There isn't anything new about coconut water. The liquid found inside green coconuts has been enjoyed for a long time in tropical zones due to its availability, local traditions, and beliefs about its health benefits. Now, this beverage has become popular the world over, and can be found in a variety of forms in many mainstream supermarkets. But is this drink really a natural electrolyte drink and can it provide any additional health benefits? Let's have a look at the facts.
Is Coconut Water Good for You?
Yes, coconut water can benefit your health in many ways. Natural coconut water has a sweet, nutty taste, and contains carbohydrates that are easily digested in the form of natural sugar and electrolytes. Don't confuse coconut water with coconut milk, which is extracted from the pulp and used as an ingredient in many exotic recipes. Coconut water from the inside of young green coconuts is low in calories, and is a natural source of electrolytes including potassium and sodium. In fact, the electrolyte content is more than twice the amount of a traditional sports drink, and only has about half the carbohydrates.
Fat and Cholesterol Free
Coconut water is naturally fat and cholesterol free, and has more potassium than four bananas. It also contains other beneficial ingredients, such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants. Coconut water contains a unique combination of vitamin B and C, micronutrients, and immune cell stimulating phytohormones that are especially beneficial to your health.
Low Sugar Content
Natural coconut water contains less sugar than many sports drinks, and a lot less sugar than sodas and many fruit juices. Natural coconut water can be a better alternative for people looking for a refreshing beverage that is less sweet. But drink it in mediation, because one 11-ounce serving contains 60 calories and if you drink several in a day, the calories could add up quickly.
Important note: Be aware of the coconut water choices, and read labels in order to avoid those with added sugar or juices, which aren't any different from many other sugary beverages.
Health Benefits of Coconut Water
1. Boosts Hydration and Energy
Not only does natural coconut water quench the thirst, it can be very instrumental in hydration and recovery. Because of its bountiful electrolyte composition, natural coconut water can be used to rehydrate your dehydrated body due to fluid loss resulting from sweating, vomiting or diarrhea. The easily digestible carbohydrates can also help raises your energy levels. Research suggests that natural coconut water has a similar positive effect on hydration and recovery after exercising as sports drinks. In addition to boosting rehydration and energy, coconut water is also easy on the stomach, soothing stomach troubles like gastroenteritis, indigestion, and acid reflux.
2. Controls High Blood Pressure
Is coconut water good for your blood pressure? You bet. The vitamin C, potassium and magnesium contained in coconut water is helpful for controlling high blood pressure. A diet that includes natural sources of potassium is important in controlling high blood pressure because the potassium lessens the effects of sodium. Magnesium may help reduce blood pressure in people who already have high blood pressure, and the vitamin C has a diuretic effect that removes excess fluid from the body, which may help relax blood vessel walls.
3. Heals Hangover
Natural coconut water can help remedy a hangover. The main cause of a hangover is the alcohol that you drink. It's a toxic chemical that works in the body as a diuretic, which means it makes you urinate and you can become dehydrated as a result. Dehydration is one of the main causes of your hangover symptoms. Natural coconut water can boost hydration, while replenishing the electrolytes, making you feel better. But dehydration isn't the only reason for a hangover. Other factors such as oxidative stress and inflammation may also play a role, and the good news is, the natural antioxidants in coconut water can replace the depleted antioxidants caused by drinking.
4. Promotes Heart Health
Is coconut water good for your heart? Yes, natural coconut water contains a nutrient called magnesium, and getting enough magnesium on a regular basis is very important for heart health. The heart's left ventricle requires a great deal of magnesium, and your body will rob magnesium from bones and muscles to ensure there's enough for your heart. Magnesium corrects calcium imbalances, and helps heart muscles to relax and contract normally rather than spastically. Coconut water can also stimulate enzymes, which helps people recover from myocardial damages.
5. Lowers Bad Cholesterol
Many people do not get enough magnesium in their diets, and coconut water is a refreshing way to help supplement this essential nutrient. A number of recent studies, both human and animal, show that magnesium lowers bad cholesterol levels, while increasing the levels of good cholesterol. When the body is deficient of magnesium, bad cholesterol can get out of control, causing an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
6. Contains Antioxidants
The body has a defense system of antioxidants that helps prevent free radical chain reaction damage. Such chain reactions can cause cell death and a variety of diseases. Antioxidants are molecules which can interact safely with free radicals and terminate the chain reaction before the vital molecules are damaged. Natural coconut water helps by replenishing antioxidants.
7. Diuretic Properties
Is coconut water good for you when dealing with urinary disorders? Coconut water has diuretic properties, which is very helpful in cases of urinary disorders and congestive heart disease. In congestive heart failure, patients increase their blood volume because their bodies are stimulated to retain water and salt. Diuretics work on the kidneys by helping the kidney to release excess levels of salt and fluid.