Food Focus: Coconut Milk

Coconut milk can be bought ready-made or made from scratch. It is used as a staple in many tropical climates, where, according to local people, it is similar to mother’s milk and is considered a complete protein.

Coconut products are especially beneficial to thyroid patients. Edward Bauman, Ph.D. is founder and director of the Institute for Educational Therapy in Cotati, California. In a recent interview with Dr. Bauman, Mary Shomon writes: “Dr. Bauman believes that coconut is a particularly important food for thyroid patient. Coconut contains monolauric acid, which has strong antiviral property and is soothing fuel for the glandular system. Dr. Bauman suggests thyroid patients incorporate natural coconut into the diet, or buy unsweetened desiccated coconut, or unsweetened coconut milk (such as used in Thai cooking).”

She further writes that noted author and alternative medicine expert, Dr. Ray Peat, has stated: “Coconut oil has several thyroid-promoting effects. It contains butyric acid which helps thyroid hormone move into the brain [liothyronine (T3 ) uptake into glial cells]. It opposes anti-thyroid unsaturated oils. It contains short and medium chain fatty acids which help modulate blood sugar, is anti-allergic, and protects mitochondria against stress injuries.”

Sources:

The 3-Season Diet by John Douillard

The Metabolic Detective: A Look at Nutrition for Your Thyroid – Interview with Dr. Edward Bauman

Nutrition Facts: Coconut Milk

Best Season:

• Green Coconut – Summer
• Ripe Coconut – Winter

Coconut milk contains very little sodium, yet it is packed with the following minerals:

• Calcium
• Iron
• Magnesium
• Phosphorus
• Potassium
• Zinc
• Copper
• Manganese
• Selenium