Many people are familiar with the benefits of coconut water for the body. Besides being a thirst quencher, pure coconut water can increase minerals and electrolytes in the body. Coconut water also contains antioxidants as nutrients that prevent damage to body cells. Its nutritional contents are the main health benefits of coconut water.
Nutritional Contents of Coconut Water
Coconut water contains minerals, vitamins, and electrolytes. It also contains sugar, though in a very small amount. Other nutrients are carbohydrates, fat, and a slight protein. Several nutrition facts of coconut water that affect the benefits are: 17 calories of energy, 8 mg phosphorus, 0.1-gram fat, 0.2-gram protein, 15 mg calcium, 3.8 mg carbohydrates, 1 mg sodium, 149 mg potassium, and 0.2 mg iron.
Above all mentioned nutrients, potassium, has the highest makeup in coconut water. The potassium in coconut water is way higher than in sports drink products. Not only that, its content is more than 4 bananas altogether.
Other mineral contents in coconut water include magnesium, iron, zinc, manganese, and calcium, which are better than minerals contained in oranges. Coconut water also has antioxidants, one of the substances with many health benefits.
7 Benefits of Coconut Water
Based on nutritional contents in coconut water, here are 7 must-know health benefits of coconut water for body health:
1.Regulates Blood Pressure and Cholesterol
One of the benefits of coconut water for health is helping regulate blood pressure and cholesterol. As we may know, bananas are famous for their very high potassium content. But actually, 1 cup of coconut water contains more potassium than 1 medium-sized banana.
According to research, a potassium-rich diet can improve the heart’s health by reducing blood pressure and cholesterol, thus preventing stroke. To support optimal heart health and when on a diet, consume coconut water balanced with high potassium food contents. This is one of the health benefits of coconut water often overlooked by many people.
Sodium can also lower blood sugar levels for someone with high blood pressure. That means coconut water can potentially minimize blood clots. Coconut water is also believed to increase good cholesterol levels (HDL) in the body.
2. Fights Free Radicals
Another health benefit of coconut water is fights free radicals damage. Free radicals are harmful cells produced during the metabolic processes in the body. The production may increase when the body is sick or experiencing stress.
Too many free radicals makes the body experience a condition called oxidative stress, causing damage to healthy cells. Based on research, the antioxidant content in coconut water can relieve oxidative stress, thereby blocking exposure to free radicals that are harmful to the body. However, one of these particular benefits of coconut water requires further research.
3. Maintains Stamina
One of the health benefits of coconut water is believed to be sustaining endurance. Old coconut water contains vitamins and nutrients such as thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, folate and pyridoxine that supply antibacterial and anti-viral properties to maintain the body’s immunity. These benefits of coconut water make the body fitter and healthier.
4. Prevents Kidney Stones
Coconut water is also believed to prevent kidney stones. While drinking water in sufficient quantities can support the operation of the kidneys, consuming coconut water is even more beneficial.
Kidney stones are generally formed when there is a deposit of oxalic acid, calcium and other components in the body carried in the urine. Based on research, drinking coconut water may potentially prevent crystals from sticking to the urinary tract and kidneys. This benefit of coconut water is to block free radicals as a side effect of high oxalate levels in urine.
5. Replaces Lost Body Fluids
Coconut water is a natural isotonic drink. Therefore, it functions like sports drink formulation products. Electrolytes contained in coconut water can replace body fluids lost during an exercise.
To get the benefits of coconut water, you may drink it in moderate quantities. Drinking coconut water can also prevent stomach upset and nausea, as it is a very effective substitute for fluids.
6. Lowers Sugar Levels
Young coconut water contains 5.1% fructose, glucose, and sucrose, whereas old coconut water contains only 3% of them. Drinking old coconut water can stabilize sugar levels, so many of the health benefits of coconut water are ideal for diabetics. Not only that, the potassium and L-Arginine contents in old coconut water are also higher than those in young coconut water.
L-Arginine itself is the main bioactive component to fight diabetes. Lowering sugar levels is one of the benefits of coconut water for it can reduce hyperglycemia and increase insulin secretion.
7. Contains Antioxidants
One of the many benefits of coconut water is antioxidants as nourishment to the body. Antioxidants are important elements that protect all cells in the body against free radicals. Coconut water has antioxidants to protect the body against free radicals exposure that damages cells, accelerates aging and causes diseases.
These are the 7 health benefits of coconut water. Coconut water is safe for regular consumption while providing a natural source of electrolytes. However, kidney failure patients should take caution because of its high potassium content. Although beneficial for the body, kidney failure patients are unable to naturally get rid of excess potassium.
However, drinking coconut water is highly recommended for healthy people and those lacking electrolytes due to diarrhea. To experience many of the benefits of coconut water, you can buy CocoClub in the nearest convenience store
