Coconut water is a refreshing natural beverage loaded with lots of nutrients and health benefits. It is made from the clean liquid inside of green coconut and differs from coconut milk, which has a creamy white hue and incorporates the actual coconut flesh.
In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, coconut water is believed to help digestion, urination, and even semen production. It has also traditionally been used to treat dehydration and given as ceremonial gifts throughout the tropics. While it may not be a miracle cure, it does have many health benefits.
Antioxidant properties
Coconut water contains antioxidants that help neutralize oxidative stress and free radicals created by exercise. Free radicals are unstable molecules that are produced in your cells during your own metabolism. Their production increases in response to stress or injury. Intake of foods and drinks that can neutralise these free radicals are highly encouraged, and coconut water does just that.
Also, fresh coconut water has a higher level of antioxidants than processed and heat pasteurized coconut water.
Helps lower blood sugar level
Research has shown that coconut water can lower blood sugar levels and improve other health markers in diabetic animals. A study with diabetic rats treated with coconut water showed that better blood sugar levels were maintained better than in the other diabetic rats.
May help prevent kidney stones
Drinking enough fluids is important for kidney stone prevention. Although plain water is a great choice, one study suggests that coconut water may be even better.
In a study in rats with kidney stones, coconut water prevented crystals from sticking to the kidneys and other parts of the urinary tract. It also reduced the number of crystals formed in the urine.
Moreover, researchers believe that coconut water help reduce free radical production that occur in response to high oxalate levels in urine.
Reduce blood pressure
One cup of coconut water contains more potassium than a medium sized banana. Research suggests that potassium-rich diets can help support heart health by reducing blood pressure and even protecting against stroke.
Also, a 2005 study found that when subjects were given coconut water for two weeks, their systolic blood pressure was 71 percent lower and their diastolic blood pressure was 29 percent lower than those who drank plain water.
Promote healthy skin
Lack of proper hydration can lead to dry, tight, and even flaky skin. Drinking coconut water can contribute to your daily hydration needs which promotes circulation and radiant skin.
Certain varieties of coconut water are fortified with vitamin C which has a slew of antioxidant properties and naturally stimulates collagen synthesis, which can help keep your skin firm and youthful-looking.
Coconut water can also be used against acne, other skin blemishes and cure for eczema.
Helps heart health
Drinking coconut water may be helpful to reduce heart disease risk. A 2006 study found that rats given coconut water had a decreased chance of having a heart attack. It helped decrease the total cholesterol triglyceride levels and LDL (bad) cholesterol around the heart.
Conclusively, coconut water is a delicious, nutritious and natural beverage that’s extremely good for you but it has it disadvantage.
Individuals with renal failure are advised to be careful with drinking coconut water as it is high in potassium. Although this nutrient is normally healthy for the body, when kidneys fail they can no longer remove excess potassium and monitoring your intake is important.
Irrespective of the properties coconut water contain, it should not be substituted for water.
