Written and Published by BMT Foods, November 21, 2019
We hear a lot these days about the benefits of yogurt, particularly when it comes to maintaining good digestion and a healthy gut. But what about those who prefer a plant-based diet? How can these people receive the probiotic health benefits of yogurt without having to consume an animal-based product associated with environmental and health issues? One answer: coconut yogurt made from coconut cream, coconut milk, and/or coconut meat (which can be coconut solids or added mouthfeel). Coconut yogurt offers many of the same health benefits of dairy yogurt, with the added benefits of naturally occurring vitamins and other benefits that only plant-based products can provide.
Not to be confused with coconut-flavored yogurt (which is just dairy yogurt with coconut added), coconut yogurt is made from coconut milk that has been naturally fermented with probiotics; like dairy yogurt would be. Let’s explore just a few of the health benefits of adding coconut yogurt to your diet.
1. Probiotics support a healthy gut.
We used to think of bacteria as all “bad” bacteria causing infection and disease. But it turns out that certain bacteria are good for us. These are known as “probiotics”, and your digestive system can’t function properly without them. In fact, for your digestive system to operate “optimally” we all need a variety of probiotics. Coconut yogurt is packed with many of the same probiotics found in regular yogurt—including Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus rhamnosus—but it comes from the coconut fruit. This makes it an excellent alternative for vegans and those following a paleo diet to get a boost in digestive health.
2. Lactose-free
You may not know that Lactose (in fact any food derivative anything ending in “ose”) is a natural sugar found in milk, and it’s tolerable for some people in modest quantities. For people who are lactose-intolerant, it can cause a mild to severe reaction. Coconut yogurt contains no lactose, so it’s easier on the stomach for those who can’t consume dairy—yet it is naturally sweet from the small amount of healthy sugars naturally found in coconut.
3. Rich in Nutrients
Coconut yogurt has nearly 75% the amount of Vitamin B12 as Greek yogurt, comparable amounts of riboflavin (Vitamin B2), and, surprisingly even a bit more calcium (yay!). In addition, coconut yogurt is high in manganese, a mineral that is vital to bone health (must take good care of our skeletal structure!).
4. Boosts Immune System
Coconut milk contains lauric acid, which is valued for its antimicrobial/antiviral/antifungal properties. Coconut yogurt provides your immune system a much-needed boost especially during cold and flu season.
5. Lowers Inflammation
Coconut is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce pain and swelling in the body and reduce the risk of many diseases – and it is being studied as a potential treatment to reduce the effects and size of ulcers.
At BMT Foods, we’re pleased to offer natural coconut cream and coconut milk among our selection of nutrient-rich products, which can be readily used in the production of coconut yogurt. For answers to your questions or to inquire about a specific product, please explore our Coconut product page via the link below.
