Coconut water is a refreshing natural beverage with many nutrients and health benefits. It is nature’s gift to humans, with its low sugar content and invigorating properties, as well as other little-known.
That clear liquid, which is 95% water, found in coconuts is the treasure we speak of. Coconut water or coconut milk harvested from young coconuts, about 5-7 months of age, has the most water and contains more nutrients than mature coconut milk. The health benefits range from lowering blood sugar to helping in dental care.
1. Antioxidant properties
Coconut water contains many antioxidants, which help prevent damage to the system caused by free radicals. 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 is highly encouraged, and coconut water does just that.
2. Abundance of nutrients
Coconut water is very low in calories and is rich in potassium, magnesium and copper. For the body to function properly, these nutrients are very essential. One serving of coconut water will cover about 13% of your daily potassium needs, 14% of your daily magnesium needs, and 11% of your daily copper requirements.
3. 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 blood sugar levels were maintained better than those of other diabetic rats.
4. May help prevent kidney stones
Though more research is still to be carried out, coconut water has been found to keep crystals from sticking to the kidneys and other parts of the urinary tract. It also reduces the number of crystals formed in the urine. Kidney stones form when calcium, oxalate and other compounds combine to form crystals in the urine. These can then form stones.
5. Helps heart health
The calcium, potassium and magnesium content helps maintain heart health. A 2006 study found that rats given coconut water had a decreased chance of having a heart attack. It helped decrease total triglyceride levels and LDL (bad) cholesterol around the heart.
6. Good post-workout beverage
Coconut water is high in potassium, and so it is excellent for electrolyte replacement. It has even been used for IV hydration in certain emergencies.
7. Helps reduce blood pressure
The high potassium content has also been found to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and lower blood pressure. A 2005 study found that when subjects were given coconut water for two weeks, their systolic blood pressure was 71 per cent lower, and their diastolic blood pressure was 29 per cent lower than those who drank plain water.
Though coconut water has many attractive properties, it should not be substituted for water.
