Obtained from the young and green coconut fruit is a clear fluid with a nutty flavor known as coconut water. Over the last few years, it became the drink of choice among celebrities and normal people alike. But, why should you start drinking this tropical beverage? Aside from its pleasant taste, this refreshing fluid is also rich in nourishing substances that can help improve your health. So, what are the health benefits of coconut water?
1. An Excellent Post-Workout Drink
Electrolytes have numerous functions in our bodies. However, due to various reasons – like working-out and sweating – your body loses electrolytes such as potassium, magnesium, calcium, and sodium. Because of this, a sports drink is more valuable than water as a post-workout beverage. But, a lot of sports drinks nowadays have food coloring and artificial sweeteners. Thus, most people search for natural alternatives.
Basically, coconut water is not only hydrating, but is also rich in nutrients like potassium and sodium that can help replenish your lost electrolytes after a strenuous activity. In fact, one study showed that coconut water is better than plain water and sports drinks. However, this natural product has low carbohydrate contents. As such, athletes may not benefit from drinking coconut water, especially when doing intense training or long-distance running.
Because of the high potassium contents of coconut water, you can also drink this tropical product to prevent dehydration if you have food poisoning.
2. Promotes a Healthy Heart
One of the most valuable health benefits of coconut water is its ability to promote a healthy heart. According to one study, people with hypertension or high blood pressure can benefit from drinking this refreshing beverage. One reason is due to its high potassium content that may help lower or normalize one’s blood pressure.
Aside from that, this tropical fruit also contains calcium. As you know, this essential nutrient can help prevent osteoporosis. But, taking adequate amounts of calcium is also vital for proper functioning of our muscles, including the heart muscle. Thus, this vital mineral can also help lower your risk of heart attacks.
3. Relieves Stress
Typically, we experience stress due to a heavy workload, a fast-paced lifestyle, or a conflict with someone. But, did you know that magnesium deficiency can also lead to stress and anxiety?
Basically, magnesium has a function in the parasympathetic nervous system, the part that aids in our relaxation. Aside from that, this essential nutrient also helps in the production of serotonin – a happy hormone. Because of these effects, magnesium is named as the “relaxation mineral.”
Fortunately, magnesium is present in a lot of products such as coconut water, pumpkin seeds, and some dark leafy vegetables.
4. Reverses Premature Aging
Aside from those mentioned health benefits of coconut water, regularly drinking this refreshing beverage may also help bring forth a youthful complexion. As you know, free radicals can harm your skin and speed-up the aging process. Thankfully, coconut water has high concentrations of antioxidants. However, processed or pasteurized products have fewer antioxidants compared to their fresh counterparts.
Aside from antioxidants, coconut water is also rich in cytokinins. Basically, studies have shown that this plant hormone has anti-aging effects that can help promote healthy and young-looking skin.
5. May Help Manage Diabetes
The magnesium contents of this tropical fruit may also help decrease blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. However, more studies are necessary to confirm these anti-diabetic effects of coconut water.
As a product with a low glycemic index, diabetics can definitely substitute coconut water for sugary drinks, especially if they’re craving for a tinge of sweetness.
6. Prevents Kidney Stones
Finally, drinking coconut water may also help prevent kidney stone formation. When you have concentrated urine, its minerals may crystallize and bond with each other, resulting in a kidney stone.
To prevent kidney stones, health experts recommend drinking about 2.5 liters of water and avoiding foods rich in oxalates. You can also try drinking coconut water. The magnesium contents of this tropical fruit may help prevent the occurrence of this painful kidney problem. However, more research is necessary to strengthen this claim.
Overall, coconut contains tons of nutrients that can help improve your health. The best part is that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get the numerous health benefits of coconut water.
