Coconut milk is frequently cited as one of the five essential ingredients in Thai food because of its naturally sweet flavor. However, some nutritionists advise that people who suffer from heart disease should stay away from cream or coconut milk.

While creams aren't the best choice for people with special nutritional needs, coconut milk is still very healthy. However, Alan Wong, general manager of King Fu Plaza, is interested in a new food innovation developed in Bangkok because it may one day be a cream substitute in the United States.

According to the Bangkok Post, local hospitals have started serving green curry and desserts such as kluay buat chi because of a new substitute that was approved by hospital nutritionists.

The substitute was developed by a group of female science technicians who founded 4Care Co. in Thailand. Instead of dairy, the new product is made from a special blend of rice brand oil and a soy protein, which was discovered while the technicians were focused on finding a natural replacement.

"People in the United States usually think of Thailand as a very rural environment," says Wong. "But Thailand is making some giant leaps in science and technology. My father visits frequently and says there is a growing interest in rice-based foods like those developed by 4Care Co."

While hospitals have already accepted the innovation, the company says it will take more time for Thai people to accept any substitute. So instead, 4Care Co. is starting to reach out to chefs and asking them use the substitute cream or offer additional dishes. Currently, the company is hoping to expand into other locations..

"While I haven't tasted it because it will be years before it is available in the United States, the concept is intriguing," said Wong. "It would open up Thai flavors to people who would otherwise avoid dishes with cream or milk of any kind. Coconut milk, on the other hand, there isn't much need to substitute it."

Wong stressed that there have been plenty of studies that distinguish between the saturated fat in milk and fat in coconut. Specifically, the milk is made up of short- and medium-chain fatty acids, which helps the body turn it into energy.

Coconut milk is a healthy choice that isn't necessary to substitute.

He also points to a previous article that cites the health benefits of coconut milk. In fact, coconut milk and coconut oil have not been shown to increase cholesterol levels. Some studies have shown the opposite; coconut actually lowers cholesterol and raises HDL in some populations.

Still, as a cream substitute, Wong said the food innovation is a brilliant idea to open up more Thai flavors to vegetarians or people who are lactose intolerant. According to 4Care Co., the cream is dairy free, has no cholesterol, and is high in vitamin E. It also has 30 percent less fat than traditional cream.

Although the new 4Care Co. product will take years before it is approved in the United States, Wong said vegetarians can still enjoy any number of Thai dishes. Kung Fu Plaza has more than 40 vegetarians dishes.

Kung Fu Plaza is the oldest and most authentic Thai restaurant in Las Vegas. It was opened in 1973, after the Wong family immigrated from Thailand. The family, like many Thai people, has both Thai and Chinese ancestors.