A Tonic for Health and Hydration: Coconut water

Coconut water also known as the ‘natural sports drink’ is famous for not only being delicious but is also a power packed drink with nutrients and electrolytes. This refreshing water is extracted from young, green coconuts and has several health benefits, making it a popular choice among health conscious individuals. 

Let’s discuss in detail the exceptional benefits of coconut water and what nutrition you can get from it :

Nutritional Profile of Coconut Water

Although Coconut water’s calories are low, its benefits are big. The magical water is an excellent source of hydration because of its high water content. Being an excellent source of potassium, magnesium and other minerals, it’s a very nutrient rich beverage which is also very refreshing. 

Let’s study it’s nutritional value in detail. Here is a chart showing value of coconut water(raw) per 100 grams:

Health Benefits of Coconut water 

Supports cardiovascular health 

Coconut water is high in potassium, making it a miracle water for the heart. Drinking coconut water regularly may reduce the risk of heart disease as it efficiently regulates the body’s blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Hence, the important minerals present in coconut water make it highly beneficial for heart health. 

Helps hydrate the body 

Hydration of your body should be the top priority if you wish to have a healthy body. It’s important because it keeps joints lubricated, regulates the body temperature, and improves cell quality and mood while delivering nutrients to the cells. Hence, to maintain this hydration, drinking coconut on a daily basis is a must. It’s the only beverage with high electrolyte content and essential nutrients like potassium, sodium, and magnesium. 

Being an energy booster, you can consume it before or after a workout to maintain the electrolytes in the body.

Enriched With Antioxidants

Coconut water contains a high amount of anti-oxidants which helps lessen the free radicals in the body. Reducing free radicals further reduces the oxidative stress in the body, leading to growth of new cells and decreased disease risk. 

Improves Digestion

Phosphatase, catalase, and peroxidase are among the beneficial enzymes found in this miraculous water that aid in digestion and improve the body’s absorption of nutrients. Because of the high potassium content, it also has moderate laxative effects. Therefore, drinking coconut water on a daily basis will help you avoid constipation and control your bowel movements.

Blessing For Skin Health 

Coconut water is a rich source of anti-oxidants and vitamin C which helps improve the health of the skin, keeping acne away. Its anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties can effectively reduce acne scars and blemishes. Being intensely hydrating in nature, it improves skin elasticity, keeping the skin fresh and healthy. 

Anti Cancer Drink 

Yes, you heard that right ! consuming fresh coconut water can greatly help during cancer treatment. Studies have proven it to be an active anticancer agent which is capable of retarding the growth of cancerous cells in your body. Further, more studies are underway which would prove more advantage of coconut for cancer patients. 

Coconut Water During Pregnancy

The nutritional value of coconut water makes it highly beneficial for expecting mothers. It nourishes the fetus while giving strength to the mother’s body as well. One glass of coconut water can give the mother an adequate amount of magnesium, potassium, amino acids, and vitamins to the mother. It is full of fiber, and with few calories, it helps maintain body weight during pregnancy as well. 

Maintains Kidney Health

One of the prominent benefits of coconut water is that it helps maintain kidney health. It does not allow crystallization in the kidneys and flushes all the toxins like chemicals, excessive salts, and other substances from the body by increasing urine output. It could also help treat and prevent urinary tract infections because of its antibacterial properties. 

Could Heal Headaches And Hangovers 

Coconut water is a natural remedy for hangovers because of its high electrolyte content. Also, it’s a proven solution for people with frequent headaches. The high amount of magnesium in coconut water maintains the brain function, curing problems like migraines. 

Treats Damaged Hair 

Probably the easiest method to improve the quality of hair is to sip some fresh coconut regularly for some days. Being pleasant in taste, coconut water is filled with electrolytes, which results in healthy hair follicles and strengthens hair strands. 

Coconut Water For Diabetes 

Binging on unnecessary snacks may consume more calories than required and lead to a hike in blood sugar levels. This is where coconut water comes into play, as it contains zero level of sugar, it is safe to consume when diabetic while also controlling your increased appetite. It effectively absorbs glucose and prevents it from entering the blood stream. Coconut water also contains compounds like amino acids, which effectively control insensitivity to insulin.

Ways To Include Coconut Water In Your Everyday Diet

• Use it in smoothies : You can blend fruits like bananas, mango and berries, etc. for a hydrating smoothie.  
• Drink it plain : Probably the simplest way to enjoy coconut water is by drinking it fresh and plain. 
• Cooking and baking : You can include coconut water instead of regular water in soups, curries and baked items.    
• Post workout drink: Coconut water is brimmed with electrolytes which makes it an excellent energy booster and also rehydrates your body after exercise. 
• Detox water: Coconut water can even detoxify your body if you mix it with lemon, mint and cucumber. The water comes out to be very effective in terms of flushing toxins out of your body. 

In the end, we can conclude that coconut water is a delicious, electrolyte and natural beverage that works wonders on heart health, kidney health, blood sugar, and more while also keeping you hydrated for a longer period of time.