Coconut Milk vs. Coconut Cream – The Difference and How to Use Them

 

Click HERE to Discover these 80 Keto-Friendly and Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes

Coconut Milk vs. Coconut Cream – What’s the difference?

Welcome to the world of coconut, where everything is rich, delicious, and full of brain-boosting, fat-burning, and energizing medium-chain fatty acids. There’s nothing left to do but grab yourself a box of coconut milk and get cooking, right?

Not so fast. You may have noticed several different types of coconut “milk” in your local grocery store. There’s a boxed variety, a canned type, a milk, and a cream. It might not look like there’s much of a difference between them, but it turns out that there are several that can make or break a recipe. Below we break it down.

Coconut Milk

Coconut milk is a creamy liquid blend of puréed coconut flesh and water. It’s a popular ingredient in Indian, Asian and Caribbean cooking, where it’s often used in curries or as a Laksa base.

Coconut milk has the consistency of very thick cow’s milk, and is often sold in a can. Due to its thickness, it makes an excellent addition to smoothies, soups and stews.

You’ll probably see another type of coconut milk next to the dairy-free milks as well. This type of carton coconut milk is diluted even more, making it more of a beverage than a cooking ingredient.

Tip: When savory recipes call for coconut milk, they’re usually referencing the canned variety.

How to Use Coconut Milk?

Coconut milk is so versatile that once you start using it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. It has just the right amount of thickness to use as a base for curries, soups, smoothies, and as a dairy-free coffee creamer.

You can even make own dairy-free ice cream using coconut milk as the base. Add in some raw cacao and almond butter, or crushed cherries for extra flavor.

Coconut Cream

Coconut cream, on the other hand, is much, much thicker than coconut milk, as it’s blended with less water. It can be used in place of coconut milk in recipes by diluting it with water, or you can use it for dishes and desserts that require thick, heavy cream (which you’ll see below).

The good news is that if you have a can of coconut milk, you’re also one night away from having coconut cream. Simply set your can in the fridge overnight and open the next day (don’t tip the can) and scoop out the thick top layer of coconut cream. Voilà – coconut cream!

How to Use Coconut Cream?

While coconut cream can be used in a similar way to coconut milk, it’s extra-thick texture lets you experiment with unique recipes. Since coconut cream is thicker than coconut milk, you can use it to create dairy-free whipped cream on top of fruit, pies, ice cream, milkshakes, and warm drinks. You can even transform coconut cream into a thick frosting for cakes.

In general, you’ll want to use coconut milk in recipes when you want creaminess with a little liquid, while saving coconut cream for when you’re crafting something more solid.

Cream of Coconut

You may also see boxes of “cream of coconut,” which you should avoid. These look deceptively similar to coconut cream but actually have added sugar, as they’re often used to make cocktails and tropical desserts.

Canned vs. Carton

Now that you’ve wandered into the isle of coconut, you’re most likely faced with another choice: should you choose canned or packaged coconut products? Read on to discover the important differences between the two.

Coconut Milk – Canned

Canned coconut milk and cream is very easy to find, even at mainstream grocery stores. If you shop at a local health food store, you’ll most likely see more than one brand of canned coconut milk and cream. In this case, you should pay close attention to their labels.

The first thing to look for is whether a brand is using BPA (bisphenol-A) in their can lining. BPA is a chemical used in plastics and kitchenware that can leach into your food, causing a host of scary side effects like infertility, breast and prostate tumors, and several metabolic disorders including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Luckily, several brands are now offering BPA-free canned coconut products. When you buy canned coconut milk, always make sure the can is BPA-free.

Another thing to look for when you’re purchasing canned coconut is additives. Sometimes companies will add preservatives, emulsifiers, or stabilizers to their product, which is something you want to avoid.

Also, keep in mind that you might see “lite” coconut milks. These typically contain more water and have some of the fat removed to lower the calorie count. These typically don’t hold up well in recipes because their consistency is too thin. Besides, the fats in coconut milk are great for you!

Coconut Milk – Carton

Carton or boxed coconut milk can be used just like their canned cousins. If you can’t find BPA-free canned coconut, this may be your best option. However, many boxed versions contain preservatives, synthetic vitamins, added water, and processed sugars – so make sure you read the label. Many boxed versions of coconut milk contain preservatives, synthetic vitamins, added water, and processed sugars.

You’ll also notice that most carton coconut milk isn’t intended for cooking. As we mentioned earlier, if you plan on just drinking coconut milk (adding it to smoothies, coffee, etc.), carton coconut milk will work just fine. But if you plan to cook with it, definitely opt for the canned version instead.

Watch these 2 videos below-

Everything You Need To Know About Coconuts – Coconut Milk, Oil, Sugar, Water, & More!

How To Store Coconut Milk And Coconut Cream (And Health Benefits)

Written by Megan Patiry

Author Bio:

Megan is an inquisitive nutrition and wellness writer harboring an editorial love affair with the decadent and the nutritious. She is a dedicated researcher in all areas of ancestral health, a certified specialist in fitness nutrition, personal trainer, and professional almond milk latte addict.

A lot of people have gotten results from the Keto diet, and enjoyed the foods that it has to offer. However, many of the people who are following this diet have a hard time finding the recipes that they need, especially ones that are quick and easy to complete.

Fortunately, Kelsey Ale, noticed this problem, and decided to do something about it. She’s found that making recipes in a slow cooker gives you meals which are not only delicious, but also take very little time to make. Mostly you just put a few simple ingredients in the slow cooker, and let it do the rest.To find out more, click on – Keto Slow Cooker Cookbook

Camel Milk Vs Cow Milk – 7 Health Benefits of Camel Milk

 

Click HERE to Discover these 80 Keto-Friendly and Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes

If you’re thinking this article must be about how to survive a trek across the Mojave with nothing but a grunting (albeit friendly) camel, you’re in the exact same place that my mind went to when I first heard about people consuming this exotic camel milk.

While we may quizzically gape at farmers milking anything other than the standard dairy cow or goat, camel milk is anything but exotic to traditional Arab and North African cultures.

When you think about it, it makes sense that it’d be consumed by nomadic people: What better animal to roam the desert with, since camels can survive with very little sustenance? However, it’s also still a staple in Arabic households, due to its myriad of benefits.

Camel milk contains protein, vitamin B1, potassium and calcium.

Aside from containing the same nutritive properties as colostrum, camel milk is also a good source of protein, essential fatty acids, vitamin B1, potassium, phosphorus, and calcium. But the benefits hardly stop there.

This smooth, silky, ancient milk differs from regular dairy milk in several beneficial ways—from simply being easier to digest to improving autism, diabetes, and the immune system.

7 Health Benefits of Camel Milk

To discover the secrets hidden in this special beverage, journey on.

1. Helps Prevent Diabetes

Traditionally, camel milk has been used in the Middle East to treat, prevent, and control diabetes. Research is now starting to reveal the wisdom in this tradition. Camel milk reduces insulin requirements in patients, while also improving glucose tolerance.

Although the mechanism behind this effect still stumps scientists, several possibilities are thought to be the cause. They include special properties inherent to the insulin in camel milk, which make “absorption into circulation easier than insulin from other sources.”

Camel insulin is encapsulated in nano lipid (i.e., fat) vesicles, which makes their journey through the stomach into circulation easier. Camel milk can help control diabetes by improving glucose tolerance.

While studies indeed suggest that this folk remedy has diabetes-controlling properties, anecdotal research also supports the claim. There is no prevalence of diabetes in populations that drink camel milk. Also, Arab diets have changed significantly in the last few generations; a major factor is decreased consumption of camel milk. Interestingly, this decreased consumption has led to a drastic rise in the incidence of diabetes.

2. Boosts Immunity

Like human breast milk, camel milk contains high levels of the infection-fighting enzymes lysozyme and lactoperoxidase, as well as the immune-stimulating immunoglobulin A.

These factors are complemented by several anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral substances. One study even shows that camel milk offer protection against salmonella in mice.

3. May Relieve Autism Symptoms

The research on camel milk’s effect on autism is extremely promising. For instance, a 2005 study was published in the International Journal of Human Development.

When several autistic 21 year-olds consumed camel milk for two weeks, they were calmer and exhibited less self-destructive behavior. Meanwhile, the symptoms of a 4-year-old girl who consumed camel milk for 40 days completely disappeared. In addition, a 15-year-old boy also experienced a reprieve from symptoms after drinking camel milk for just 30 days.

Other research shows that these impacts might stem from camel milk’s effect on oxidative stress (thought to be a causative factor in autism). Glutathione is one of our body’s most important and abundant antioxidants. It was found to be inhibited in autism patients, which set the stage for behavioral aberrations.

Camel milk was found to significantly enhance these levels, as well as provide high levels of magnesium and zinc; they’re also known to reduce oxidative stress

4. Reduces Allergies

Camel milk lacks the A1 casein protein and lactoglobulin in cow’s milk, which often causes allergic reactions. Therefore, camel milk is a possible alternative for people with dairy allergies.

Camel milk is also thought to be an effective treatment for those suffering from food allergies, due to the aforementioned immune-boosting effect. For instance, a 2005 study in the Journal of the Israel Medical Association observed children with severe allergies, who didn’t respond to other treatments.

It listed astounding results: All of the children in the study recovered from their allergies after drinking camel milk. In fact, the researchers claimed it was more effective than medical treatments.

5. Prevents Fatty Liver Disease and Raises HDL-Cholesterol (i.e., the Good Cholesterol)

Camel milk has also been found to prevent fatty liver disease and raise HDL-cholesterol levels. A study published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine offered interesting results.

Rats who were fed a high-fat, high-cholesterol diet (which causes fatty liver disease) benefitted from camel milk being added to their diets. In fact, camel milk “increased HDL-cholesterol and ameliorated the biochemical and cellular features of (fatty liver disease)” in these rats.

6. Good Source of Vitamin B1 and Calcium

Like other B vitamins, vitamin B1 (thiamine) plays an important role in energy production from carbohydrates, and camel milk is a great source of it. It has also been shown to maintain the structural integrity of brain cells and prevent nerve damage.

Camel milk also contains a higher concentration of calcium than cow milk, so it’s an excellent source of this bone-strengthening, nerve-supporting mineral.

7. Healthy Alternative to Cow Milk

Cow milk hasn’t been seen in my home for years. In fact, even Santa helps himself to a decadent mug of spiced almond milk—not a glass of regular dairy milk.

So when I poured my fiance a giant glass of camel milk and told him not to worry, he practically turned green. After 30 minutes of coaxing, he finally took a sip.

Surprisingly, his fingers gripped the glass tighter, as I reached to take my own sip. I ended up pouring my own glass as he finished his. Not bad for a guy who hadn’t touched animal milk in nearly a decade. Cow milk can cause allergies and inflammation, while camel milk improves autoimmune conditions.

His caution was expected, as commercial dairy milk can have quite a few nasty side effects (including increased risk of hip fractures, inflammation, cancer, and even multiple sclerosis).

But remember that camel milk is vastly different than cow milk. Most importantly, camel milk lacks A1 casein and lactoglobulin proteins, which is responsible for most allergies in humans. Also, cow’s milk can aggravate autoimmune disorders, but camel milk has been reported to improve autoimmune conditions.

Taste

My fiance and I agreed that camel milk tastes very similar to goat’s milk, except a little less pungent. It’s sweet when it hits your taste buds, but it also has a subtle, salty aftertaste that’s almost addictive. Our fridge will likely feature an entire shelf dedicated to this delicacy soon.

Where to Get It

As the list of the benefits of camel milk grows longer, so do the number of grocers carrying it.

The highest quality on the market (and tastiest, in my camel-milk-guzzling opinion!) is the Desert Farms brand, which stocks milk on the shelves of over 150 health food stores. They remain the only Grade A camel dairy in North America. That’s important, since camel milk is often sold raw, and it’s not regulated under the same laws that regulate hoofed-animal milk. Other companies that sell it have not been inspected by the FDA or USDA, which creates risks regarding safety and cleanliness.

Their products include raw and pasteurized camel milk and camel-milk kefir. They’re also available for shipping throughout the continental U.S. and Canada. Even better, all of Desert Farms’ camels spend their pasture-raised days on a handful of family farms around the country. They’re given a soy-free, corn-free diet, with no added hormones or antibiotics. All of their products are also non-GMO and gluten-free. They produce a deeply nutritious milk with a happy, healthy origin.

And in case you’ve already fallen in love with all things camel milk, they also offer camel milk soaps and face creams.

While adding camel milk to your diet might seem novel, remember that drinking camel milk is a practice our ancestors have thrived on for thousands of years—unlike nut milks and similar trends. In other words, drinking camel milk remains one of the most Paleo things you can do. In fact, camel milk has been officially approved by the Paleo Foundation.

Sipping on a glass of this nourishing superfood will lead you to wonder two things: How can I adopt a camel? And what other nutritious treasures lie hidden in unexpected corners of the world?

Watch this video – The Secrets of Camel Milk

Recipe: Turmeric Camel Milk Latte

Looking for a healthy new way to add camel milk into your morning routine? Upgrade your morning with anti-inflammatory turmeric fused with the subtle sweetness of camel milk.

Recipe by Jennafer Ashley

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups raw camel milk (We used Desert Farms.)
• 1 T coconut oil
• 1 T pure honey
• 1 t ground turmeric
• 1/2 t cinnamon

Instructions

1. Steam camel milk and coconut oil in a small saucepan or espresso steamer, until frothy. If steaming in a saucepan, allow mixture to come to a slow steam, but not boiling.

• Stir honey and turmeric into milk.

• Pour into a mug, and sprinkle with cinnamon. For a chilled latte, it can also be served over ice.

Written by Megan Patiry

Author Bio:

Megan is an inquisitive nutrition and wellness writer harboring an editorial love affair with the decadent and the nutritious. She is a dedicated researcher in all areas of ancestral health, a certified specialist in fitness nutrition, personal trainer, and professional almond milk latte addict.

A lot of people have gotten results from the Keto diet, and enjoyed the foods that it has to offer. However, many of the people who are following this diet have a hard time finding the recipes that they need, especially ones that are quick and easy to complete.

Fortunately, Kelsey Ale, noticed this problem, and decided to do something about it. She’s found that making recipes in a slow cooker gives you meals which are not only delicious, but also take very little time to make. Mostly you just put a few simple ingredients in the slow cooker, and let it do the rest.

To find out more, click on – Keto Slow Cooker Cookbook

Revealing Here the 3 Healthiest Alternatives to Cow Milk

 

Click HERE to Discover these 80 Keto-Friendly and Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes

If you’re struggling to give up dairy and make the switch to Paleo, we’ve got a list that’ll ease your worries. From luscious and rich coconut milk to nutty and mild nut and seed milks to tangy camel milk, we’ve got the lowdown all the Paleo alternatives to cow milk and the best ways to use them in your kitchen every day.

Get tips on making creamy soups and sauces with coconut milk, on whipping up a delicious glass of vanilla-caramel almond milk to be enjoyed on its own, and even how to make an ice cream cake with camel milk. Finally, we’ll break down the health benefits of each, so you can make informed decisions about what you’re consuming.

Enjoy your non-dairy milk mustache!

Coconut Milk

Coconut Milk Benefits

Coconut milk is a staple milk of choice for many a Paleo dieter, and for good reason. Coconuts are extremely nutrient-dense, with a nearly 92 percent saturated fat content and a high level of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTS). While mainstream “fat is scary” nutrition will say that saturated fat is unhealthy, those found in coconut differ greatly from those of animal origin.

According to a 2006 study on coconut fats consumed by the Sri Lankan population, coconuts are easily metabolized by the body for energy because their medium chain fatty acids do not undergo degradation and re-esterification processes Coconut milk is extremely nutrient-dense, making it an ideal dairy substitute.

Coconut milk is made by blending coconut meat and coconut water, simmering, and then straining out the pulp (occasionally, a small amount of sweetener like honey or maple syrup can be added). The healthiest coconut milk is that which you can make yourself, retaining all of the healthy fats and keeping the product as minimally processed as possible.

What to Look for When Buying Coconut Milk?

More commonly, coconut milk is purchased by the can, but be judicious about your purchases. Many, if not most, brands of coconut milk include non-Paleo additives, especially the “light” versions, where most of the natural product has been replaced with artificial sweeteners and stabilizers (and more water – why pay for more water?).

Some natural food stores and grocery stores carry a thinner coconut milk in the refrigerated section meant to more closely mimic traditional dairy, but be wary of brands with too many non-Paleo approved additives.

Be wary of “light” versions of coconut milk, which may just be watered down and replaced with sweeteners.

Coconut cream – not cream of coconut, a cloyingly sweet, non-Paleo cocktail mixer – is another derivative of coconut milk commonly found on the Paleo diet. Coconut cream contains a higher ratio of coconut meat to coconut water, making it thicker, richer and more luscious.

You can find coconut cream at most health and specialty food stores, online, and occasionally in your grocery store’s Asian foods aisle. If you don’t have access to coconut cream, after chilling a can of full-fat coconut milk in the fridge overnight, scoop out the cream that separates from the liquid and voilà – coconut cream.

How to Cook with Coconut Milk

Coconut milk is the best option for giving stews, soups, curries and more a creamy finish. If you’re looking for a little more lusciousness, throw ½ cup or so of coconut milk in at the end of your dish’s cook time. Generally, this won’t add much coconut flavor but it will improve the texture of the food.

If you’re looking for a more prevalent coconut flavor – like in a coconut chicken curry – opt for the whole can as a base.

Coconut milk is also a great breakfast staple – water the canned stuff down a bit for Paleo cereal milk or use it in Paleo overnight oats. Or just enjoy a glass of it on its own.

Coconut milk is a ubiquitous ingredient in many Paleo treats – especially its thicker cousin, coconut cream. Try making your own coffee creamer – or even freezing coconut milk ice cubes for slow-melting goodness – or your own no-churn ice cream with coconut milk or cream. Coconut milk can be subbed in at the same ratio as whole milk in baking recipes, too.

Nut and Seed Milks

Nut and Seed Milk Benefits

Nut and seed milks – including almond, cashew, hazelnut, pistachio, hemp and pretty much any other nut or seed that the “milk” is made from – are another common Paleo milk substitute. Like coconut milk, nut milks in their most basic form are essentially nuts and water.

And also like coconut milk, the best kind of nut milk is the kind you make at home, where you can retain the essential nutrients of nuts without any additives from processing. Homemade nut milk involves soaking the nuts, blending with water, and then draining the pulp. Making almond milk at home ensures that there are no additives involved.

The nutrition of a given nut milk depends on the nut it’s made from. Because the meat of any nut is lost in the pulp straining process, nut milks are a lower calorie and lower nutrient far cry from eating the nut itself.

They’re also less pungent in flavor than coconut milk or camel milk, with just a hint of the actual nut’s flavor. But your morning glass of almond milk or hemp milk still has its place – as long as it’s free from unnecessary additives.

What to Look for When Buying Nut and Seed Milks?

Those unnecessary additives are many, especially in most store bought milks. Major nut milk brands add unnecessary ingredients to thicken, emulsify and make the milk more palatable (the latter can be accomplished with a small amount of Paleo sweetener at home). That said, some brands keep the ingredient list minimal. Check your local natural foods or specialty shops for that.

How to Cook with Nut and Seed Milk

Because nut milks are much milder, they make a perfect base for smoothies or for enjoying on their own. You can even flavor your nut milks with vanilla bean or caramel-like dates for a homemade treat.

Those who don’t like the taste of coconut or are allergic to it can opt for nut milk in many applications, with some modifications. Almond, cashew and hemp milks are the perfect mild base for smoothies.

When baking, try a thicker, creamier nut milk variety like cashew milk, as almond milk and others tend to be more watery and comparable to skim milk. If you have no complaints about coconut, try a half coconut milk, half nut milk substitution.

Like coconut milk, nut and seed milks also make a great backdrop to breakfasts like Paleo cereal, oats, or waffles. While most aren’t quite as luscious as full-fat coconut milk, they still help in making foods dreamy and creamy.

Nut and seed milks also work in recipes where you’d like to add a nutty essence, like this creamy jalapeno chicken dip or pizza crust.

Camel Milk

Camel Milk Benefits

What makes camel milk Paleo while cow’s milk is not? It has superfood qualities; from anti-diabetic properties to immunity boosters akin to those of human breast milk, camel milk is a nutritive powerhouse.

Camel milk is more commonly consumed throughout the Arab world; it has sustained nomadic cultures for millennia, thanks to the camel’s remarkable durability in non-temperate conditions.

Camel milk is a good source of essential fatty acids, vitamin B1, protein, potassium, phosphorus, and calcium. Camel milk is easier to digest than cow’s milk, and is full of essential fatty acids.

Thanks to its lower lactose content and lack of A1 casein protein and lactoglobulin found in cow’s milk, camel milk is also easier to digest, and may be a suitable substitute for those with dairy allergies or intolerances.

But how does it taste? Camel milk tastes similar – though more subtle – to mildly tart and salty goat’s milk, but it’s still sweet enough to satisfy your “milk” cravings.

What to Look for When Buying Camel Milk?

As camel milk gains popularity, more and more companies have started offering it. However, camel milk is often sold raw and isn’t regulated under the same laws for hoofed-animal milk. Since many companies that sell it aren’t inspected by the FDA or USDA, this poses a risk regarding safety and cleanliness.

Make sure to choose camel milk that’s pasture-raised and fed a soy-free, corn-free diet. Also check that there are no added hormones or antibiotics. If you’re looking for a safe, healthy option, we like Desert Farms as they’re the only Grade A camel dairy in North America.

How to Cook with Camel Milk

Camel milk may be the easiest milk to substitute for traditional dairy. It’s comparably sweet, thick and creamy, making it ideal for lattes (with turmeric, another superfood) and ice cream cakes, since it freezes well.

Camel milk, already chock full of probiotics, can also be made into yogurt and kefir, though it takes longer than cow’s milk – an indication that camel milk actually takes longer to spoil than traditional dairy.

Try using camel milk in place of your coconut and nut milk in baking recipes, and you’ll find similar results. You could also try camel milk to make caramel, as a creamy component in sauces, or in hot chocolate.

Watch this video – What’s The Best Non-Dairy Milk? Taste Test

Written by Courtney Hamilton

Author Bio:

Courtney Hamilton is a writer and editor who has covered everything from food to politics. When she’s not dreaming up Paleo-friendly eats and conversations, you can find her trying to get her preschooler to eat his veggies.

A lot of people have gotten results from the Keto diet, and enjoyed the foods that it has to offer. However, many of the people who are following this diet have a hard time finding the recipes that they need, especially ones that are quick and easy to complete.

Fortunately, Kelsey Ale, noticed this problem, and decided to do something about it. She’s found that making recipes in a slow cooker gives you meals which are not only delicious, but also take very little time to make. Mostly you just put a few simple ingredients in the slow cooker, and let it do the rest.

To find out more, click on – Keto Slow Cooker Cookbook