7 Health Benefits of Coconut Water

In the summer season, people often look for refreshing drinks to quench their thirst.                            

Many of them end up drinking bottles or cans of juices and cold drinks that provide momentary relief but end up harming their health.

With summer in full swing in the country, you must be consuming water and certain drinks that contain a lot of sugar. It is not always healthy to do so.

In hot Indian summers, when temperatures can soar upto the mid 50s, coconut water is a great alternative that helps in keeping yourself hydrated.

And since it is a natural drink, there are rarely any side effects of coconut water.

Given below are seven health benefits of coconut water—                  

1. Coconut water is high in nutrients.

Coconut water is very high in nutrients, which is why it is great for your health.

Calcium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, sugar, calories, carbohydrates and phosphorus— these are the nutrients present in coconut water.

With these many electrolytes and minerals, coconut water is the go-to choice of many people around the world.

2. Coconut water helps in blood sugar management.

A major coconut water benefit for males and females is that it is an excellent source of the mineral, magnesium.

Magnesium is known to increase insulin sensitivity and consequently, decrease the level of blood sugar in people who have type 2 diabetes or are considered to be prediabetic.

During a study, it was found that coconut water helps in managing diabetes in the long run by lowering the values of hemoglobin A1c.  

Another study where subjects with diabetes were used, found that coconut water helps in reducing blood glucose levels.

These studies were conducted using certain animals. Further studies are required to understand the exact effects on human beings.

3. Coconut water has antioxidant properties.

When there are too many free radicals in your body, the body suffers from oxidative stress.

Being in an oxidative stress for a long time can damage the cells in your body and subsequently increase the risk of certain diseases.

Free radicals are certain unstable molecules in your cells which are produced during metabolism.

Many studies have shown that coconut water has antioxidants that aid in modifying the free radicals in a way that they can’t cause any harm anymore.

Though there has been much research using animals, there has been no research with human subjects yet. So, results may vary in humans.  

4. Coconut water helps in the prevention of kidney stones.

Prevention of kidney stones is one of the major benefits of drinking coconut water.

It has been found that about 12% of the world’s population get kidney stones. It is also a known fact that consuming plenty of fluids is crucial for the prevention of kidney stones.

Though water is a pretty good choice, various studies have shown that coconut water is a better choice when it comes to preventing kidney stones.

Kidney stones are basically created when oxalate, calcium and certain other compounds combine to form crystals that are visible in the urine.

Eventually, these crystals end up forming tiny stones.

Drinking coconut water prevents those crystals from sticking to the kidneys and other parts of the urinary tract. Plus, it reduces the number of crystals that are formed in the urine.

Coconut water also helps in flushing out certain compounds (chloride, potassium and citrate) from the body through urine, which in turn prevents the formation of kidney stones.                          

5. Coconut water is a good hydration source.

For overall good health, it is essential for a person to stay properly hydrated. Coconut water is a really good source of hydration.

You may not always feel like drinking water.

Most juices you find in the market these days have added sugar and some preservatives that may be harmful to your health.

Coffees and teas can’t be consumed more than the recommended quantity as too much caffeine is bad for you.

So, when it comes to keeping yourself hydrated, other than water itself, the next best thing is coconut water.  

Pure, fresh coconut water is somewhat sweet with a slightly nutty flavour— in other words— absolutely yum!    

6. Coconut water is helpful after exercise.

An invaluable coconut water benefit for females as well as males is that it is very helpful after exercise.

While exercising, the human body loses many electrolytes. It is important that post-exercise, a person drinks enough fluids and replenishes the lost electrolytes.

Coconut water contains many electrolytes such as sodium, magnesium and potassium.

Hence, it is the perfect drink to be had after you have exercised.

7. Coconut water may help in maintaining heart health.

It is deemed that having coconut water frequently helps in maintaining heart health.

Studies have shown that coconut water may help in reducing cholesterol and triglyceride levels in your body.

So far, studies to determine the positive effects on the heart have not been conducted with human subjects. So, it is not advisable to depend entirely on coconut water for maintaining heart health.

People with an existing heart condition (or any other health issue) are to consult a doctor before consuming coconut water on a daily basis.

FAQs

What happens if I drink coconut water everyday?

Drinking coconut water regularly helps in various health related things such as heart health, hydration, digestion, electrolyte balance and weight management.

However, drinking coconut water on a daily basis might lead to certain health concerns such as kidney issues, electrolyte imbalance, bloating, high blood sugar, hyperkalemia (excessive potassium in the blood), interference with some medications and allergic reaction.

So, keep the side effects of coconut water in mind before you decide to drink it everyday.            

What is the best time to drink coconut water?

Coconut water is good for consumption at any time of the day.                             However, the best time for a drink of coconut water is early in the morning, on an empty stomach, or after exercise.

If you start drinking coconut water in the morning frequently, you should be able to feel the health benefits of having coconut water in the morning soon enough.      

What is the main benefit of coconut water?

When you need to stay hydrated, coconut water is a great option as it is low in calories.

Coconut water is high in electrolytes. So, if you have coconut water after you exercise, it decreases the chance of muscle cramps.

The minerals in coconut water also helps in maintaining good bone health.

Is coconut water good for skin?

Coconut water contains antioxidants, has multiple nutrients and is a good hydration source. Hence, coconut water is good for skin health.

Coconut water benefits for skin— Coconut water hydrates the skin, soothes the skin from irritants and reduces signs of aging.

Is coconut water good for hair?

Due to its hydrating properties and multiple nutrients, coconut water is deemed to be good for hair as well.    

To have beautiful hair, you can apply coconut water directly or drink it.

Does coconut water reduce belly fat?

Though it doesn’t reduce belly fat directly, coconut water aids in digestion and alleviates bloating. This in turn could make the belly look leaner.

Who should not drink coconut water?

Though benefits of drinking coconut water daily or atleast, frequently, are many, it should not be consumed regularly by certain individuals.

People who have diabetes, high blood pressure and kidney problems, should consult their doctor before drinking coconut water.

Does coconut water reduce gas?

Coconut water is high in potassium and electrolyte, which are helpful in maintaining fluids in the body and also act as a diuretic.      

Consequently, it helps in reducing acidity and bloating.    

Is coconut water good for joint pain?

Being a good source of electrolytes, coconut water is good for hydration; which in turn helps in maintaining good joint health.      

In addition, its anti-inflammatory properties assist in alleviating joint pains.