Starbucks attempts to jump on the health bandwagon by introducing a non dairy, non soy alternative with its addition of coconut milk. Pure unprocessed Coconut milk or oil (from Whole Foods or you can make it-recipe below) contains coconut milk and water. It can improve cholesterol, skin conditions, stabilize satiety/weight and is anti microbial. (Antibacterial, antiparasitic)
Where does Starbucks measure up? On their site they claim, "single origin Sumatra coconut milk…from the tropical Indonesian island of Sumatra.” This likely means they're sourcing coconuts from one large factory in Indonesia with many workers. Moreover, does this mean it's healthy because it's from Sumatra? No. Consider their ingredients:
Ingredients: Water, coconut cream, cane sugar, tricalcium phosphate, coconut water concentrate, natural flavors, sea salt, carrageenan, gellan gum, corn dextrin, xanthan gum, guar gum, vitamin A palmitate, vitamin d2.
It's also too bad that the coconut milk is so processed that it does not provide the same health benefits. It contains thickeners and stabilizers used to extend shelf life. They also added sugar. Sugar causes insulin spikes that can lead to sugar highs and lows, cravings and eventual insulin resistance. "Carrageenan predictably causes inflammation, which can lead to ulcerations and bleeding,” explains researcher Joanne Tobacman, MD, clinical medicine at the University of Illinois School of Medicine at Chicago.
Guar gum is a stabilizer linked to digestive problems and gut flora issues. Corn? Do you think that's non-GMO? Independent studies link GMO (genetically modified ingredients) to leaky gut issues and tumors. Whoa we don't need that, considering Starbucks ingredients aren't organic and likely contain pesticides/herbicides that are already known to cause inflammation. Ultimately pesticides, too, are linked to leaky gut and autoimmune conditions. 85% of our immunity is in the gut.
Coconut Milk:
1 to 4 mature coconuts (depending on how thick you want the milk)
3 cups water
1⃣Remove flesh from coconut
2⃣Place the flesh from 1 coconut in high-speed blender w/ 3 cups water- blend until puréed.
3⃣Strain through nut-milk bag. (Keep pulp aside to dehydrate for coconut flour)
Enjoy Your REAL coconut milk!!
Always remember to shop local. Even with coffee! Local stores have a vested interest in the people and the community they know so well. Besides, I don't think a greedy corporation like Starbucks is hurting for more revenue!
STAY ENLIGHTENED,
DR J