Lately everywhere I look, I see new coconut products promising to boost health and cure most ailments. Obviously I’m skeptical, so I’ve decided to a little research of my own. 

Coconut milk drink: This stuff is an alternative to cow’s milk and is dairy-free and made from coconut cream without any added sugars. Sounds good so far! However, like most other cow’s milk alternatives, coconut milk is not a good source of calcium, so be careful if replacing it for your trusted moo juice. Find out more at http://www.sodeliciousdairyfree.com/products/coconut_milk_beverage.html.

Coconut water: It sounds like it would be delicious, but I have to warn you–the taste is quite “acquired” if you know what I mean. Cocount water is s known for its electrolyte content and is marketed as a sports drink. However, the sodium content is too low for post-exercise electrolyte replacement. If you enjoy the flavor, you can rest assured that it’s low in calories and has no added sugars. It’s also a pasteurized drink so it’s fine for pregnant women. For more information check out http://www.vitacoco.com/. 

Coconut oil: Just like other oils used in cooking, coconut oil is high in fat (120 calories and more than 13 grams of fat). However, unlike some healthier oils, coconut oil has much more saturated fat. Curiously, proponents claim that it can help with weight loss by providing a sense of fullness and killing the craving for carbs . Sounds a little too good to be true, right? There are no valid research studies that prove coconut oil’s role in weight loss. It does however have a very high smoke point, due its high saturated fat content. This makes it very useful in cooking and frying. Just use it sparingly! 

While coconut products won’t ruin your diet or health plan, I wouldn’t rely on them to drastically improve your health and well-being. It’s safe to integrate them into a varied diet and to enjoy them in moderation. 

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