By Lara Adejoro
Apart from coconut being a high-fat nutritious fruit with a wide range of health benefits, its water is also packed with nutritional benefits.
Below are some of the benefits of coconut water:
It energises: One of the health benefits of coconut water is due to its high electrolytes, which include potassium, calcium and magnesium. An online health portal, Medical News Today said, coconut water may be a natural alternative to sports drinks such as Gatorade. While coconut water often has more potassium than the average sports drink, it tends to have less sodium, the main electrolyte lost in sweat.
It supports heart health: Experts say coconut water may benefit your heart health. An article on www.prevention.com said, coconut water contains potassium which may help relax blood vessels to promote healthy blood flow and regulate blood pressure levels. Researchers believe that coconut water could help patients with heart problems because it contained potassium, calcium, and magnesium. They say consuming high potassium could reduce hypertension.
It contains antioxidants: Coconut water contains antioxidants, which help neutralise oxidative stress and free radicals. Research has shown that coconut water has high-potency antioxidants. A registered dietitian and Cure nutrition advisor in an article posted on YahooLife said, “Coconut water contains antioxidants that may help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body and protect cells from oxidative stress.”
It’s ultra-hydrating: Staying hydrated supports physical performance, prevents headaches and constipation, and more. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends that women and men drink about nine and 13 cups per day. According to a nutrition immunology and science communication expert, Megan Meyer, “Coconut water can help people meet their hydration needs since it is about 95 per cent water.
It’s low in calories: Coconut water is a good drink for weight loss. www.prevention.com quoted a registered dietitian and Cure nutrition advisor, Sarah Olszewski as saying, “Substituting high-calorie beverages with coconut water can be a healthier choice for individuals looking to manage their weight. However, some packaged coconut water products may contain added sugars and higher calorie content, which may not be conducive to weight loss. It’s crucial to read labels and opt for pure, unsweetened coconut water when possible.”
Blood sugar benefits: Coconut water helps manage blood sugar and is suitable for people with diabetes. In a study published in the National Library of Medicine, coconut water has the potential to reduce blood sugar and diabetic retinal damage, serving as a candidate drug or nutrient for treating diabetes and its complications. The researchers said, “We speculated that this may be due to its antioxidant properties. Further studies are needed to investigate the role of coconut water supplementation in diabetes and which antioxidants in coconut water may be used to develop candidate drugs.”
Experts, however, warn that some individuals with specific health conditions like kidney disease should exercise caution with the amount of coconut water they consume because the potassium in coconut water may cause undue stress on vulnerable kidneys.
