Top 10 Side Effects Of Coconut Milk

Coconut milk is not only a healthy nutritious substitute for regular milk but is also very flavorful. However, overdoing it may lead to certain possible side effects. With its typically rich creamy taste, coconut milk can add that subtle tropical flavor to many soups, gravies, and cocktails as well! Popularly used in Thai, Vietnamese, Indian, and other Asian and tropical cuisines, coconut milk is gaining popularity worldwide as a perfect vegan alternative to animal milk! Suitable for the wholesome paleo diet as well, coconut milk is an organic nutritious drink free of any harmful additives and preservatives! Moreover, it is power-packed with vital vitamins and important minerals! So, what should be the concern then? Read on to find out!

Know The Flip Side: Coconut Milk

Short-Term Effects
Allergic reactions, weight gain, constipation, and fructose malabsorption.

Long-Term Effects
May increase saturated fat, cholesterol, sugar content and as a result, the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Drug Interactions
None.

When To See A Doctor
In case of excessive weight gain and digestive issues.

Coconut Milk Side Effects

Despite the many coconut milk benefits, especially how it adds flavor to various dishes and is a healthy, vegan alternative to dairy milk alternative, it has several downsides. Consuming too much of it may adversely impact your health. Let’s have a look at some of the side effects of coconut milk:

1. Abundant Saturated Fat

This is one of the most alarming coconut milk side effects. These fats may induce high cholesterol in your body. As such, it increases the level of lipoproteinsⁱ  Complex materials made of proteins and fats that carry cholesterol through the blood to the cells and increase the risk of heart issues. that may be detrimental to health in the long term (1).

Trivia

Saturated fat content in coconut milk is around 92% out of which medium-chain triglycerideⁱ  A type of converted fat stored in the cells and used by the body to provide energy between meals. (MCT) content is 62%-70%. MCT is a fat source for people who have intolerance to other fats (1).

2. Can Cause Allergies

If you have an allergy to tree nuts, this drink is certainly not meant for you. Coconut milk is recognized as a tree nut. And in some cases, it has been found that people allergic to tree nuts react badly to the fruit content in this milk. They might show symptoms like skin rashes, itching, swelling of tongue, or breathing difficulty. This is one of the most dangerous coconut milk effects as this can be life threatening in extreme cases (2).

Kimi Ann-Marie, a blogger, shared her experience about coconut allergy in her personal blog. She said,“Skin care products with coconut ingredients make my face burn either while it’s on or the day after. My skin also get bright red especially around eyes and cheeks. The rash typically lasts for a day or so. It feels as if my skin is burning off (i).”

Did You Know?

Studies found that allergic reaction to coconut is more common in people who use it topically than orally (6).

3. Can Cause Weight Gain

‘Is coconut milk good for weight loss?’ is a popular question we get. With its high saturated fats and caloric content, coconut milk can certainly ruin your weight loss regimen. But, there is conflicting evidence regarding this claim. According to an animal study, a high-protein diet, along with coconut milk, may help in reducing weight gain (3). However, excessive usage of coconut milk in your daily diet may lead to weight gain.

4. May Lead To High Cholesterol

Is coconut milk bad for cholesterol? Those at the risk of high cholesterol and cardiovascular diseases should refrain from consuming too much coconut milk because of its saturated fat content (1). Jesse Feder, Clinical Dietitian at the Memorial Regional Hospital South, says, “It is important to note that coconut milk is high in fats and should be consumed in moderation. If consumed in excess, the high-fat content contributes to increased cholesterol levels, which can potentially clog your arteries and increase blood pressure.” But you need not abandon it. Just limit your intake to smaller servings!

5. May Cause Constipation

Due to high dietary fiber, coconut milk can cause digestive troubles like an upset stomach in some people. Normally unsweetened coconut milk carries 14-18% of our daily dietary fiber intake. This sudden increment may cause nausea, bloating, diarrhea or gas, if your body is not accustomed to that much fiber. So, avoid increasing its intake instantly!

6. Loaded With Sugar

Even if you consume unsweetened coconut milk, you are at the risk of absorbing a high amount of sugar. While unsweetened coconut has 2.1 gm sugar in 1 ounce serving, it moves higher to 10.4 gm in sweetened coconut. In both cases, it can make you obese with excessive intake. So, be alert!

Pallini Winnifred, RDN, says, “People with diabetes can consume coconut milk in moderation as part of a healthy, balanced diet. However, it is important for them to pay attention to their blood sugar levels and be mindful of their overall carbohydrate intake. Like any other food, coconut milk contains some carbohydrates, so it is important to account for these in your meal planning.”

Feder warns, “I would just watch out for coconut milk with added sugar or sweetened. Make sure to read the label to double-check it’s unsweetened.”

7. High In Calories

In one cup of undiluted coconut milk, you can find 552 calories (4). It is nearly one third of the calories you need per day. So, including coconut milk in your daily diet may have a negative effect on your health.

8. Threatening Bisphenol – A (BPA)

While coconut milk has no direct connection with this chemical, canned milk certainly has. This compound is usually used in manufacturing the tins and cans in which it is stored. So, avoid using canned coconut milk. You should also read the label to buy brands that offer BPAⁱ  An industrial chemical used to make certain plastics and resins for food containers, which may increase the risk of cancer. -free containers.

9. Contains Guar Gum

Again, this is an issue related to canned coconut milk. As a polysaccharideⁱ  Most abundant and easily absorbed carbohydrates found in foods that are made of chains of many simple sugars. , guar gum is the endospermⁱ  Protective tissue around the embryo in the seeds of flowering plants that provides it with nourishment. of guar beans. As such, it has been closely related to digestive problems in many people. If you also suffer from any gut issue, remove canned coconut milk from your diet. Rather use homemade or guar gum free coconut milk.

10. May Cause Fructose Malabsorption

Due to its mono saccharides and polyolsⁱ  A group of organic sugar alcohols that are naturally found in some fruits and vegetables that may cause bloating and abdominal pain. , coconut milk increases the risk of irritable bowel disorders. It has sugar content, which probably leads to this disorder. Resultant to this fact, bacteria growth is propelled in the small intestine due to uneven transport of fructose to it.

Key Takeaways

• Weight gain and high cholesterol with increased risk of cardiovascular disease are problems related to too much coconut milk intake.
• It has high fiber content which can cause digestive issues like diarrhea.
• Those with tree nut allergies should avoid coconut milk as it could be dangerous.
• Too much coconut milk can also cause obesity and other health problems.

Infographic: Common Side Effects Of Coconut Milk

Is coconut milk good for you? Well, yes, Coconut milk is considered a highly nutritious substitute for regular milk. The intake of coconut milk is linked with many benefits if consumed in moderation. However, excess consumption may lead to several side effects. Click on the infographic below to learn about the unexpected side effects of drinking too much coconut milk.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Can coconut milk cause joint pain?

There is no general consensus. Winnifred says, “There is some indication that coconut milk may indirectly provide relief for joint pain. In fact, coconut milk is a good source of healthy fats, including medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which may have anti-inflammatory effects.”
However, Feder reports, “Coconut milk can contribute to joint pain due to its high-fat content. Coconut milk is naturally high in fats and these fats are typically pro-inflammatory. Since this increases inflammation, this can inflame our joints, leading to joint pain.”
He adds, “However, if you are going to drink coconut milk, I recommend unsweetened or no added sugar coconut milk. This is because sugar is also pro-inflammatory and can increase or cause joint pain.” Thus, it is recommended to consume coconut milk in moderation.

Is coconut milk good for high blood pressure?

Winnifred says, “There is some evidence to suggest that coconut milk may be beneficial for blood pressure control. Coconut milk is a good source of MCTs, which have been shown to improve blood pressure in some studies. However, it is important to note that coconut milk is also high in saturated fat, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a healthy, balanced diet.”

Is coconut milk inflammatory?

No. Coconut milk contains anti-inflammatory compounds (5).

How much coconut milk should you drink per day?

It is safe to drink a glass of low-fat coconut milk daily.

Is coconut milk healthy for pregnant women?

Anecdotal evidence suggests that the consumption of coconut milk can aid fetal growth due to the presence of essential fatty acids in it.

Illustration: Major Coconut Milk Side Effects

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Discover the incredible health benefits of coconut milk and uncover its potential side effects in this informative video. Is coconut milk truly good for you? Find out the truth and make informed choices about your health. Check out the video now!

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Reviewer Expert Author Editor Fact Checker

Tracy TredouxDipION, mBANT, CNHC, IFMCP

   

Tracy is a fully qualified nutritional therapist with 10 years of experience specializing in gut and immune health. She is a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner and a certified Functional Medicine Practitioner from the Institute of Functional Medicine.

Read full bio of Tracy Tredoux

• 
  Pallini WinnifredRDN Pallini Winnifred, RDN, serves over 200 clients in the NYC area. She has a bachelor's degree in Nutrition Science from Stony Brook University and two years of experience in nutrition counseling.
  
  Pallini Winnifred, RDN, serves over 200 clients in the NYC area. She has a bachelor's degree in Nutrition Science from Stony Brook University and two years of experience in nutrition counseling.
• 
  Jesse FederRDN/LDN Jesse Feder, RDN/LDN, is a Clinical Dietitian at the Memorial Regional Hospital. He is also a certified by the American College of Sports Medicine as a personal trainer (ACSM-CPT) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA-CSCS).
  
  Jesse Feder, RDN/LDN, is a Clinical Dietitian at the Memorial Regional Hospital. He is also a certified by the American College of Sports Medicine as a personal trainer (ACSM-CPT) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA-CSCS).

Tanya ChoudharyHealth & Wellness Writer

 

Tanya is an ISSA certified Specialist in Fitness & Nutrition. She specializes in writing articles on ingredients that benefit skin, hair, and health. She believes in the right health and lifestyle practices and strives to promote the same to everyone around her.

Read full bio of Tanya Choudhary

Ravi Teja TadimallaCo-Editor-in-Chief

Ravi Teja Tadimalla is a Co-Editor-in-Chief and a published author. He has been in the digital media field for over a decade. He graduated from SRM University, Chennai, and has a Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition & Research from Wageningen University.

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Moksha GandhiHealth & Wellness Writer

Moksha is a health and wellness writer and a certified diet and nutrition coach. Her passion for science and writing has helped her excel in crafting evidence-based articles. Her previous experience in writing science-based research papers ensures that her articles are grounded in research and provide practical tips that are reader-focused.

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