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About Melissa Anderson
Expertise
I have a Bachelor`s degree in biochemistry, researched metabolism and endocrinology for four years, and am currently attending medical school. Ask me anything and everything relating to Atkins and other low-carb diet plans!

Experience
I've been on Atkins since 2001 and I'm still going strong!

Education/Credentials
Professionally, I have a Bachelor's degree in biochemistry, researched metabolism and endocrinology for four years, and am currently attending medical school.

 
   

You are here:  Experts > Health/Fitness > Weight Loss > Special Diets > Is Coconut Milk Really Healthy?

Special Diets - Is Coconut Milk Really Healthy?


Expert: Melissa Anderson - 2/13/2009

Question
Hello again Melissa,

1.Male-age 54- 6 ft.-226 lbs.
2.Mostly diet of mustard greens, peas, beans, rice, carrots, cabbage, onions, garlic, occasional potatoes, whole grain bread, 6 eggs/wk., lean ham or turkey for snack sandwiches. Occasional sweets, maybe cookie or brownie every other day. Swore off colas..drink occasional tea-lots of lime juice in water sweetened by liquid Stevia.
3. Short walks to parking lot, stores, etc.
4. Controlled HBP-Lisinopril & Metoprolol. Total cholesterol-155- now normal limits on HDL/LDLs-Zocor. Triglycerides now 185-Gemfibrozil.

I am interested in drinking coconut milk daily to possibly help improve the performance of my kidneys and also maybe boost my immune system. I've heard it's chock full of electrolytes and better for one than Gatorade.

Have seen lots of info. on the web in various links touting coconut milk's health benefits. Several sources claim the medium chain fatty acids actually help one's heart and the milk has been recommended for those with kidney disease by a prominent Philippine physician.

There seem to be several health benefits listed and it's said now that this milk and oil were never harmful and caused unjustified concern after research found it was harmful only if hydrogenated.

I've done my homework on this but just a little suspicious that I can't find anything negative on coconut milk. Guess that's o.k. too. Just wondering if you'd come across any good medical or unbiased information concerning this subject.

Thank you very much.

Mike E.

Answer
Mike,
Coconut milk will NOT improve kidney performance, nor will it boost your immune system. Sorry. If you want to help your kidneys, you should REDUCE electrolyte intake!
However, it is pretty healthy stuff... but at the same time, I would strongly recommend that you watch your intake, because it's very high calorie.
Melissa

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