A few years ago coconut water was an exotic beverage only available to you on a far off tropical island. Fast-forward to today and it has become a trendy health beverage, available almost everywhere.
Aside from being deliciously refreshing and tasty, coconut water also offers a host of nutrients and other health benefits.
Here are 8 reasons to start drinking coconut water today.
1) Incredible source of hydration
Other than reaching for plain old water, coconut water is delicious and refreshing and is a great way to ensure that your body remains hydrated in the summer heat.
Coconut water contains electrolytes to aid in effective hydration and its role in hydration after sports was shown in this 2012 study.
Too much of a good thing can be harmful though so take care not to use coconut water as your main source of daily hydration. Our bodies cannot cope with the high potassium content of coconut water and drinking too much can cause problems with your heart.
2) Great hangover cure
Being great for hydration naturally means that coconut water is perfect for helping to cure those nasty hangovers.
Aside from the hydrating qualities of the drink, coconut water also contains necessary carbohydrates to balance your blood sugar levels and curb nausea.
Lastly, the antioxidants found in coconut water ensure that any oxidative stress (from all the partying) is neutralized.
3) Rich in nutrients
Did you know that despite its name the coconut is actually a fruit? An incredibly useful fruit, as we are able to utilize so much of it for food.
The coconut water is found in young, green coconuts and it a food source for the coconut as it grows. The older the coconut the more coconut ‘meat’ there is and less of the ‘water’ is found.
Each cup of coconut water is full of different nutrients: Calcium, sodium, potassium, vitamin C, magnesium, and manganese. Aside from the vitamins and minerals, a cup of coconut water supplies us with almost 50 calories, carbohydrates, and a little protein.
It’s quite clear that coconut water is an easy choice, low in calories but rich in nutrients.
4) May Lower Cholesterol and triglycerides
So far studies have only been conducted on rats but coconut water may help to prevent heart attacks. In a study, it was found that rats that were given coconut water had improved heart markers such as decreased total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol.
An added bonus was that the rats that had already had a heart attack had a faster recover after drinking the coconut water.
The researchers attributed these benefits to heart health electrolytes found in coconut water.
5) May help prevent kidney stones
One of the main causes of painful kidney stones is dehydration. Most of us struggle to get in enough water throughout the day and the refreshing taste of coconut water helps to ensure that you can keep hydrated without drinking calorie-laden sodas or fruit juices.
Unfortunately, some people are more prone to developing kidney stones and sometimes being adequately hydrated is not enough.
It turns out that coconut water could potentially help to lessen the chance of crystals forming into kidney stones. Preliminary studies have only been completed in rats so far but the results are promising for kidney stone sufferers.
6) Replace essential minerals lost during exercise
Exercising in hot weather or over a long duration can lead to excessive sweating and with that, electrolyte loss.
Coconut water may be the answer to natural electrolyte replacement after strenuous exercise as it is full of minerals like potassium, magnesium, sodium and calcium.
7) Lowers blood pressure
The research on coconut water helping to lower blood pressure is extremely promising. Coconut water is packed with potassium, a mineral that has been shown to lower blood pressure. This is worth celebrating as individuals with high blood pressure are at risk for strokes.
Harvard health explains more about the link between potassium and blood pressure here.
Another benefit that has only been studied in animals so far is the potential for coconut water to prevent harmful blood clots from forming. This study showed that coconut water was very effective in preventing clotting in rats that were diabetic.
8) All natural, unprocessed & delicious
Coconut water is one of the best tasting and most refreshing drinks on the market. Best of all it is completely natural with no additives or preservatives. If you are able to buy the actual green coconut itself this is your best option, however, there are many packaged coconut waters which are just as good.
Read the label to ensure that the coconut water you are buying is free from any added sugar or other undesirable additives.
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