For a person who does’t live in the tropics, the coconut palm may just be a symbol of an island vacation.
But for those who live in tropical countries such as in Indonesia or the Philippines, the coconut palm is a tree that has a lot to offer. One of its most prized products is coconut water, the liquid that comes from a fresh young coconut.
This beverage, lightly sweet and very refreshing, is known for its plethora of potential health benefits.
What are the benefits of coconut water?
1. Good source of nutrients
Most of coconut water’s potential health benefits are due to its high levels of essential minerals.
The purest liquid second only to water, coconut water is a very potent source of key electrolytes including calcium, potassium and magnesium, which crucial for maintaining proper muscle function, regulating blood pressure, and supporting overall heart health.
A single cup of coconut water contains more than 600 milligrams of potassium and 40 mg of magnesium, making it a top source of these important minerals!
2. Keeps you hydrated
Whether you’ve just finished a workout or you’re lounging under the sun, coconut water serves as a natural electrolyte-rich beverage that helps restore hydration levels in the body. In fact, its electrolyte composition closely resembles that of human plasma, making it readily absorbed and utilized by the body.
And unlike sugary sports drinks, 100% coconut water is naturally sweet and low in calories and carbs. Just make sure to choose a brand that contains no added sugar or artificial flavors.
3. Aids post-exercise recovery
Did you know that athletes and people who exercise regularly are encouraged to drink coconut water?
As an isotonic solution, coconut water replaces the fluids and minerals that the body loses through sweat during physical activities, helping to prevent dehydration, muscle cramps, and fatigue. It can be thought of as nature’s sports drink!
Plus, coconut water’s natural sugars provides a source of quick energy, making it an excellent pre- or post-workout beverage.
4. Antioxidant properties
Coconut water is a rich source of antioxidants, including vitamin C and various polyphenols. These compounds help combat oxidative stress and neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease.
5. May promote heart health
Research suggests that coconut water may contribute to heart health due to its potassium content. Potassium plays a key role in regulating blood pressure by counteracting the effects of sodium, thus helping to maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
So, by supporting cardiovascular function and reducing the risk of hypertension, coconut water may help safeguard against heart disease and stroke.
However, if you have heart problems, it’s best to talk to your doctor about the best treatment plan for you.
6. Supports gut health
Coconut water contains certain enzymes which help break down food, facilitate nutrient absorption and reduce bloating and constipation. Plus, the high fiber content of coconut water can promote regularity and support a healthy digestive system.
7. Promotes glowing skin
Thanks to its hydrating properties and antioxidants, coconut water helps nourish and hydrate the skin from within, giving you that healthy glow. Plus, the antioxidants in coconut water can help calm any skin inflammation and redness.
How to add coconut water to your diet
I drink 1-2 cups of fresh or bottled coconut water daily. Want to enjoy the health benefits of coconut water, but don’t necessarily like the flavor? Try adding coconut water to your daily smoothie, or mix these coconut water powder’s to your favorite beverage!
Coconut water kefir is another option. It’s a fermented beverage that is especially beneficial to anyone suffering from gut problems such as candida overgrowth.
Coconut water is also an excellent beverage to use during fasting because of its nutritional content.
Which coconut water is best?
The best form of coconut water is from a freshly cut young green coconut. These can often be found at local markets, and are readily available in areas near tropical locations. You can open them easily at home and enjoy the beverage straight from the coconut. However, in a pinch packaged coconut water can also be used. Here are the best coconut water brands!
Originally published by Elizabeth Walling on NaturalNews.com and republished here with permission.
Further Reading:
http://www.shvoong.com/medicine-and-health/1…
http://www.articlediary.com/article/drink-co…
About the author
Elizabeth Walling is a health and wellness blogger at The Nourished Life and author of The Nourished Metabolism. She enjoys thinking outside of the box and challenging common myths about health. She embraces an approach to getting healthy that includes listening to your body and throwing dietary dogma out the window where it belongs. Read more about Elizabeth here.
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B P Singh
Great dear! Feeling glad to write this comment about your blog which is very informational
Anand Singh
Great dear! Feeling glad to write this comment about your blog which is very informational.
Manu Arora
Coconut water is good for our health.
Soumya Shrivastav
Hello Elizabeth,
Coconut water has lots of benefits, it’s good to know more. Regular use in diet can work as energy drink is beneficial information. Thanks for sharing.
Trina Miles
Best brands?
The Coconut Mama
I really like taste nirvana. It’s one of the only readily available coconut waters that taste like fresh coconut water.
Kishor
As an alternative to regular water, Coconut water can immensely benefit one’s health. It is also a great substitute for sugary fizzy drinks that cause dehydration. also, as mentioned in the article, it is a great choice for individuals who engage in sports and gymming. Amazing article. Thanks for sharing!
sam
Really nice blog about coconut water, it’s really helpful blog for us.
Jane
Such a lovely post Tiffany! Reading your blog opened my eyes on how healthy coconut water is. You made want to try drinking this. Will definitely try it as soon as possible.
John Marris
The coconut is the fruit or seed of the coconut palm tree and contains a liquid that people in many regions of the world have deemed nutritious.Coconut water is also famed for its high levels of potassium, which is a vital mineral that keeps the brain, nerves, heart and muscles in shape.I love this blog posted by you.
anders
hi, any recipe how to make your own coconut water?
Jessy Brain
There are plenty of health benefits of coconut water. It helps to regulates blood pressure, helps lose weight, increases immunity, improves kidney function, for better skin etc.
Yvonne m Haugk
I would like to know how to make coconut kefir.
I have been making Milk kefir more than 30 years
my kefir is resting at the moment,it is in the freezer.
Yvonne m Haugk
I have the Kefir “mushroom”.How can i make coconut kefir??At the moment it is in the freezer.
Peter
Coconut water also helps ease the symptoms of a hangover! Great stuff!
Chelsea
Coconut water is a great alternative to commercial electrolyte drinks like Gatorade. I was feeling week and tired after a brief bout with the flu this year and twice a day I drank a mix of half a cup of plain coconut water, juice from one lime, and a little stevia, then fill the glass up with regular water. So good, and I could really tell the difference in my energy and stamina after I started drinking it.
Gynecologist mountain view, ca
Really good to see importance of coconut water.
Mary
Is canned coconut water really healthy? I understand it is heated; some varieties come in aluminum cans….There is a variety of coconut water that is NOT heat treated, but it’s very, very expensive – approximately $5 for 16 ounces. The texture and taste is very different from the coconut water that is widely available commercially. Thanks!