for all milks or vegetable drinks. One of these drinks even turns out to be particularly high in calories… and should therefore be consumed in moderation.
Popular, but fatter than it looks
This milk, by misnomer, or vegetable drink, is coconut milk, which has 200 calories per 100 g of product and also proves to be pro-inflammatory if consumed in too high a dose.
“While tasty and creamy, coconut milk may contribute to weight gain and potentially slow metabolism due to its high fat content… Be careful because its rich and creamy texture can encourage you to take larger portions, thus increasing your consumption of calories” demonstrates Trista Best, dietician at the media She Finds.
Under its mild flavor and its very “natural” image, coconut milk contains medium-chain triglycerides, but also saturated fats, up to 45% of what we should consume per day, in a simple cup. Drinking or consuming coconut milk in excess therefore not only promotes weight gain, but also inflammation, cholesterol and cardiovascular problems.
NO to diets, YES to WW!
To be used occasionally in our recipes
There is no point in demonizing coconut milk (which, let's face it, is so good in curry, lentil dahl or our homemade pastries!), but its use must be regulated and punctual, replacing cow's milk.
The dietitian recommends 50 g max per day. She also advises choosing it without sugar, without additives, and of course, organic, to avoid other problematic toxins.
Slide: Plant milks: which one to choose?
