For centuries, people from tropical regions have known
about the amazing health benefits of tender coconut water, which comes from
young green coconuts.
It is a delicious and refreshing low-calorie natural
beverage. Tender coconut water contains more nutrients than mature coconut
water.
It’s packed with antioxidants, amino acids, enzymes,
B-complex vitamins, vitamin C and minerals like iron, calcium, potassium,
magnesium, manganese and zinc.
The micronutrients in coconut water help boost the
immune system. Plus, the plant hormones called cytokinins in this health drink
exhibit anti-aging, antithrombotic and anticancer effects.
To reap the maximum health benefits, opt for fresh and
pure coconut water over the bottled version. You can drink a few cups of
coconut water a day or add it to your smoothie recipes.
Here are the top 10 health benefits of coconut water.
1. Rehydrates the Body
Coconut water is an excellent thirst quencher to beat
tropical summer thirst. Because of its electrolyte composition, coconut water
is also used to rehydrate the body in case of dehydration and fluid loss due to
diarrhea, vomiting or excessive sweating. A good source of carbohydrates, it
also helps lift your energy level.
Research suggests that coconut water can be used to
rehydrate the body after exercise. In fact, a 2012 study published in the
Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that coconut
water has a similar positive effect as sports drinks.
In addition to boosting rehydration, coconut water is
also easy on the stomach and thus is used to soothe tummy troubles like
indigestion, acid reflux and gastroenteritis.
2. Lowers Blood Pressure
Coconut water is considered good for controlling high
blood pressure, thanks to its vitamin C, potassium and magnesium content.
Potassium, in particular, helps lower blood pressure by balancing out the
negative effects of sodium.
A study published in the West Indian Medical Journal
in 2005 also found that coconut water helps control hypertension.
To help reduce high blood pressure, drink a cup of
fresh coconut water twice a day. Bottled coconut water, however, may not be
very beneficial as may be high in sodium.
3. Heart Tonic
Cholesterol- and fat-free tender coconut water offers
cardio protective benefits. It helps lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL or the
‘bad’ cholesterol) and increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL or the ‘good’
cholesterol) levels, thus reducing the risk of heart disease.
According to a 2012 study published in the Journal of
Medicinal Food, both tender as well as mature coconut water have beneficial
effects on lipid metabolism to counteract increased total cholesterol, very
low-density lipoproteins (VLDL), LDL and triglycerides.
Plus, coconut water has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory
and anti platelet properties and helps improve circulation. Thus, it helps
reduce plaque formation in the arteries and lowers the risk of heart attacks
and strokes.
4. Relieves Hangovers
Coconut water is also a great natural remedy for
hangovers. Alcohol robs your body of hydration and this dehydration causes your
morning-after booze blues. Coconut water replenishes the electrolytes in the
body and boosts hydration, thus making you feel better.
Also, the antioxidants in this revitalizing health drink
fight oxidative stress caused by indulging in too much alcohol. It will also
help settle an acid stomach.
You can make a smoothie by blending 2 cups each of
unsweetened coconut water and ripe mangoes, 2 to 3 tablespoons of lemon juice,
2 fresh mint sprigs and ½ cup of ice.
5. Promotes Weight Loss
Coconut water is an ideal drink for weight loss. It is
low in calories and easy on the stomach. In fact, this light and refreshing
drink contains various bioactive enzymes that aid digestion and boost fat metabolism.
Plus, coconut water is rich in potassium, which helps
balance out sodium. Excess sodium in the body tends to cause water retention,
contributing to water weight. Thus, coconut water helps flush out excess water
as well as toxins from your body.
You can drink an 8-ounce glass of this health drink 3
or 4 times a week to facilitate weight loss. Do not drink coconut water in
excess as eventually it may add more calories than you want.
6. Treats Headaches
Most headaches, even migraines, are triggered by
dehydration. In such cases, coconut water can be of great help in supplying
electrolytes to the body and boosting hydration.
Coconut water is also rich in magnesium. People who
suffer from migraines often have low levels of magnesium. Studies also suggest
that magnesium can help reduce the frequency of migraine attacks.
7. Balances pH Levels
Stress, toxic load and a diet high in acid-forming
foods, such as processed fast foods, often contribute to acidic pH levels that
cause low energy and reduce the body’s ability to absorb vitamins and minerals.
Plus, an acidic pH contributes to problems like
stressed liver function, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, diabetes, high
blood pressure and immune deficiency.
Coconut water has an alkalizing effect that helps
restore a healthy pH in the body. It also helps alkalize the acidic pH levels
caused by acidity and heartburn.
8. Regulates Blood Sugar
Coconut water contains amino acids and dietary fiber
that help regulate blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity.
It also helps with common issues faced by people who
have diabetes. It helps manage your weight. As it helps improve circulation,
coconut water is also good for reducing symptoms like numbness in feet and a
tendency to develop atherosclerosis.
A 2012 study published in the journal Food and
Function studied the therapeutic effects of mature coconut water and found that
it helped decrease blood glucose levels and oxidative stress.
9. Natural Diuretic
Coconut water acts as a natural diuretic. Thus, it
promotes urine production and flow, cleansing your body of toxins. It also
helps prevent problems like urinary tract infections.
Due to its high potassium content, coconut water helps
alkalize urine and dissolves certain types of kidney stones to eventually flush
them out of the body.
To increase its effectiveness, add a pinch of sea salt
to a cup of coconut water and drink it once or twice a day. In addition to its
diuretic properties, coconut water has antibacterial properties that help fight
bladder infections.
10. Slows Down Aging
Coconut water contains cytokinins that have anti-aging
effects on cells and tissues. This reduces the risk of developing degenerative
and age-related diseases.
Refreshing and clear green coconut water also
nourishes and hydrates your skin to keep it soft and smooth. In addition to
drinking coconut water, you can mix sufficient coconut water with 2 teaspoons
of sandalwood powder to make a paste, apply it on your skin and rinse it off
when it dries completely to maintain younger-looking skin.
Warnings
Do not drink coconut water if your kidneys do
not function properly and you have high potassium levels. Coconut water may not
be suitable for those with nut allergies.
It may cause bloating and mild stomach upset in some
people.
Do not drink coconut water for at least 2 weeks before
a scheduled surgery as it may interfere with blood pressure control during and
after surgery.
People with kidney dysfunction should consult their
doctor before including coconut water in their health regimen.
Resources:
http://www.top10homeremedies.com/news-facts/top-10-health-benefits-coconut-water.html
