Plant-based milks are all the rage right now, but doctors warn that one type in particular can make you fat. Coconut milk is filled with saturated fats that can raise levels of bad cholesterol and be dangerous for the heart. This type of fat is also very high in calories, with a 3.5-oz serving containing 3 times as many calories as whole milk. The milk’s rich and creamy flavor also encourages larger portion sizes, further increasing calorie consumption. Dairy farmers have been arguing that plant-based milks shouldn’t be allowed to use the label “milk” because they’re not nutritionally equivalent. In fact, studies have shown how alternative milks are often nutritionally inferior in at least one of 3 key ingredients — protein, calcium, and Vitamin D. A 3.5-oz serving of coconut milk contains about 197 calories and 21 grams of fat, as well as 2 grams of protein. For comparison, the same size serving of whole milk contains 60 calories, 3 grams of fat, and 3 grams of protein.
