Coconut water is the natural drink obtained by extracting the liquid from the young green coconuts. The longer the coconut matures, the less coconut water is left. Coconut water’s proven health benefits are many, and it is gaining popularity as a substitute for sugary sports drinks. If you are not from the area where coconuts grow, you do not have to worry, because you will find coconut on the counter of every store today.
What does coconut water contain and what are its health benefits?
Coconut water, as the name suggests, consists of 95% water, but it also contains nutrients such as sugar, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and phytohormones (plant hormones) that are very beneficial for the body. A 250ml cup of coconut water will give you about 15% of the recommended dose of magnesium, 17% of manganese, 10% of vitamin C, 3 grams of fiber, and 2 grams of protein.
Lowers blood pressure and cholesterol
Coconut water is rich in potassium, and according to some scientific studies, it is precisely the low levels of this mineral salt in the body that cause a rise in pressure. Moreover, it helps raise the levels of good HDL cholesterol, thus bringing benefits to the cardiovascular level.
It hydrates the body
One of the many benefits of coconut water is its high electrolyte content. The body needs these minerals, among other things, to keep the fluids in balance. The fluid is excellent for moisturizing the body after tough training sessions. Besides, this drink contains essential minerals such as potassium, magnesium, calcium, sodium, and phosphorus, which improve physical performance and provide the body with energy. Therefore, this drink allows better muscle recovery after a competition, training, or any other activity requiring physical effort.
Coconut water is a natural isotonic drink that our body can very well absorb and use. Unlike other sports drinks, coconut water does not irritate the stomach and is therefore popular with many athletes. In addition, it is usually cheaper than ionic drinks and is 100% natural.
Improves digestion
Coconut water can act as a tonic to aid digestion and is therefore used to treat tropical diseases, such as stomach flu, dysentery, constipation, and parasites. The consumption of coconut water aids digestion due to the bio-active enzymes contained in the drink.
Improved kidney function
Coconut water contains a good portion of potassium, which helps prevent kidney stones. Coconut water helps free the body of all the toxins it contains. For this reason, it increases the production of urine because it cleans all that constitutes waste in the kidneys or the urinary tract.
Promotes cardiovascular health
Coconut water is used as a tonic for the heart. By consuming this drink, the heart is strengthened, lowers the body’s cholesterol level, and prevents blood clots’ development. Therefore, drinking this drink can help prevent the risk of heart attack and other heart problems.
Strengthens the immune system
Coconut water contains antibacterial and antifungal properties used to strengthen the immune system. It contains lauric acid, which improves antibodies’ production, preventing the continued attack of viruses, bacteria, and fungi. It also increases the ability to identify infectious agents and prevents them from increasing in healthy tissue.
Low in calories
Coconut water contains very few calories, which allows to boosts the body’s metabolism. Even at rest, the body will burn calories more efficiently, which means that it is also a must-have for those who want to lose weight quickly. Coconut drink contains very little fat; hence It can be consumed in large quantities. The drink allows the body to feel full, reducing the appetite and helps in lose weight.
Contains antioxidant properties
Free radicals molecules that occur in cells of the body during metabolism. When there are too many free radicals, the body is said to be in a state of oxidative stress. This condition can damage cells and increase the risk of developing the disease.
When to drink coconut water?
There are no rules for when it is appropriate to drink coconut water. You can drink it during breakfast, lunch, dinner, and at any time during the day. If you are an athlete or attending a gym, it is recommended to drink coconut water after physical activity. This is because our body loses fluids during sports or other demanding physical activities.
How to choose the right coconut water?
The best and most reliable way to get 100% natural coconut water is to buy a coconut and use the appropriate tool to create a hole in the coconut through which you pour the fluid. An easier and undemanding way is to buy coconut water in a bottle. In this case, however, you do not know if the bottle contains 100% coconut water or how the process of obtaining the liquid inside the coconut proceeded. If you choose this option, read the bottle label or manufacturer’s reviews carefully on the internet.
Since coconut water has a large number of health benefits, some manufacturers have taken advantage of it and started selling concentrates that pretend to be coconut water, often containing various flavorings or additives. They often sell this low-percentage coconut water at high and unacceptable prices. Therefore, it is important to be careful and find out in advance what you are buying.
