Every part of the coconut tree can be utilised for many things, including the water from the coconut fruit. Coconut water contains important nutrients, so it has health benefits.
Coconut water itself is a transparent liquid that comes out when the coconut fruit is opened. The benefits of coconut water are mostly found in young green coconuts.
Younger coconuts produce better coconut water. Older coconuts (brown in colour and hairy), on the other hand, generally produce better coconut milk, which is made from coconut meat.
In this article on EKO HOT BLOG, we would be looking at some amazing benefits of coconut and the right way to consume it.
Reactive molecules produced by cells are known as free radicals. Well, human cells produce them during metabolism.
Having too many free radicals in the body will lead to a state of oxidative stress. Which is dangerous and can increase the risk of disease.
Well, coconut water also contains various antioxidants. Coconut water helps in the reduction of oxidative stress, which also helps combat free radicals. To get plenty of antioxidants, you should choose fresh coconut water.
Coconut water is a low-calorie drink. Most drinks such as soda or juice, will contain more sugar and carbohydrates than coconut water.
Thus, coconut water can provide refreshment with lower calories than sugary drinks. But, if you want to consume coconut water in a packaged form, you should be careful and read the labels and ingredients.
Usually after exercising a person will drink, to hydrate their body. Some sports drinks may contain a lot of added sugar and flavours. Coconut water is great as a post-workout drink, due to its rehydration properties.
Coconut water is believed to help manage blood sugar management in diabetic animals. However, similar studies in humans are lacking. However, coconut water also contains magnesium.
Magnesium will help improve insulin sensitivity. It also helps lower blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes.
It is known that coconut water contains carbohydrates. However, our body converts carbohydrates into sugar. If you have diabetes, you need to talk to your healthcare professional before including coconut water in your diet.
Triglycerides (TG) are a type of fat present in the blood. Excess calories are converted into triglycerides in the body, which are stored as fat cells.
But having a lot of TG in the blood can increase the risk of disease. A 2019 study by Siti Thomas Zulaikhah from Sultan Agung Islamic University, showed that coconut water can reduce TG and free fatty acids in rats. In addition, there was also a decrease in total cholesterol and low-density lipids (bad cholesterol).
On the other hand, coconut water also increased high-density lipids (good cholesterol). This suggests that coconut tends to improve cholesterol and blood lipid levels. This means that coconut water can help manage various diseases. However, the research data was conducted on animals. So, further research needs to be done on humans.
Coconut water increases high-density lipoprotein levels. High levels of high-density lipoprotein will help reduce the risk of heart disease.
In a 2019 study by Siti Thomas Zulaikhah, it was shown that coconut water has a heart-protective effect on mice. The coconut water was able to protect the rats from the development of myocardial infarction or heart attack.
Most people are deficient in their daily potassium requirements. The potassium content in coconut water helps regulate the balance of fluids and electrolytes in our body.
It is important for us to maintain fluid balance during exercise. In addition, coconut water also contains more potassium than sodium. This can also help stabilise the effect of salt on blood pressure.
One of the health benefits of coconut water is to help prevent kidney stone disease. Kidney stones will form when calcium, oxalate, and other crystals form a urine crystal. The crystals will then fuse together to make small stones.
Therefore, it is important for us to stay hydrated, in order to avoid kidney stones. Plain water is a good option, but coconut water can also serve as a good defence against kidney stones.
Coconut water has very important rehydration properties, to replenish every cell in the body and metabolism. Many people confuse thirst with hunger. Where it may cause one to overeat, which can lead to weight gain.
Coconut water also contains fewer calories than other drinks (such as sodas and juices). Therefore, drinking coconut water can also aid in weight loss.
Drinking a glass of coconut water can help control your hangover (a common symptom after too much booze). High in potassium and non-acidic, coconut water won’t upset your stomach and will calm you down after a hangover.
As discussed in the previous benefits, coconut water has hydrating properties. Hence, some people also use it to help buffer the effects of a hangover.
There are various options for the right way to consume coconut water. You can consume coconut water directly from the fruit. Alternatively, you can buy bottled coconut water sold in stores.
Quoted from the Cleveland Clinic page, here are tips and ways to consume the right coconut water:
Read carefully the label on the coconut water packaging;
Choose 100% coconut water (no added sugar or preservatives).
Drink coconut water after exercise to boost hydration.
Coconut water can be enjoyed on an empty stomach or with food.
Coconut water can be mixed with other drinks.
If you don’t like the taste of coconut water, try adding it to sparkling water or using it in smoothies.
Be careful if you have chronic kidney disease or are taking ACE inhibitors, as these people need to limit their potassium.
It is best to avoid coconut water consumption if you are pregnant.
Coconut water is a low-calorie, low-fat source of carbohydrates, electrolytes, vitamin C and fibre. The many ingredients in coconut water, make it has a myriad of benefits.
Coconut water is a refreshing natural drink that is full of electrolytes, so it can benefit your heart, moderate blood sugar, help improve kidney health, and keep you hydrated after exercise.
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