The benefits of coconut water have been known to mankind since ancient times. Ayurveda has prescribed this natural elixir to counter Doshas such as Vata and Pitta because of its cooling property. Its popularity as an electrolyte is undisputed, especially in the tropical regions of India, where medical practitioners and health experts recommend it as a part of a daily diet.
Coconut water is also called “Amrit”, a synonym for “Immortality”.
Interesting Fact –
Not many know that in emergencies or cases of severe dehydration, patients are given coconut water as a substitute. Incidentally, it is considered a fruit, although it belongs to a class of nuts.
Introduction – The Refreshing Power of Coconut Water
Coconut water contains a bouquet of nutrients and minerals. The nutrients in coconut water have a specific effect on the human body. While the minerals improve nerve and muscle functioning, their electrolytic properties maintain a healthy gut pH. It is also considered a perfect drink post-workout as it keeps the body hydrated, and that too without causing any side effects synonymous with artificial sports drinks.
Nutritional Profile of Coconut Water – A Natural Elixir
Most of us consume coconut water as a substitute for water. The idea is to quench our thirst. However, the nutritional profile of this “Super Cool” drink can be an eye-opener for many. Consider this—100ml or half a glass of coconut water contains 0.1g of fats, 4.4g of carbs, and 24 Kcal of energy.
A well-balanced nutritional powerhouse, it can invigorate the body instantly. The goodness does not stop here. It also contains 215mg of potassium, 27mg of calcium, 28 mg of sodium, 3g of sugar, and a generous dose of Vitamin C (2mg).
Each element in coconut water is like a magical potion, healing and strengthening by targeting a specific part of the human body.
10 Natural HealthBenefits of Coconut Water–
Health Benefit #1 – Hydration and Electrolyte Balance
Coconut water is a natural electrolyte and refreshing in taste. It is also a low-calorie natural drink—a boon for individuals who are diet conscious. Its hydrating property stems from the perfect combination/balance of carbohydrates and electrolytes.
The absence of artificial sweeteners, salts, and power-infusing nutrients makes it an ideal alternative to sports drinks. Coconut water benefits for females are irrefutable because it is a vital source of certain essential minerals and nutrients which are “women-centric”.
Health Benefit #2 – Immune System Boost
Some of the essential nutrients of coconut water, such as folates, vitamin C, and vitamin B [Riboflavin (B2) and Niacin (B3)], are known to boost the immune system. At the same time, other micro foods help fight viral infections.
Very few people know that coconut water has folic acid, which has anti-viral properties and pantothenic acid, which helps maintain healthy skin. The icing on the cake is the presence of lauric acid, which is highly effective against bacterial, fungal, and viral infections.
Health Benefit #3 – Weight Loss Support
Coconut water for weight loss is not just a myth. One of the reasons why humans gain weight is because of a faulty metabolic system. When the body burns fewer calories than it consumes, it generally leads to “Mass” accumulation. The good news is that coconut water brims with potassium and digestive enzymes, which improves metabolism. This, in turn, leads to a complete breakdown of food.
The logic is really simple. Coconut water helps reduce weight by improving metabolic rate. Moreover, diet-conscious individuals can benefit even further due to the absence of weight-gaining sugars and fructose.
Health Benefit #4 – Digestive Health Promotion
Coconut water promotes digestive health in three ways –
- It is considered a natural laxative because of its high fiber content. It paves the way for a perfect bowel movement.
- Coconut water contains minerals such as iron, magnesium, and calcium, apart from manganese, sodium, and potassium, which also complement the minerals in the human blood. It, therefore, helps fight diarrhoea and other digestive issues, which typically upset the pH balance of the gut.
- Potassium in coconut water is a fantastic pH stabiliser. It offers relief to individuals suffering from acid reflux, IBS, and GERD.
Health Benefit #5 – Cardiovascular Health Enhancement
“Iscoconut water good for diabetes” and “Is coconut water good for cardiovascular issues” have become the most popular search terms, and not without reason. Studies on small animals have shown that regular consumption of coconut water can impact cholesterol levels. It not only reduces cholesterol but also manages this cardiovascular troublemaker efficiently. Some secondary studies have even claimed that certain minerals in coconut water are quite similar to cholesterol-reducing allopathic medicines.
Health Benefit #6 – Skin Health and Beauty
The presence of Lauric acid in coconut water, which is highly effective against various infections (digestive and skin), helps fight acne, pimples, and other skin-related issues. In fact, many traditional health experts suggest “coconut water for the face” to get rid of acne / dark spots. This elixir water is a perfect blend of vital nutrients and minerals that make the skin glow and appear youthful.
Health Benefit #7 – Muscle Recovery and Performance
It is an open secret that coconut water is loaded with Vitamins, which includes B and C. While vitamin C helps improve the immune system and fight against external viral/bacterial threats, vitamin B specifically B6 and B9, help in muscle recovery and performance. While Vitamin B6 repairs and builds new cells, its subsets build muscle through optimised amino acid production. It is also an open fact that consuming coconut water offers quick relief from gut muscle cramps and spasms.
Health Benefit #8 – Kidney Health Maintenance
The kidney is the one organ of the human body susceptible to the formation of crystals and stones. It is, therefore, quite common for people with kidney troubles to search for Nariyal Pani benefits. Coconut water’s magical composition of augmented minerals neutralises excess citrate and chlorine components, the culprits behind the formation of stones. It flushes them out systematically and efficiently while improving renal function, keeping the renal tissue healthy, and effectively fighting bladder infection.
Health Benefit #9 – Blood Pressure Regulation
Coconut water is known to fine-tune the functions of the human body. This includes flushing out excessive chemicals, minerals, and toxic waste. One of the harmful minerals that it expels from the system is sodium. By reducing the percentage of this salt, coconut water helps manage blood pressure and protects the body from associated illnesses such as cardiac muscle infection/heart attack. On the other hand, potassium, another mineral in coconut water, also impacts blood pressure in a positive way.
Health Benefit #10 – Anti-inflammatory Properties
As mentioned above, coconut water’s antibacterial and antiviral properties combat inflammation. In fact, the white meat of coconut is often used in tandem with other herbs or as a solo component to counter skin allergies and bacterial/fungal infections. Coconut water benefits for the skin are immense and with no side effects.
Side Effects of Coconut Water– Understanding the Risks
Although coconut water does not affect one negatively, it does have one sore point. Potassium! Due to its high potassium content, it may cause Hyperkalemia, also called “Toxicity of Potassium”. Unregulated consumption by individuals with kidney issues or those with diabetes can be fatal. It is, therefore, advisable to consult the doctor before consuming in large portions.
Read More:What are the Benefits of Coconut for Diabetes Patients?
Conclusion – Embracing the Healthful Goodness of Coconut Water
The benefits of drinking coconut water are simply incomparable and unmatched. The right amount of nutrients, minerals, and salts counters several diseases, such as high blood pressure, digestive upheavals, and a weak immune system. Being diuretic in nature, it flushes out poisonous toxins from the body and prevents the formation of stones in the kidneys, reduces skin infection episodes, and neutralises cardiovascular issues.
Disclaimer :
It is crucial to monitor your blood sugar levels using a smartphone-connected glucometer on a regular basis. If you feel doubtful about whether or not you should consume a particular item, you should do a quick sugar check before and after you consume it.
Being a person with diabetes, you can enjoy your favourite treats by making sure that you keep the portion size in check. Overindulging can lead to a spike in your sugar levels. It’s important to discuss with your physician how a food item can affect your blood glucose levels. If you have any doubts about what you can include as a part of your diabetes diet, you should always speak to your doctor or health coach.
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