Each young green coconut contains about 1 to 4 cups (200 to 1000 ml) of highly beneficial coconut water. People from the tropical regions have been using these unique benefits for decades.
This organic, low-calorie beverage is refreshing and delicious. If we compare the tender and the mature coconut water, we can see the tender one has more nutrients in its content. It contains abundance of enzymes, amino acids, B-complex vitamins, antioxidants, vitamin C, and many minerals like magnesium, calcium, manganese, iron, and zinc.
Coconut water contains micro nutrients which boost our immune system. The present cytokines provide strong anti-aging, anti-thrombotic, and anticancer properties. Instead of bottled version, choose pure and fresh coconut water whenever you can. You can add it to various delicious smoothies, or drink a few glasses of it daily.
Coconut Water Health Benefits
1. Reduces the Blood Pressure
Thanks to its vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium content, coconut water is great for reducing high blood pressure. Besides reducing the blood pressure, potassium also balances the negative sodium effects.
A 2005 research published by the West Indian Medical Journal, proves that coconut water successfully controls high blood pressure. To lower your blood pressure, consume one cup of coconut water 2 times a day. Don’t forget that bottled version might not be so beneficial since it contains a lot of sodium.
2. Hydrates the Body
The thirst-quenching drink called coconut water is especially great for the hot summer days. It has high electrolyte content which makes it ideal for hydration of the body when we are dehydrated, or in case of excessive sweating, vomiting, and diarrhea. Coconut water contains abundance of carbohydrates which boosts our energy.
A lot of researchers recommend it after exercise since it’s good for rehydration of the body.Moreover, it’s easily digestible, so it can relieve some stomach problems, like gastroenteritis, indigestion, and acid reflux.
3. Relives Hangovers
Alcohol dehydrates our body, causing terrible hangovers the morning after. Coconut water will make you feel much better in this condition, as it replenishes the electrolytes in our body and improves our hydration. Excessive alcohol consumption leads to oxidative stress. In such cases, the strong antioxidant properties of this natural beverage are extremely beneficial.
All this makes coconut water a great natural remedy for hangovers. Blend 2 glasses of unsweetened coconut water and ripe mangoes, two fresh mints, two to three tablespoons of lemon juice, and 1/2 a glass of ice. This smoothie will help you get rid of your hangover.
4. Heart Tonic
Tender coconut water provides cardio-protective benefits since it’s cholesterol- and fat-free It lowers the chances of heart disease, by reducing the bad, LDL cholesterol, and increasing the good, HDL cholesterol. A 2012 study shows that both, mature and tender coconut water is beneficial for the lipid metabolism to counteract the raising of low-density lipoproteins, total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides.
Coconut water reduces the plaque formation in the arteries and the chances of heart attack and stroke, as it provides anti-inflammatory, antiplatelet, and antioxidant effects, and improves the circulation.
5. Treats Headaches
Migraines and many headaches are caused by dehydration. The electrolyte-rich coconut water hydrates the body, making it an excellent remedy for headaches. Headaches and migraines can as well be caused by low magnesium levels. Coconut water is abundant in this mineral, so it further proves that it helps treating these conditions.
6. Helps Weight Loss
Being a low calorie drink, and very easy to the stomach, it is ideal for those who want to lose some extra pounds. Coconut water contains great number of bioactive enzymes great for our digestion and fat metabolism.
A body with excess sodium is prone to water retention. This in turn contributes to water weight. Potassium in really helpful in such cases as it helps balance the sodium. Being rich in potassium, coconut water help eliminate the excess water and toxins from the body. To ease the weight loss process, drink a cup of coconut water, three or four times a week. Keep in mind that too much coconut water can have adverse effects, so don’t consume it in excess amounts.
7. Regulates the Levels of Blood Sugar
The dietary fiber and amino acids in coconut water improve the insulin sensitivity, and balances the blood sugar levels. It aids common health problems of diabetics, such as tendency of developing atherosclerosis, and numbness in the feet, since it is able to improve the circulation. The Food and Function journal published a 2012 research which proves the ability of mature coconut water to reduce oxidative stress, and the levels of blood glucose.
8. Regulates the Body’s pH Levels
Stress, toxic loads, and diet which includes high amount of acid-forming foods, causes acidic pH levels in our body. Acidic body’s pH levels reduce our energy and the ability of our body to absorb minerals and vitamins. Coconut water helps restore the pH levels in our body, as it provides alkalizing effects. Therefore, it is beneficial in cases of heartburn and acidity.
9. Slows Down the Aging Process
The cytokines in coconut water provide anti-aging properties which affect our cells and tissues. Therefore, this beverage lowers the risk of age-related and degenerative diseases. Pure green coconut water will keep your skin soft, smooth and well-hydrated. To treat your dry skin and make it look younger, combine a cup of coconut water with 2 tsp. of sandalwood powder, and apply the paste on your skin. Let it dry, and then wash it off.
10. Natural Diuretic
Being an excellent natural diuretic, coconut water promotes the urine production and flow, and flushes out the toxins from our body. It also protects from urinary tract impurities. Thanks to its high potassium levels, this beverage dissolves some types of kidney stones, and alkalizes the urine. In addition, it fights bacterial infections thanks to its antibacterial properties. Drink a glass of coconut water with a pinch of sea salt, once or twice a day.
Note. Don’t drink coconut water if you have high levels of potassium, or if your kidneys are not functioning properly.
Warnings
- Don’t consume coconut water if you have nut allergy
- In some people, it can cause bloating and mild stomach upset
- Don’t consume it for at least two weeks before and after a surgery, since it can affect your blood pressure
- Consult your doctor before consuming coconut water if you have kidney dysfunction
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