Contrary to the age-long superstition that drinking coconut water dulls the brain, this simple gift of nature contains so many health benefits that can help nourish your body and also keep you strong and healthy.
Coconut water has been used to heal several health challenges by alternative healers; especially ayurvedic medicine. So, here are six good reasons why coconut water should be included in your diet, and why you should make it your favorite beverage.
What is coconut water?
Coconut water is the fluid found in coconut. Green, immature coconut seems to have more amount of fluid in them than brown, mature ones.
While coconut milk is another popular type of fluid from coconut, it should not be mistaken for coconut water, as coconut milk is derived from water added to grated or mashed coconut flesh, while coconut water refers to the natural fluid in the core of a coconut.
Contains nutrients and electrolytes
A cup of coconut water contains about 45 calories and 11g of sugar, which means it easily fits into the low-calorie diet and low-sugar class. This makes it a perfectly healthy and safe source of nourishment except otherwise advised by your doctor.
The fact that this all-natural beverage also comes packed with electrolytes like potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sodium, which the body needs to function optimally, makes it very helpful to the body.
According to Medical News Today, a cup of coconut water contains about 600mgs of potassium, 16% of the value needed per day for an individual. It also offers 4% of the daily value of calcium and magnesium, respectively.
See why you need to consider making coconut water your favorite beverage?
It’s an antioxidant
According to multiple sources, especially Healthline, coconut water may also possess antioxidant properties that help the body get rid of free radicals that might harm it.
Multiple scientific studies give insight into how helpful coconut water can be for the body, rendering free radicals powerless against the body.
In some studies, the liver function of rats fed with coconut water improved through the healing power of coconut water.
Again, their insulin levels and blood pressure normalized, while another study showed that their cholesterol markers decreased and, most importantly, it showed antioxidant potency.
Improves kidney health
Some studies prove the efficiency of coconut water in helping to improve kidney health when it is drunk regularly. Medical News Today states that major kidney challenges like kidney stones can be remedied by taking this natural beverage.
A 2018 study found that coconut water helped to rid citrate, potassium, and chloride from the human body via urination, establishing the fact that it might help to stop the formation of stones in the kidney and also help in melting them.
The study also claims that coconut water intake healed kidney damage resulting from diabetes in rats.
Weight loss support
The fact that coconut water contains just 45 calories per cup makes it a healthy alternative to soda and other unhealthy drinks, especially for those trying to lose weight or looking to maintain a balance.
It can also serve as a means of hydration for those who are loathsome of the bland taste of water.
Helps to recover lost energy
The fact that coconut water is rich in electrolytes like potassium, sodium, and magnesium makes it a great post-gym or workout hydration option. It is also a better bet for the restoration or replenishment of lost electrolytes and energy than other regular over-the-counter means, as it is all-natural and healthier.
Healthline says, “Because coconut water contains electrolytes like potassium and magnesium, several studies have found that it may be more beneficial than water for rehydration after exercise”.
Plus, a 2014 study conducted in Brazil says those who take coconut water for exercise might experience an improved exercise capacity over those who take ordinary water or regular sports drink.
Heart-friendly
Some scientific research claim that drinking coconut water can reduce cholesterol in the body.
According to Healthline, a study carried out on rats showed that drinking coconut water may help in reducing cholesterol on a level similar to that of popular pharmaceutical drug used to lower cholesterol.
This was attributed to its rich potassium content, as potassium has been proven to help lower blood pressure.
Bottom line
Coconut water contains so many health benefits and daily nutrients that our body needs for its day-to-day running. However, seek the advice of a health practitioner before trying any new diet.
