Do you know during World War II, coconut water was used as an IV drip for the soldier because there was not enough blood plasma available? Coconut water continues to deliver on all the promises which makes it an excellent choice for maintaining overall health.
Read here to explore about this wondrous liquid right from its nutritional value to all the possible health benefits of coconut water.
Coconut water is touted to be a natural energy drink. The claims are not superficial as the fruit is indeed high on nutrition. The fruit is a source of fiber and various minerals including a high content of potassium. Thus you can benefit a lot from coconut nutrition.
On the other hand, coconut water which constitutes 95% water is rich in carbohydrates. It contains little amount of protein and zero fats. It also provides you with antioxidants, amino acids, Vitamin C, enzymes and B-complex vitamins.
Further, the coconut water calories are quite low, 100 grams of it contains only 19 calories. It is also an excellent source of electrolytes like potassium, magnesium, and sodium. The presence of potassium in coconut water and other electrolytes make it a superb beverage to prevent dehydration and reduce stress and fatigue.
After learning about coconut water nutrition, you will now be clear that coconut water is a healthy drink. It is undoubtedly the drink that you should include in your daily routine to maintain a healthy lifestyle. If you are still not convinced and looking for what are the health benefits of coconut water, then here you get all the necessary details. Following are the benefits of coconut water:
One of the primary health benefits of coconut water is that it keeps you hydrated. If you are suffering from an excess of water loss, then the coconut water is the best beverage for you.
The presence of electrolytes in it prevents dehydration. It can efficiently hydrate your body and replenish the loss of minerals like sodium. Thus, whenever you feel tired or are at loss of energy, consume coconut water.
Want a perfectly glowing and clear skin? Start drinking coconut water immediately. Nothing can serve your skin better than coconut water. It is because the coconut water has a high amount of antioxidants and is a source of lauric acid that slow down the aging process keeping your skin young and glowing.
It also helps in regulating the pH of the skin, keeping it hydrated and moisturized. Further, the antibacterial and antifungal properties of the water also help in getting rid of acne.
Coconut water is a natural diuretic which means that helps in increased urination. Drinking coconut water eases urination thus those who have trouble in urinating may get benefits from it. Also, increased urination helps in flushing out toxins and bacteria from the urinary tract that cause infection. It aids the kidneys in fluid regulation and cures the urinary tract infections (1).
Consuming coconut water regulates the cholesterol level in your body. Studies show that people who drink coconut water have reduced bad cholesterol levels. Coconut water is also known to promote the HDL, i.e., High-Density Lipoprotein (also known as good cholesterol) in the body.
Coconut water is excellent for maintaining the health of your heart and prevents the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Lower cholesterol levels avoid the clogging of blood vessels blocking the strain on your heart. Thus, there is a reduced risk of getting strokes and heart attacks. Hence, if you desire a healthy heart, then start consuming coconut water.
[Also Read: Natural Tips to Prevent Heart Disease ]
One of the significant health benefits of coconut water is that it helps in controlling your blood pressure. Studies show that drinking two cups of coconut water every day can lower the blood pressure level.
It is because coconut water is a good source of Vitamin C and provides you with potassium and magnesium which play a significant role in keeping your blood pressure level under check. To enjoy the benefits of coconut water drink fresh organic coconut water not the bottled one as it may have a high content of sodium which will not do any good to your blood pressure level.
Coconut water is the ultimate weight loss drink. Calories in coconut water are low which makes it an excellent choice over other sugar-loaded weight loss drinks. Further, it contains a lot of enzymes that improve your digestion and metabolism.
The high potassium content in coconut water tends to balance the sodium in the body which causes water retention. Consuming coconut water helps to flush out the excess of water from your body which is a significant cause of weight gain.
On a daily basis, numerous toxic substances enter your body via the food you eat or from your surrounding environment. The presence of toxins lowers the pH of your body making it highly acidic. ‘
Low pH levels may lead to several troubles including heartburn, joint pain, diabetes, etc. For your body organs to function at their optimal, it is necessary to maintain the normal pH. To balance the pH level of your body consume coconut water(2). Its alkalizing effects neutralize the acidity. Thus, in case of acidity or heartburn opt for delicious and refreshing coconut water.
Yes, coconut water can provide significant relief from annoying problems. Studies show that headaches even that occur due to migraines are caused by dehydration. If that is the case with you too, then coconut water can significantly help you out. It provides your body with electrolytes that help in hydrating the body and easing headaches.
Another cause of migraines is the low level of magnesium in the body. Coconut water is also a source of magnesium and great for people suffering from a headache. Consuming coconut water will replenish your body with magnesium and prevent and reduce the frequency of migraine attacks.
Yes, coconut water works amazingly to reduce your terrible hangovers. Too much alcohol causes dehydration in your body which results in severe hangover headaches. Drinking coconut water helps in hydrating your body, and it replenishes it with all the essential electrolytes that ease the hangover.
The revitalizing beverage is rich in antioxidants that help fight the oxidative stress caused due to excess of alcohol. It will also help neutralize the acidity in the stomach. Coconut water is essentially an excellent remedy for hangovers.
After learning about why is coconut water good for you, it is apparent that you would love to include it in your diet. However, you may be wondering that what would be the best time to drink it.
Coconut water is undoubtedly a wondrous drink with numerous benefits, and you can include it any time to reap its benefits. But to gain maximum benefits, the best times suited for drinking coconut water are:
There can be no better way to start your day than drinking coconut water. Consuming it early morning when empty stomach provides you with numerous benefits.
It helps in flushing out toxins from your body, maintaining a healthy pH balance, boosts metabolism and improves immunity. It would be an excellent option to drink coconut water early morning for those aiming for weight loss. Drinking it early morning also relieves you from heartburn.
Drinking coconut water before a meal makes you feel full, thus prevents you from overeating. It is easy on your stomach and is low in calories; therefore, you can drink it without any worries.
Coconut water is also known to improve digestion thus you can drink it after meals. It also prevents bloating. Drinking coconut water on a daily basis will maintain the healthy pH of your body and keep your blood pressure under check improving the functioning of the digestive system.
Drinking coconut water is known to boost your energy level. It also helps in hydrating your body. Thus, organic coconut water is said to be a natural sports drink. You can enjoy it before your workout for increased energy levels. Drinking it after a rigorous work-out session will help in replenishing the body with nutrients lost during the work-out. It will provide you with instant energy and effectively fight fatigue.
If you wish to enjoy a happy good night’s sleep, then sip the delicious and healthy coconut water. The pleasant smell of coconut has a soothing psychological effect on your body. It helps in reducing the anxiety and calm your heart rate.
If you have increased stress levels that are hampering your sleep then must devour coconut water. Another advantage of drinking it at bedtime is that coconut water will help in flushing out the toxins from your body and keep your urinary tract clear.
Coconut water in itself is a refreshing and delicious drink. But if you are bored of its same taste, then here are some great ideas for making things a little more interesting.
Pineapple and coconut make a tasty and healthy combination.
Coconut, blueberry and Spirulina Smoothie is another delightful way to enjoy the benefits of coconut water.
Coconut water with Orange and Mango Juice is another refreshing drink.
Coconut water is a refreshing drink that you can enjoy every day. But drinking it in excess may cause some troubles. Following are the side effects of consuming too much coconut water(3):
Coconut water is a potent drink that substantially benefits you. By now you will be clear that why should you drink coconut water. Its rich antioxidant content and high nutritive value make it an excellent choice for a healthy body. Add on to it, the refreshing taste of the drink makes it the favorite of many. Consuming coconut water in moderate amount can provide you with numerous health benefits. So, enjoy it regularly for better health.
Consuming coconut water is undoubtedly a healthy habit, but you should not overdo it. A cup or two every day are great for a healthy body. You must avoid consuming it too much as it may cause electrolyte imbalance in your body.
Coconut water contains 95% water. Its hydrating properties are similar to that of plain water. However, coconut water contains electrolytes that instantly help in replenishing the lost nutrients under extreme conditions like after a rigorous workout session or during excessive exposure in the sun.
Yes, coconut water contains sugar but in meager quantity. An ounce of coconut water may contain around 1.3 grams of sugar.