Coconut aminos is a sauce prepared from the sap of coconut palms. The sap is fermented and later blended with sea salt. It is made up of naturally occurring amino acids that have a perfect PH balance and a low glycemic index of 35, which makes it an apt choice for diabetic patients.
It is a safer alternative to soy sauce and is rich in sodium.
Coconut Aminos Nutrition Facts
Five gms of serving contains-
| Calories | 5 |
| Carbohydrates | 1 gm |
| Fat | 0 gms |
| Sodium | 113 mg |
Coconut Aminos Benefits for the Health
1. Coconut Aminos Substitutes for Soy Sauce
It contains 73 percent less sodium when compared to soy sauce. Patients suffering from high blood pressure are at risk if they consume dishes prepared with Soy Sauce as it is very rich in salt, which spikes blood pressure levels.
It is the most preferred alternative to soy sauce for people suffering from hypertension.
2. Improves Cardiac Health
Coconut Aminos benefits people suffering from heart disease. You can feel the improvement when you consume coconut products like coconut oil, coconut flour, coconut aminos, etc. The functioning of the heart improves.
Studies show that coconut increases HDL Cholesterol(1), that in turn, contributes to a healthy heart.
Its richness in antioxidants helps in the functioning of a healthy body and protects the heart while regulating blood pressure levels.
[Read: Benefits of Liquid Aminos ]
3. Controls Blood Sugar Levels
Adding it to the diet reduces the risk of diabetes. Research has evaluated the risk of obesity as an epidemic in the U.S.
A study conducted at the University of California stated the damaging effects of soybean products compared to coconut products.
It stated that people on the soybean diet are at a higher risk of diabetes and have reduced metabolism activity. On the contrary, a coconut-based diet reduced the risk.
4. Aids Weight Loss
If you add coconut or coconut aminos to the diet, it increases the adiponectin levels in the bloodstream.
Adiponectin is a protein that comes from fatty tissues. They balance the glucose levels and fatty acid oxidation and several metabolic processes. The fat levels are inversely proportional to adiponectin levels.
A study in Brazil stated that consuming coconut products helped to balance blood sugar levels in the body, reduced Body Mass Index(2), body fat, balanced blood pressure levels, waist circumference, and other standards of obesity measurements. It concludes that it can treat and prevent obesity.
[Read: Natural Tips To Lose Weigt]
5. Boosts Immunity
It is a storehouse of nutrients. The antioxidants are molecules that prevent the body from the free radicals that cause oxidative stress to the body. Antioxidants help to boost immunity and prevent the occurrence of common flu and viral diseases. They also reduce the risk of cancer.
6. Reduces the Risk of Colon Cancer
The University of South Carolina conducted a study to understand the effects of coconut products on the risk of colon cancer. The participants who consumed this and other coconut products had reduced inflammation in the colon and a less occurrence of malignant tumors.
7. Treats PCOS
The hormonal imbalance in a woman’s body results in the formation of cysts in the brain and ovaries called Polycystic Ovary syndrome. The ovaries make a crazy amount of testosterone that causes the imbalance.
Coconut aminos nutrition consists of inositol and adiponectin that help to lower this risk. It is a great thing as this hormonal balance over a due course of time can cause diabetes and cardiac diseases.
[Read: Natural Remedies To Treat PCOS ]
8. Improves Mental Health
The amino acids present in this boost brain function and can treat a variety of mental disorders like anxiety, depression, panic, and OCD known as obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Coconut Aminos VS Soy
- Soy sauce contains more salt than Coconut amino and makes a better alternative.
- Coconut aminos is a gluten-free product.
- Various recipes using Soy Sauce require MSG, i.e., monosodium glutamate(3), a substance that enhances the flavor of a dish.
- Coconut Aminos may be slightly expensive when compared to Soy Sauce.
The downside
- People suffering from hypertension must check with their doctor due to its salt content.
- Coconut Aminos is expensive compared to soy sauce.
- The taste of these aminos are also on the sweeter side compared to soy sauce and therefore is restricted to only certain recipes.
- Unavailability also is a demerit. It is not available in most countries.
The Verdict
It has gained popularity in recent times, mostly due to awareness and recommendation by various food bloggers and nutritionists. The coconut sap contains all the nutritional blocks from the coconut tree. Coconut foods may not be the same for everybody and definitely shouldn’t be considered a medical alternative. You can add it to coconut aminos recipes or just pour it over your favorite sushi.
FAQs
1. Can Coconut Aminos Be Frozen?
Yes. You can freeze to keep it fresh and extend its shelf life. Once opened, it lasts six months if kept in the refrigerator.
2. Does Coconut Aminos Contain Sugar?
It has very low sugar content as it’s fermented. 1tsp or 5 ml of coconut aminos has 1 gm of sugar. It doesn’t hamper the blood sugar levels at all.
