Coconut milk is a thick and creamy liquid obtained from the white, fleshy meat of the coconut fruit (Cocos nucifera). It should not be confused with coconut water, which is the clear liquid found inside the coconut. Coconut milk is widely used in the food industry, especially in cooking for Eastern and vegan dishes, and in cosmetics for its hydrating and nourishing properties.

Chemical Composition and Structure

Coconut milk is rich in:

• Fats: It contains a significant amount of saturated fats, primarily lauric acid, which is considered a healthy fat for the heart and has antimicrobial properties.
• Proteins: Although in smaller amounts, coconut milk also contains proteins that contribute to its creamy consistency.
• Carbohydrates: It includes natural sugars that provide quick energy.
• Vitamins: It is a good source of B vitamins (such as vitamin B6) and vitamin C.
• Minerals: It contains potassium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc, which support cardiovascular health and overall well-being.

Physical Properties

• Appearance: Coconut milk has a thick and creamy consistency, which can vary depending on the concentration. When cooled, it may separate into two layers: a thick (fatty) layer and a liquid layer.
• Odor: It has a characteristic, sweet coconut scent, making it a highly valued ingredient for its fragrance.
• Solubility: Coconut milk is soluble in water and can be easily mixed with other liquid ingredients in recipes.
• Color: Coconut milk is white or slightly milky, depending on the amount of flesh used.

Benefits and Functions

• Hydration: Thanks to its healthy fat and water content, coconut milk is a powerful moisturizer for skin and hair.
• Nourishing properties: The fats and vitamins in coconut milk help nourish the skin, keeping it soft and healthy.
• Antioxidant: Due to its lauric acid content, coconut milk can protect the skin from free radical damage and premature aging.
• Antimicrobial: Lauric acid also has antimicrobial properties, which can support skin health and help fight infections or inflammation.
• Versatility in cooking: In cooking, coconut milk is used to prepare curries, soups, desserts, and beverages, thanks to its rich and creamy flavor.

Applications

Food Industry

• Cooking: Coconut milk is an essential ingredient in many Asian cuisines, particularly for curries, soups, and desserts. It is also used in beverages like "coconut milk" and in vegan ice cream preparations.
• Vegan and lactose-free: Coconut milk is a great alternative to dairy milk, making it ideal for people with lactose intolerance or those following a vegan diet.

Cosmetics and Personal Care

• Skin moisturizer: Coconut milk is a common ingredient in creams, lotions, and body butters due to its moisturizing and soothing properties.
• Hair treatments: It is used in shampoos, conditioners, and hair masks to nourish and strengthen the hair, providing softness and shine.
• Toners and scrubs: Coconut milk is included in facial toners and scrubs where it acts as a natural emollient and moisturizer.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

• Biodegradability: Coconut milk is a natural, biodegradable ingredient and does not have a negative environmental impact when disposed of properly.
• Sustainability: The production of coconuts is generally considered sustainable, although it is important to choose coconut milk from responsible sources to reduce environmental impact.
• Safety: Coconut milk is generally considered safe for consumption and topical use. However, individuals with coconut allergies should avoid using products containing this ingredient.

Coconut studies

References_____________________________________________________________________

(1) Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.: Arecaceae): in health promotion and disease prevention.  DebMandal M, Mandal S.  Asian Pac J Trop Med. 2011 Mar;4(3):241-7. doi: 10.1016/S1995-7645(11)60078-3.

(2) Comparative evaluation of the antimicrobial susceptibility and cytotoxicity of husk extract of Cocos nucifera and chlorhexidine as irrigating solutions against Enterococcus Faecalis, Prevotella Intermedia and Porphyromonas Gingivalis - An in-vitro study.  Kohli D, Hugar SM, Bhat KG, Shah PP, Mundada MV, Badakar CM.  J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent. 2018 Apr-Jun;36(2):142-150. doi: 10.4103/JISPPD.JISPPD_1176_17

(3) Reduction of the DNA damages, Hepatoprotective Effect and Antioxidant Potential of the Coconut Water, ascorbic and Caffeic Acids in Oxidative Stress Mediated by Ethanol.  Bispo VS, Dantas LS, Chaves AB Filho, Pinto IFD, Silva RPD, Otsuka FAM, Santos RB, Santos AC, Trindade DJ, Matos HR.  An Acad Bras Cienc. 2017 Apr-Jun;89(2):1095-1109. doi: 10.1590/0001-3765201720160581.

(4) Intravenous coconut water therapy in surgical practice.  Olurin EO, Durowoju JE.  West Afr Med J Niger Med Dent Pract. 1972 Oct;21(5):124-31.

(5) Involvement of monoaminergic systems in anxiolytic and antidepressive activities of the standardized extract of Cocos nucifera L.  Lima EBC, de Sousa CNS, Meneses LN, E Silva Pereira YF, Matos NCB, de Freitas RB, Lima NBC, Patrocínio MCA, Leal LKAM, Viana GSB, Vasconcelos SMM.  J Nat Med. 2017 Jan;71(1):227-237. doi: 10.1007/s11418-016-1053-6.

(6) Vaughn AR, Clark AK, Sivamani RK, Shi VY. Natural Oils for Skin-Barrier Repair: Ancient Compounds Now Backed by Modern Science. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2018 Feb;19(1):103-117. doi: 10.1007/s40257-017-0301-1. 

(7) Deen A, Visvanathan R, Wickramarachchi D, Marikkar N, Nammi S, Jayawardana BC, Liyanage R. Chemical composition and health benefits of coconut oil: an overview. J Sci Food Agric. 2021 Apr;101(6):2182-2193. doi: 10.1002/jsfa.10870. 

(8) Wallace TC. Health Effects of Coconut Oil-A Narrative Review of Current Evidence. J Am Coll Nutr. 2019 Feb;38(2):97-107. doi: 10.1080/07315724.2018.1497562. Epub 2018 Nov 5. PMID: 30395784.

Abstract. Coconut oil is a mainstream edible oil that is extracted from the kernel of mature coconuts harvested from the coconut palm. The two main types of coconut oil-copra oil and virgin coconut oil-have similar fatty acid profiles; however the latter contains higher amounts of some nutrients (e.g., vitamin E) and dietary bioactive compounds (e.g., polyphenols). There is increasing popularity for coconut oil products due to perceived health effects of certain medium-chain fatty acids; however, lauric acid (C12:0), the primary fatty acid found in coconut oil, has been suggested to behave as both a medium- and long-chain fatty acid from a metabolic standpoint. Furthermore, research on pure medium-chain fatty acids cannot be directly applied to coconut oil products since it encompasses a large profile of various fatty acids. This narrative review seeks to summarize the current peer-reviewed literature and mechanisms surrounding the health effects of coconut oil products. Limited but consistent evidence supports the topical use for prevention and treatment of atopic dermatitis, as well as in "oil pulling" for prevention of dental caries. Coconut oil products may also be useful in preventing hair damage due to protein loss during grooming processes and ultraviolet (UV) exposure; however, more studies are needed to confirm this effect. Limited evidence does not support use for prevention or treatment of Alzheimer's disease, bone loss, or glycemic control. Evidence on weight loss and cardiovascular disease warrants larger clinical intervention studies. Refined, bleached, and deodorized copra oil seems to have less of an impact on total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol as compared to butter fat, but not cis unsaturated vegetable oils. In many instances, human clinical and observational studies are needed to confirm many claims on coconut oil products, which are largely based on animal and/or in vitro studies or studies of purified medium-chain fatty acids.