the
ki ney
citizen
should be consumed in limited quantities. That doesn’t
mean none, but it does mean watching portion size. Culinary
tricks, such as toasting your coconut, can help enhance the
flavor and decrease the need for a large portion.
Coconut Product/ Serving Size Milligrams of Potassium
Shredded Coconut, 1 cup 434 mg
Coconut Water, 1 cup 404 mg
Coconut milk, 1 cup
(the kind in a can) 467 mg
Coconut Cream, 1 cup 780 mg
Cream of Coconut, 1 cup ~400-450mg
Coconut Butter n/a – this product is just pulverized
coconut flesh so it is safe to assume it
is very high in potassium
Coconut Flour, ¼ cup 367 mg
Can-Do Low-Potassium Coconut Products for People with
Kidney Disease:
Coconut Milk Beverage – milk replacement: Coconut milk
beverage is marketed as a milk substitute. It should not be
confused with coconut milk from the can (which is very
high in potassium). It can be found nestled nicely among its
other rectangular carton milk alternative friends, usually in
the “organic” or “natural” aisle in a store. The So Delicious®
coconut milk beverage rings in at 45 calories, 40 mg of
potassium (compared to 366 mg in a cup of milk), and 15
mg of sodium (woohoo!). It does contain some phosphate
additives due to the calcium and magnesium fortification,
but otherwise fits in a kidney-friendly diet nicely. While
coconut milk beverage fits the renal nutrition profile, flavor-
wise it is disappointing. Despite my most vigorous shaking
of the carton, the coconut flavor is very mild, almost non-
existent. However, for a recipe calling for coconut water, this
could be a reasonable substitute.
Coconut Sugar - Coconut palm sugar or coconut sugar is a
variety of sugar made from sap that is extracted from
the coconut tree. It has no flavor resemblance to
coconut so if you’re after a coconut flavor, coconut
sugar won’t do much for your recipe. Health-
wise, it has the same carbohydrate profile as
regular cane sugar although it is touted as
having a low glycemic index. This means, if
you’re diabetic, it still will raise your blood
glucose levels like sugar. It has the same
potassium and phosphorus as regular
sugar (which per 1 tsp serving is none),
so it is a green-light coconut product for those with kidney
disease, though there doesn’t seem to be any extra benefit to
using it over other sugar products.
Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is a fat. It is specifically high in
saturated fat, which has kept it on the “limit” list of many
health organizations. There is a good deal of scientific debate
about the whether or not coconut oil is “healthy” or not.
This is a topic for another day. Nutritionally, coconut oil has
no potassium, phosphorus, or sodium making it a reasonable
choice for people with kidney failure. As with all fats, it should
be used in moderation.
Coconut Extract: If you love coconut and have been limiting it
due to its potassium content, then coconut extract is something
to begin stocking in your cupboard. Like all baking extracts, a small
amount (as in <1 tsp) goes a long way in creating a potent flavor.
Coconut extract can be used in a variety of recipes to cut back
Coconut Milk Substitute: 1 ⁄ 3 cup rice or almond milk,
1 teaspoon cornstarch, 1 ⁄ 2 teaspoon coconut extract;
2 teaspoons oil. Combine milk, oil, and cornstarch in
small saucepan. Stir constantly over high heat until
mixture boils and thickens. Immediately pour into
small bowl; stir in extract. Cool.
Great for use in curries or other sauces.
on coconut content while still maintaining a wonderful coconut
flavor. It has no potassium or phosphorus in it.
Coconut Soda: Most coconut
sodas on the
m a r ke t
are
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