It is rich in numerous essential nutrients and minerals that the majority of the population get in small amounts from their diets. These include electrolytes, amino acids, fiber, proteins, and vitamin C. Hence, the liquid can assist you in fighting diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney stones, and more.
HERE ARE 15 SCIENCE-BASED COCONUT WATER BENEFITS
1. SOURCE OF HYDRATION
Water from coconut is a bit sweet and has a subtle nutty flavor. It is also low in carbohydrates and calories. The water is extremely fresh and originates directly from the coconut. You only need to press a straw inside the soft part of the green coconut before you begin drinking its water.
Be sure to keep the coconut inside your fridge and consume it after two or three weeks of buying it. You can also purchase bottled coconut water at the majority of grocery stores. But make sure you check the ingredients so that you can obtain 100 percent coconut water.
This liquid is also utilized in smoothies, vinaigrette dressing, chia seed pudding, or a substitute for plain water whenever you are looking for some natural sweetness.
2. CYTOKININS
Cytokinins are hormones that assist plants in growing and are present in water from coconut. The minerals have cancer-fighting and anti-aging properties. But there is a need for more research in this field.
3. GOOD AFTER A LONG WORKOUT
Water from coconut can be the ideal drink to restore hydration and replenish electrolytes lost during a workout. Electrolytes refer to minerals that play numerous essential roles in your body, which includes maintaining a proper balance of fluids. These electrolytes include calcium, sodium, potassium, and magnesium.
According to two studies, water from coconut was discovered to have resulted in hydration after a workout better than water and similar to high-electrolyte sports beverages. There was also minimal stomach discomfort and nausea.
But another study revealed that water from coconut resulted in stomach upset and bloating.
4. REDUCED BLOOD PRESSURE
Water from coconut is effective when it comes to blood pressure control. According to a study, this liquid improved the higher figure of blood pressure reading called systolic blood pressure in 71 percent of the participants.
Moreover, water from coconut has an exceptional 600 mg of potassium in 240 ml of the liquid. Potassium is crucial in the lowering of blood pressure in individuals with normal or high blood pressure. Additionally, a study has revealed the water from coconut consists of anti-thrombotic activity, meaning it can prevent blood clot formation.
5. HAS ANTIMICROBIAL PROPERTIES
According to tests, water from coconut has antimicrobial properties. It has biochemicals referred to as peptides that can kill both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. Hence, consuming water from coconut can be efficient in combating infections.
6. SUPPORTS HEART HEALTH
Consuming water from coconut can be vital in the reduction of the risk of heart disease. According to research, drinking of this liquid can minimize triglycerides and cholesterol levels in the blood. It also reduces liver fat significantly.
Coconut water has been proven to rival the impacts of specific statin drugs when it comes to lowering cholesterol. But this would require one to consume a lot of water from coconut; about 2.7 liters of the liquid per day.
7. BETTER DIGESTION
Water from coconut is an excellent cure for gastroenteritis, mild diarrhea, dyspepsia, flatulence, vomiting, and dysentery. According to research, water from a young coconut is an excellent cure for kids in the initial stages of mild diarrhea.
8. PREVENTS AGAINST KIDNEY STONES
Drinking sufficient fluids is essential in the prevention of kidney stones. Even though plain water is an excellent choice, research has shown that water from coconut is much better. Kidney stones are formed when oxalate, calcium, and other compounds mix to create crystals in your urine.
These crystals then lead to stone formation. But some individuals have a higher likelihood of developing kidney stones than others. Research has shown that water from coconut can prevent the crystals from sticking to parts of the urinary tract like the kidney.
The liquid can also minimize the number of crystals created in the urine. Scientists believe that water from coconut assists in the reduction of free radical production that takes place as a response to high levels of oxalate in the urine. However, there is a need for more research in this area.
9. HELPS TO FIGHT DIABETES
Studies have revealed that water from coconut can minimize levels of blood sugar and boost health markers in diabetic animals. A particular study of diabetic rats that were given water from coconut discovered that they had better levels of blood sugar compared to the control group.
Moreover, the rats that consumed water from coconut experienced lower levels of hemoglobin A1c, which means good control of blood sugar in the long run. Another study of the same animals offer the same coconut water benefits as well as minimal oxidative stress markers. There is a need for more research to verify these coconut water benefits in humans.
The liquid has six grams of digestible carbs and three grams of fiber in a 240 ml serving. Hence, it can easily be consumed by diabetic individuals. Water from coconut is also an ideal source of magnesium, which can increase insulin sensitivity and minimize levels of blood sugar in individuals with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.
10. ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES
Free radicals refer to unstable molecules that are generated in your cells when there is metabolism. Their production normally increases when one is injured or under stress. When your body has excessive radicals, it enters an oxidative stress state that can ruin your cells and increase the risk of diseases.
Studies have discovered that water from coconut has antioxidants that modify free radicals to ensure they don’t harm the body. A particular study revealed that rats with liver damage experienced great improvements in oxidative stress after being given water from coconut in comparison to the control group.
Another study of rats feeding on a high-fructose diet discovered that free radicals, insulin levels, blood pressure, and triglycerides decreased after consumption of coconut water. There is a need for human studies.
11. NUTRITIOUS
Coconuts are found on tall palm trees and are deemed fruits as opposed to nuts. Coconut water is the juice that is present at the center of a young, green coconut. The liquid aids in the nourishment of the fruit.
The maturity of the coconut sees some of the juice ripen into the solid white coconut meat while the rest remains in liquid form. The liquid forms naturally in the coconut and has 94 percent water and minimal fat. It is different from coconut milk that is created by mixing ground coconut meat and water.
Coconut milk has 50 percent water and is rich in coconut fat. Its takes about ten months to one year for coconuts to completely mature. Coconut water is normally found in young coconuts that have matured for seven months.
An average green coconut offers about a half to one cup of the liquid. One cup has 46 calories, nine grams of carbs, three grams of fiber, two grams of protein, 10 percent of vitamin C RDI, six percent of calcium RDI, 11 percent of sodium RDI, 17 percent of potassium RDI, 17 percent of manganese RDI, and 15 of percent magnesium RDI.
12. INTRAVENOUS HYDRATION
Water from coconut can also be utilized in resuscitation and intravenous hydration for patients who are severely ill when typical intravenous hydration solutions are unavailable.
13. TREATS CHOLERA
If you have cholera, drinking tender water from coconut can be very crucial. You can do this by mixing two glasses of the liquid with three or four teaspoons of lime juice.
The solution will return your electrolyte balance, but you have to drink it regularly. Since the liquid is rich in potassium, it is a suitable solution for cholera.