For centuries, people from tropical regions have known about the amazing health benefits of tender coconut water, which comes from young green coconuts. Each nut contains about 200 to 1,000 milliliters (approximately 1 to 4 cups) of coconut water.
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.
1. May have benefits against diabetes
Research has shown that coconut water can lower blood sugar levels and improve other health markers in diabetic animals.
In one study, diabetic rats treated with coconut water maintained better blood sugar levels than other diabetic rats. The same study also found that the rats had lower levels of hemoglobin A1c, a measure of long-term blood sugar control. Another study found that providing the water to rats with diabetes led to improvements in blood sugar levels and reductions in markers of oxidative stress, including malondialdehyde (MDA).
However, controlled studies need to confirm these effects in humans. Nevertheless, with three grams of fiber and a digestible carb content of only six grams per cup, coconut water can easily fit into a diabetic meal plan. In addition, it is a good source of magnesium, which has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and decrease blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes and prediabetes.
BOTTOM LINE:
Studies on diabetic animals suggest that it may improve blood sugar control. It's also a good source of magnesium, which may increase insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar levels.
2. Prevention of kidney stones
It is one of the most effective health benefits of coconut water. Kidney stones can cause a lot of pain and may result in serious health issues. Drinking coconut water can help in preventing them.
Kidney stones occur when there is an accumulation of crystals in your kidneys that should have been flushed out through urine. Research has shown that coconut water reduces the amount of crystals deposited in the kidneys, which significantly reduces the occurrence of kidney stones.
3. Aids Weight Loss
Weight loss is one of the most amazing benefits of drinking coconut water. Consuming empty calories is one the main reasons you tend to put on weight. Aerated drinks and other sugary drinks can make you pile on calories and leave you feeling hungry. If you are seeking an alternative, coconut water is an excellent substitute.
Coconut water is a good source of dietary fiber (10). Fiber does not get digested by your body, so it stays in your system longer and keeps you feeling full. This is why you rarely feel hungry, and eat less.
4. 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.
5.Prevents And Treats Dehydration
Dehydration occurs when the water content in your body drops. It is usually a result of not drinking enough water or losing water through excretion. Coconut water keeps you hydrated, which is why a lot of athletes use it as a post-workout drink.
When you are dehydrated, you don’t just lose water; you lose essential salts and nutrients as well. Coconut water, which has high water content and is rich in nutrients, helps replenish your body.
6. 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.
7. Although our bones are made up mostly of calcium, we need some nutrients to maintain bone strength and density.
There have been several studies about the impact of coconut water on bones. The results have been favorable. Coconut water contains a significant amount of calcium that is necessary for healthy bones. It also has magnesium that builds bone strength.
8. Coconut water plays a crucial role in the overall health and development of the body during pregnancy.
Regular consumption of coconut water helps address typical pregnancy discomforts such as fatigue, dehydration, muscle spasms, cramps, poor blood circulation, and blood pressure. Its soothing nature helps calm digestive tract, relieving morning sickness, nausea, acid reflux, and constipation.
Coconut water contains a trace of lauric acid, an immune-boosting compound, which is also found in the breast milk. This is why breastfeeding mothers are advised to have a good quantity of coconut water.
9. Reverses Chemotherapy Damage
Coconut water helps in the speedy recovery of the damage done by chemotherapy.
This natural water is rich in electrolytes that help oxygenate the blood which further helps restore the WBC count, ANC count, hemoglobin, and platelets.
The antimicrobial properties of coconut water can kill microbes inside of cancer cells turning them back to normal cells.
10. Coconut water is also beneficial in the treatment of hypothyroidism.
It is a natural diuretic, thus supporting the proper functioning of the thyroid gland. Coconut water, being rich in healthy fats, also increases the body’s metabolic rate and helps in the energy production. All these factors eventually help cure hypothyroidism.
11. 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.
12. As A Detoxifier
We all know that detoxification is an important process for the proper functioning of our body. This process helps flush out harmful components from our organs, making us healthy from inside out.
But did you know that dehydration is also a significant contributor to the build-up toxins in our body?
Yes, it is, because inadequate hydration leads to hampered functioning of kidneys and livers, the detoxifying organs, thus giving way to the accumulation of toxins in the body.
What can we do about it?
The solution is all clear, my dear. Stay hydrated. And what can be a better hydration alternative than our precious coconut water?
Our body is capable of cleansing and detoxing on its own, provided it has all the essential nutrients and hydration, and coconut water contains every required nutrient including potassium and sodium.
13. Promotes Cardiovascular Health
For a healthy heart, you need to eat nutritious food and exercise regularly. And now, you can add drinking coconut water to the list.
Studies have shown that coconut water can reduce the risk of heart attacks, lower blood pressure, and hypertension.
Tender coconut water, preferably fresh, can be had once a day to improve cardiovascular health.
Caution—Coconut water might be low in calories, but the yield from one coconut can contain about five grams of sugar. Therefore, drinking too much coconut water is not recommended.
14. Coconut water is a must-have liquid for those suffering from diarrhea. It will prevent the need for hospitalization by replacing the fluid loss from the GI (Gastrointestinal) tract.
Interestingly, this humble liquid has a higher osmolarity than that of the WHO recommended ORS solution due to the presence of essential chemical compounds such as amino acids, minerals, enzymes, and fatty acids. Being very low in sodium and chlorides, but high in sugars and amino acids also makes coconut water a well-balanced fluid replacement for diarrhea.
15. Treats Alzheimer’s
Coconut water is being seen as one of the new possible treatments for neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s.
In one study, it was found that trans-zeatin, a cytokinin present in coconut water, has high prevention powers against brain cell damage. It also helps cure impairments in memory.
Source: stylecraze, top10homeremedies
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