10 Benefits Of Coconut Water For Your Health
The consumption of coconut water has spread throughout the world, as it helps to rehydrate our body and contains many important minerals
Coconut water is a drink found inside green coconuts. As the coconuts mature, the coconut water is replaced by the flesh of this fruit. Antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties are attributed to it, which can help prevent and alleviate different types of diseases.
Coconut water is 95% water, but it also contains important nutrients such as sugars, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and phytohormones that make it very beneficial for the body.
Next, we share 10 benefits that coconut water can contribute to your health.
1. Avoid dehydration
It is a natural drink that helps to rehydrate the body. It contains five essential electrolytes that the body needs to balance the amount of water in the body, the pH, or to transport nutrients to the cells.
In addition, the minerals it contains such as potassium, magnesium, calcium, sodium and phosphorus, help improve physical performance and provide energy.
2. Energy for your brain and muscles
Coconut water contains 295 mg of potassium. Potassium is an essential mineral for the depolarization of cells and, therefore, for the heart muscles to contract; in the same way, this study carried out by the World Health Organization affirms that the intake of potassium reduces the risk of suffering a stroke. For their part, electrolytes are essential for our brain to stay hydrated, also improving cognitive function.
3. Prevents premature aging
Many celebrities include coconut water as an anti-aging drink in their beauty routines. It contains a group of plant hormones called cytokinins, which are related to the growth, development and aging of plants.
According to research, such as this one carried out by Palacký University (Czech Republic), cytokinins also have an anti-aging effect on human cells. Therefore, coconut water could help prevent the signs of premature aging.
4. Improves digestion
Coconut water acts as a digestive tonic that has been used to treat tropical ailments, including stomach flu, dysentery, constipation, and parasites. This study carried out by the Federal University of Santa Catarina (Brazil) affirms that its digestive properties are more than known, but in the same way it recommends caution, since very little is still known about it.
Its consumption helps improve digestion thanks to its bioactive enzymes. Of course, it should be drunk in moderation, since in excess it can have a laxative effect.
5. Strengthens the immune system
Due to its high content of lauric acid – a medium chain fatty acid -, in addition to its antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial properties, coconut water helps to strengthen the immune system, as stated in this study carried out by Texas A&M University ( USA).
According to this research from the University of California (United States), lauric acid is recognized to have a positive effect in the treatment of candida albicans and other fungal infections.
6. Urinary tract health
Coconut water is believed to have a diuretic effect that helps improve kidney health, fighting kidney stones. This is suggested by this study carried out by the Cross River University of Technology (Nigeria).
7. Rich in essential nutrients
Coconut water contains a large amount of B vitamins, minerals, and trace elements, such as zinc, selenium, iodine, and sulfur. It is rich in amino acids, phytonutrients and antioxidants that help fight and stop the action of free radicals.
8. It is low in calories
Coconut water only provides 46 calories per cup. This drink has a very delicious sweet touch and is characterized by being of great support for the diet. Consuming coconut water instead of soda can help you lose weight healthily without dehydrating the body.
9. Regulates the body’s pH
Helps eliminate acidity from the body, regulating pH levels. The body needs a slightly alkaline pH, since acidity can lead to the development of different types of diseases.
10. Cardiovascular health
It is also credited with benefits for cardiovascular health. Its consumption is believed to help strengthen the heart, reduce bad cholesterol levels, and prevent blood clots. Therefore, drinking coconut water could reduce the risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular problems.
However, these data are not real. This is stated in this study by the New Zealand Institute of Chemistry.
Coconut water contraindications
Coconut water contains a high concentration of potassium and sodium, so it is important to consult a doctor before you start consuming it. It can increase potassium levels in the blood and can lower blood pressure.
Its sugar content should also be taken into account, especially people with diabetes.
