Health Benefits of Coconut Water

Rehydrating and isotonic drinks favor thehomeostatic balanceof the human body, allowing itsproper functioning. Coconut wateris one of these drinks from nature, and provides us with a healthy source of vitamins, minerals and especially electrolytes.

In the following article, we show you the necessary information about coconut water, and know about its wonderful benefits.

Health Benefits of Coconut Water

Amongthe benefits of coconut, there is its water, whichcontains components such as sugars, B vitamins, vitamin C, minerals, electrolytes (such as potassium, magnesium, calcium, sodium and phosphorus), enzymes, amino acids, cytokinins, and phytohormones, which help in the healing of various diseases.

At the same time it is verylow in calories and has no fat content, which makes it an excellent food.

Note: Coconut water should not be confused withcoconut milk, which is obtained from the pulp of the liquefied coconut.

Here we mention its main benefits:

1. Keeps the body hydrated

The main component in high quantities of coconut water, is water (90 to 95%), important element for the body in order tokeep it properly hydrated and supply it with daily needs, and thanks to its concentration of minerals, makes it a hydrating drink. It is also composed ofimportant electrolytes.

The human organism iscomposed of 70% waterand its daily requirements depend on individual activity, but under normal conditions it is 2.0 liters per day for women and 2.5 liters for men. (1)

Fun fact: DuringWorld War II, they used coconut water extracted directly from the fruit, toapply plasma transfusionsin case of emergency of wounded soldiers in place of our blood, since it has the same amount of electrolytes.

It should be noted that coconut water is an unbeatable natural isotonic drink for athletes.

2. Boosts the immune system

Coconut water has medium chain triglycerides that coconut has, giving it antimicrobial properties,preventing the proliferation of fungi, viruses and bacteria. In addition, it helps maintain the balance of the intestinal flora, a primary barrier to the immune system.

It also has antioxidants because it is rich in Vitamin C, as well as minerals such as manganese that strengthen defenses.

Important: Coconut water is used in patients with diarrhea , to replace fluid loss from the gastrointestinal tract and recover lost electrolytes.

3. Lowers cholesterol

Unlike coconut meat, coconut water is very low in saturated fat, which makes it an ally in low- calorie diets.

4. Regulates blood pressure

Its high sodium and potassium content, as well as other electrolytes, and its low fat content, promote adequate blood pressure, helping to prevent heart disease.

To highlight: A study on ” Treatment of essential arterial hypertension with a diet rich in potassium” , concludes as a recommendation, a natural diet rich in potassium, to achieve better control of arterial hypertension. (two)

5. Improves insulin secretion

Due to the low glycemic index of coconut water, it helps control blood sugar levels, thus improving the secretion of insulinfrom the pancreas into the bloodstream. It also prevents conditions such as diabetes or thyroid pathologies.

Coconut water is also a natural drink, which by regulating insulin secretion in the body, High blood glucose levels.

6. Promotes cognitive function

Calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, potassium and vitamin C, contained in coconut water, are important minerals for brain cognitive function. Calcium inparticular, has been linked to improving memory formation, as well as reducing memory loss with aging.

A study on “Nutrients and cognitive function” highlights the importance of trace elements and vitamins for cognitive function. (3)

Important: Electrolytes are essential for our brain to stay hydrated, favoring cognitive function.

7. Promotes good digestion and intestinal transit

Despite being in a liquid state, it contains a considerable amount of fiber (2.6 grams in 240 ml) stimulating intestinal transit, preventing constipation and eliminating fermented substances from the intestines.

The content of bioactive enzymes collaborates in the absorption of nutrients, preventing gallbladder diseases and improving digestive processes.

Coconut water is composed of many natural bioactive enzymes such as acid phosphatase, catalase, dehydrogenase, diastase, peroxidase, RNA-polymerases, among others, helping digestion and metabolism.

8. Helps eliminate toxins

Being an Excellent moisturizer , it helps many metabolic processes such as better digestion, efficient elimination of toxins, and proper kidney function.

In addition, coconut water, due to its water, potassium and magnesium content, has a Diuretic Effect that helps improve kidney health, fighting kidney stones, as well as fluid retention.

9. Improves muscle function

Potassium is an essential mineral for the depolarization of cells and therefore acts in the contraction of the heart muscles . The calcium contained in coconut water contributes to the contractive action of striated muscles.

Both minerals, together with magnesium, maintain the homeostatic balance of fluids to maintain muscle tone and muscle function , and also mitigate tiredness and weakness, even cramps or muscle spasms.

Note: 100% natural coconut water contains more electrolytes than sports drinks.

10. Improves skin and hair health

Coconut water contains cytokinin that promotes cell regeneration , helping to prevent aging of the skin and hairtag. In those people who suffer from acne and dandruff problems, coconut water helps combat and prevent these problems, facilitating the removal of fat from the skin.

The literature suggests that the cytokinins (eg, kinetin and trans-zeatin) in coconut water have significant anti-aging , anti-carcinogenic, and anti-thrombotic effects.

Tip: Applying coconut water to your face helps remove those uncomfortable pimples and cleanse your skin.

11. Contributes to weight loss

Contrary to what people think, Coconut Water contains very few calories (due to its low amount of sugar and fat), it is the meat of this fruit that is high in carbohydrates but not its liquid. Coconut water has satiating properties.

12. Eliminate hangovers

Consuming coconut water helps balance the digestive system after a night of binge eating and drinking, replenishing the mineralsthat you expel from the body when you feel nauseated or vomit. The water and electrolytes contained in coconut water will make up for your loss.

Coconut water properties

Coconut water has components that give it medicinal properties such as: sugars, vitamins, electrolytes (such as potassium, magnesium, calcium, sodium, and phosphorus), enzymes, amino acids, cytokinins, and phytohormones, which give it interesting medicinal properties:

Vitamins

The benefits of vitamins in the body are multiple. Coconut water contains vitamin B2 or riboflavin, B3 or niacin, and vitamin C or ascorbic acid.

minerals

Coconut water contains minerals such as sodium, calcium, iron, phosphorus and potassium, which makes it an important source of electrolytes for the body.

Fiber

Coconut water contains approximately 2.6 grams of dietary fiber per 240 cc serving.

How to consume coconut water?

There are multiple ways to consume coconut water, either directly from the fruit itself or combined with other products:

Single

Drink directly from the nut or coconut fruit , it is an ideal option to enjoy one of the best natural drinks and to enjoy its benefits.

mixed with fruits

The versatility of coconut water is unmatched. Mixed with other fruits, it is an excellent option for making refreshing drinks, as well as being part of a variety of cocktail mixes.

Key Findings

• One of its main benefits is that it is a powerful moisturizer.
• It is useful in cases of stomach problems such as diarrhea.
• It is an isotonic drink, recommended for athletes.
• It is a natural drink.
• Helps the body in important metabolic functions.