For centuries, people from tropical areas were familiar with the amazing coconut water benefits for the health of green and young coconuts. 200 to 1,000 milliliters of coconut water can be gained from one nut. That is about 1 to 4 mugs.
It is a delicious and refreshing low-calorie natural beverage. Coconut tender water has more nutrients than mature coconut water.
It is rich in antioxidants, amino acid, vitamin C, B-complex, enzymes, and minerals such as magnesium, calcium, iron, potassium, zinc, and manganese. The coconut water’s micronutrients boost our immune system and improve our health. The cytokinins in this drink have anticancer, antithrombotic and anti-aging effects.
SCIENCE-BASED COCONUT WATER BENEFITS
1. REHYDRATES THE BODY
The electrolyte in coconut water is helpful for rehydration of the body. Coconut water has proven to be as effective as sports drinks. Moreover, coconut water is easy on the stomach and can soothe stomach pain.
Clinically, coconut water can be used as an oral rehydration aid to replace the fluid loss to patients suffering from the gastrointestinal tract. Especially, when dehydration appears due to diarrhea.
Coconut water can be consumed directly from green coconuts or in bottles. Do not use brands with added sugar, sweeteners or flavors.
2. LOWERS BLOOD PRESSURE
The high content of potassium, magnesium, and vitamin C makes coconut water beneficial for regulating high blood pressure.
Potassium is effective in lowering the blood pressure as it aborts the negative impact of sodium.
A study published in 2005 in the West Indian Medical Journal revealed that coconut water is helpful in controlling hypertension.
To lower high blood pressure, just consume a mug of fresh coconut water twice a day.
3. HEART TONIC
Fat- and cholesterol-free tender coconut water has cardioprotective properties. It helps lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL or the ‘bad’ cholesterol) and increases high-density lipoprotein (HDL or the ‘good’ cholesterol) levels, thus reducing the risk of heart disease.
According to one study that was published in 2012 in the Journal of Medicinal Food, both mature and tender coconut water show beneficial effects on the metabolism of lipids to counteract increased total cholesterol as well as very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDL), LDL (low-density lipoproteins) and triglycerides.
Plus, coconut water has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiplatelet characteristics and is helpful for improving the circulation. In addition, it reduces the formation of plaque in the arteries so it reduces the risk of strokes and heart attacks.
4. REGULATES BLOOD SUGAR
Coconut water has dietary fiber and amino acids that are helpful for regulating blood sugar and improving the sensitivity of insulin.
5. CAN PREVENT KIDNEY STONES
Drinking plenty of coconut water is great for the prevention of kidney stones. Although more research is needed on this topic, in 2013 a study on rats with kidney stones was conducted.
According to this study, coconut water was found to keep crystals from sticking to the kidneys and other parts of the urinary tract. Moreover, it helped reduce free radical production that occurred in response to high oxalate levels in urine.
6. HELPS TO RELIEVE THE HANGOVERS
Alcohol reduces the body hydration, leading to booze blues in the morning-after.
Conversely, coconut water refills the electrolytes in your body causing the rehydration to boost, thereby giving a nice feeling.
Likewise, the antioxidants in coconut water help in the battle against oxidative stress, which is occasioned by consuming too much alcohol. It is beneficial for settling an acidic stomach.
7. PROMOTES WEIGHT LOSS
One of the biggest coconut water benefits is that is an ideal drink for weight loss. It is low in calories and it is easily digested. In fact, this light and refreshing drink contain various bioactive enzymes that aid digestion and boost fat metabolism.
Coconut water is abundant with potassium, which is helpful to keep the balance with sodium. The excess amounts of sodium in the body causes retention of water which contributes to water weight. In addition, coconut water helps in removing excess water as well as toxins from your body.
If you consume an 8-ounce glass of this drink that is healthy 3 or 4 times a week you will facilitate the loss of weight. Be aware that the consumed excess coconut water can add excess calories to your diet.
8. TREATS HEADACHES
Most of the headaches are caused by dehydration and that is why coconut water can be very effective in relieving these pains. It hydrates our body gives us a high amount of electrolytes and it is a rich source of magnesium.
9. BALANCES THE PH LEVELS
This natural drink will alkalize your body and restore the pH of your body. This will promote easier minerals and vitamin absorption, boosting the energy levels and alkalizing the acidic value of the pH levels that are a result of heartburn and acidity.
10. IT IS A NATURAL DIURETIC
One of the biggest coconut water benefits is that it is a natural diuretic. It is promoting the production and flow of urine, cleansing the body’s toxins. It is also helpful for preventing problems like urinary tract infections.
Due to its high potassium content, coconut water is helpful for alkalizing the urine. It also is helpful in dissolving some types of stones in the kidneys and eventually causes them to flush out of the body.
To boost its effectiveness, put a little bit of sea salt to a mug of coconut water and consume it one or two times a day. Due to its diuretic properties, coconut water shows antibacterial properties that help fight bladder infections.
Note: Do not consume coconut water in case you have problems with the function of the kidneys and your potassium levels are high.
11. Slow Down the Process of Aging
Coconut water has cytokinins that have an anti-aging impact on tissues and cells. This reduces the risk of developing degenerative and age-related diseases.
Warnings:
– Coconut water is not appropriate for people that are allergic to nuts
– It can cause bloating and stomach upset for some people
– Do not drink coconut water at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery