Homemade coconut milk is a delightful option for a morning breakfast smoothie. How to avoid unhealthy additives? Make your own, in just a few seconds! It’s nice in oatmeal and for many others uses too.
Coconut Milk for Smoothies
Answering emails from readers this week about milk options for smoothies, I recommended they try coconut milk. Unfortunately both boxed milks and refrigerated milks contain unhealthy additives and preservatives. One unhealthy “natural” ingredient is carrageenan.
About Carrageenan
Carrageenan is a common additive you want to eliminate in your quest for a healthy diet. It has no nutritional value. Manufacturers use carrageenan as a stabilizer, thickener and to add texture to products, giving them a better “mouth-feel”.
While carrageenan is natural because it is extracted from seaweed, it causes many people digestive upset. It has been linked to inflammation and studies have concluded it to be harmful to human health. It is a controversial ingredient, one which I prefer to avoid, but you choose what is best for you adn your family. You can read more about it following links below and make your own decision.
Homemade Coconut Milk in Seconds
For a quick coconut milk without soaking, blending or straining, use organic, canned coconut milk. Start with a 50-50 ratio, water to coconut milk. If that is too rich for you, add more water.
Whisk or stir and use for your smoothie. So simple. And organic canned coconut milk is one of those always-available staples that can be kept in your pantry.
Last Note – Guar Gum or No Gums
You will find another natural additive in canned coconut milk – guar gum. Guar gum is made from the guar bean and it used for the same reason as carrageenan, as a thickener and binder.
If you have a sensitive digestive tract, guar gum may cause you upset. Only you will know. It is considered safe in small amounts and is one natural additive I have no problem with consuming in small amounts. For more info, see the link below.
For a brand made without any additives at all, look for Natural Value. You can buy it online at Thrivemarket.com for a great price and save money if you can’t find it locally. It’s on Amazon too for a little more.
Quick Homemade Coconut Milk
Ingredients
- 1 can organic coconut milk 1 13.5-ounce/300 ml
- 1 “can” filtered water 13.5-ounce/300 ml
Instructions
- Pour canned coconut milk into a tall container or large mixing cup, fill can with filtered water and mix into coconut milk. Stir well. Taster for your preference and add more water if desired.
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