In recent years, coconut water has become a very trendy beverage. Marketers dub it “Mother Nature’s sports drink”.
It’s tasty, refreshing and also happens to be good for you.
What’s more, it’s loaded with several important nutrients, including minerals that most people don’t get enough of.
But is coconut water capable of delivering on all the promises, or is all of this hype?
What exactly is Coconut Water?
It is naturally refreshing and has a sweet, nutty taste. It contains easily digested carbohydrates in the form of sugar and electrolytes.
Not to be confused with high-fat coconut milk or oil, coconut water is a clear liquid in the fruit’s centre that is tapped from young, green coconuts.
Here are 8 health benefits of coconut water;
Good Source of Several Nutrients:
It has fewer calories, less sodium, and more potassium than a sports drink. Ounce per ounce, most unflavoured coconut water contains 5.45 calories, 1.3 grams of sugar, 61 milligrams of potassium, and 5.45 milligrams of sodium. In comparison, Gatorade has 6.25 calories, 1.75 grams of sugar, 3.75 milligrams of potassium, and 13.75 milligrams of sodium.
Some Athletes Swear by It:
Professional tennis players credits coconut water with keeping them on their feet for marathons like Wimbledon tennis games. They claim it is super hydrating and prevents them from cramping even in the hottest and most humid conditions.
A 2007 study shows coconut water enhanced with sodium was as good as drinking a commercial sports drink for post-exercise rehydration with better fluid tolerance. Another study reported that coconut water caused less nausea, fullness, and stomach upset and was easier to consume in large amounts during rehydration.
Better than some Sugary Drinks:
Coconut water has less sugar than many sports drinks and much less sugar than sodas and some fruit juices. Plain coconut water could be a better choice for adults and kids looking for a beverage that is less sweet. That doesn’t mean you should overdo it. It should not replace your daily dose of water because one 11-ounce container has 60 calories, and if you drink several in one day, the calories can add up quickly.
Act as a natural antioxidant:
You can consider sugar-free coconut water as a daily health supplement to meet the need for antioxidants. Doctors recommend coconut water for people suffering from oxidative stress to repair the cell damage. Regular consumption of coconut water reduces the activity of free radicals that stabilize our high blood pressure and insulin levels.
Alternative to blood plasma in an emergency:
Studies have indicated that fresh coconut water can be utilized as an alternative to blood plasma in emergency situations. It comprises several properties of fluid present in the red blood cells which are low in sodium and high in potassium. It is however, recommend to be used as an alternative only in extreme emergency situations because of its more acidic nature.
Also, coconut water is as blood plasma is not recommended to parents suffering from severe burns or kidney failure because of its high calcium and magnesium content.
Improve digestion functions:
Lack of fibre in the regular diet is one of the major reasons for digestion problems. If you are constantly facing the issue of food digestion, try consuming coconut water on a regular basis. It contains an abundant amount of fibre that reduces the acid reflux occurrence and prevents indigestion. The high fibre content helps in eliminating blotting after the meal. Moreover, coconut water also increases the capacity of the body to absorb fat-soluble nutrients.
Coconut water forms naturally in the fruit and contains 94 percent water and very little fat. It should not be confused with coconut milk, which is made by adding water to grated coconut flesh. Coconut milk contains about 50 per cent water and is very high in coconut fat.
Usually, coconuts take 10–12 months to fully mature. Coconut water typically comes from young coconuts about 6–7 months of age, though it’s also found in mature fruit.
An average green coconut provides about 0.5–1 cups of coconut water.
Are there any local fruits with benefits in your local community? Do share with us in the comment.
