healthy coconut water

Science-Based Health Benefits of Coconut Water

 

Naturally occurring sources of vital nutrients are always questioned for their credibility, but some of them managed to gain global acceptance because of their evident results. Coconut water is one of them. This abundantly available fluid of coconut fruit contains much more surprising health benefits than you may think. Apart from imaginary assumptions about the miracles of coconut water, many scientifically proven facts make it an ideal alternative to your regular beverage drink. 

Usually, we don’t pay attention to the nutrients in coconut water and drink it only for hydration purposes. A glass of coconut water contains carbohydrates, fiber, protein, vitamin C, magnesium, manganese, sodium, calcium, and potassium. Healthy coconut water will surprise you if you go deeper with science-based logic.

Here we are mentioning some scientifically proven health benefits of coconut water consumption. Please take a look and remember them in an emergency. 

Surprising health benefits of coconut water:

  • 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 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

Yes, fresh coconut water has been used as an alternative to blood plasma in emergencies. There are a lot of examples in history where coconut water was used as a replacement for blood plasma in an emergency, and it worked. Talk about the resemblance with original blood plasma, and coconut water has no match. 

However, it comprises several properties of fluid present in the red blood cells, which are low in sodium and high in potassium. However, it is an alternative only in extreme emergencies because of its more acidic nature. 

Also, coconut water as blood plasma is not recommended for people suffering from severe burns or kidney failure because of its high calcium and magnesium content.

  • Improve digestion functions

Lack of fiber in the regular diet is one of the significant reasons for digestion problems. If you are constantly facing the issue of food digestion, try consuming coconut water regularly. coconut water benefits

It contains abundant fiber that reduces acid reflux occurrence and prevents indigestion. The high fiber content helps in eliminating blotting after the meal. Moreover, coconut water also increases the capacity of the body to absorb fat-soluble nutrients.

  • Restore electrolytes

If you feel fatigued after intense working hours in the gym or on the ground, coconut water can be a great companion to restore the electrolytes by hydrating adequately. Electrolytes are necessary to maintain the proper balance of body fluids, including sodium, calcium, potassium, and magnesium. running

When you lose electrolytes from sweat, dehydration increases. ORS liquids are used to restore the electrolytes instantly, but coconut water is a natural option. It contains all the vital nutrients that you will not find in packaged energy drinks. Studies revealed that natural coconut water restores body hydration more efficiently than expensive sports beverages. 

If you are into sports, try replacing synthetically made energy drinks with this natural source of vital nutrients. 

Besides these scientifically proven coconut juice benefits, various new studies are currently being done to expose additional benefits. You can replace carbonated beverages with coconut water as a healthier alternative. 

Nowadays, companies like Hydra Coco provide packaged coconut water in various flavors. These bottled variants are great for those who enjoy sports on the go. 

Natural Coconut Water

Coconut Water: Healthy Drink or Marketing Scam?

 

Natural coconut water is often promoted to be a healthy sports drink that helps in recovering electrolyte loss after a workout. It also aids digestion and prevents problems like bloating. Is it rightly called a miracle drink or is it just a big marketing scam? In this article, we will see the coconut water nutrition profile, claimed the health benefits of natural coconut water, and scientific facts.

Coconut Water Nutrient Profile 

Natural coconut water contains 94% water and a small amount of fat. A coconut fruit with an age of 6-7 months can provide 0.5 to 1 cup of coconut water. 

Here is the nutrient profile of 240 ml of coconut water:   

Calories

46

Fiber

3 grams
Carbs

9 grams

Protein

2 grams

Vitamin C 10% of the RDI
Calcium

6% of the RDI

Magnesium

15% of the RDI

Sodium

11% of the RDI
Manganese

17% of the RDI

Potassium

17% of the RDI

Coconut Water Health Benefits 

Antioxidant properties

Cells produce unstable molecules during metabolism. These molecules are called free radicals. The production of free radicals increases in response to injury or stress. An excessive amount of free radicals leads to oxidative stress which can cause damage to cells, proteins, and even DNA.

In research on rats with liver damage, it was found that coconut water helped in improving oxidative stress. In one study, coconut water was used to treat rats on a high-fructose diet. Coconut water decreased insulin levels, triglycerides levels, blood pressure levels, and free radical activity. However, no such study has been conducted on humans.

Diabetes 

According to research on diabetic animals, coconut water can improve health markers such as blood sugar levels. When given coconut water, blood sugar level was improved in diabetic rats. In the same study, it was found that coconut water lowered hemoglobin A1c levels when coconut water was given to rats. This indicates long-term blood sugar control. This also reduced oxidative stress markers. 

People with diabetes should include coconut water in their diet. Its magnesium content helps in: 

  • Increasing insulin sensitivity 
  • Decreasing blood sugar levels 

Kidney Stones 

Compounds like oxalate and calcium combine to form crystals which further leads to kidney stones. The best way to prevent kidney stones is by drinking enough fluids. Though drinking plain water can also help, according to a study, drinking coconut water is more beneficial.

In a study, scientists gave coconut water to rats with kidney stones. They found that it helped in reducing crystal formation. Moreover, crystals did not stick to any part of the urinary tract. Coconut water reduced the production of free radicals.

Many people with kidney stones report that drinking natural coconut water has helped in kidney stone treatment. 

Heart Health  

In a study, scientists found that drinking coconut water reduced the following in rats: 

  • Triglycerides 
  • Blood cholesterol   
  • Liver fat 

Similar results are found in a few studies on humans. However, more research work is required to confirm that coconut water improves heart health in humans as well. 

Blood Pressure 

Strong proponents of coconut water also claim that coconut water helps in controlling blood pressure. Researchers gave coconut water to a small group of people with high blood pressure. This improved systolic blood pressure in 71% of high blood pressure patients.  

It is a scientifically proven fact that potassium lowers blood pressure. Coconut water is an excellent source of potassium. The anti-thrombotic activity of coconut water also prevents blood clots formation. 

Electrolyte Replenishment

Sweating leads to loss of electrolytes. The human body needs to restore hydration and replenish electrolytes. The loss of electrolytes including calcium, sodium, magnesium and potassium leads to fluid imbalance. Two studies show that coconut water helps in electrolyte replenishment. This makes it an excellent sports drink.

Conclusion 

As you can see, some of the health benefits of coconut water are scientifically proven in studies on humans. Others require more scientific research. However, this does show that coconut water has some significant health benefits to offer.