{"id":1093,"date":"2017-12-19T07:12:55","date_gmt":"2017-12-19T07:12:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/veryhealthy.life\/?p=1093"},"modified":"2021-07-15T13:23:38","modified_gmt":"2021-07-15T13:23:38","slug":"20-unexpected-benefits-coconut-water","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/veryhealthy.life\/20-unexpected-benefits-coconut-water\/","title":{"rendered":"20 Unexpected Benefits of Coconut Water"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"Coconut water is oh so yummy. If you\u2019ve ever been to a health food store or even your local grocery store, you\u2019ve probably seen coconut water in cans on the shelves. Try picking up a few the next time you\u2019re there. They\u2019re a lot tastier than your favorite soda, and they\u2019re healthier, too. If you\u2019ve ever cracked open a coconut, or young coconut, then you know just how sweet, juicy, refreshing, and revitalizing coconut water is.<\/p>\n

But, you probably didn\u2019t know it had a lot of health benefits. Coconut water is a great source of several nutrients. A few points before we move on: the coconut is actually a fruit and not a nut, and coconut water shouldn\u2019t be confused with coconut milk. Coconut milk is actually the meat of the coconut ground up and mixed with water. Coconut water is produced naturally in the fruit, and it contains mostly water. Coconut milk, on the other hand, contains about 50% water only. Coconut water is low-fat, no-cholesterol, and has four times as much as potassium as a banana. Plus, it\u2019s super-hydrating. It\u2019s a delicious summer beverage. If you\u2019ve ever been thirsty on a hot summer day, grab a can of coconut water in addition to your water. It provides a lot more benefits than the cup of water you\u2019re used to.<\/p>\n

1. Nutrient-Rich<\/h3>\n

Many people rely on fortified cereals<\/a> and snacks for breakfast to get them going. Coconut water may be a great alternative to these foods because it is naturally packed with vitamins and minerals but doesn\u2019t have artificial ingredients or additives that may be unhealthy. Coconut water has many trace minerals that are lacking in most diets and is filled with potassium, Vitamin C, and magnesium. There is also calcium and fiber in coconut milk. Try a glass in the morning and a few throughout the day to keep your body nourished.<\/p>\n

\"\"2. Fights Kidney Stones<\/h3>\n

If you have ever experienced or have known someone who has had kidney stones<\/a>, you may know that it is an uncomfortable condition that sometimes requires surgery.<\/p>\n

Kidney stones are formed from crystals made of excess calcium and oxalate. When there is too many of these substances in the body, they adhere to form kidney stones.<\/p>\n

Many doctors recommend flushing out your kidneys with plenty of water, but drinking coconut water has been shown as more effective in preventing the development of these crystals than plain water.<\/p>\n

Since kidney stones are quite common, it is a good idea to prevent them from coconut water.<\/p>\n

\"\"3. Tames Blood Pressure<\/h3>\n

Coconut water<\/a> can lower blood pressure and studies have been shown to back this up. People who were experiencing elevated blood pressure levels drank coconut water daily.<\/p>\n

By the end of the study, 70% had lower systolic blood pressure numbers than when they had at the outset. A key to the success of this beverage is its high potassium levels.<\/p>\n

Potassium is often given to heart patients to ease hypertension and to strengthen heart health.<\/p>\n

Take coconut water when you are feeling stressed or after workouts to help tame hypertension.<\/p>\n

\"\"4. Lowers Blood Sugar<\/h3>\n

Coconut water can be sweet, but it lacks the unhealthy sugar that can raise blood sugar<\/a>. Diabetics may want to drink coconut water to reduce cravings for sugary beverages and to regulate blood sugar levels.<\/p>\n

In one experiment, rats showed lower blood sugar levels shortly after being given a diet of coconut water, and they kept these levels low over a long period of time. These rats had optimum levels of hemoglobin A1c after drinking coconut water.<\/p>\n

Hemoglobin A1c is effective in keeping blood sugar levels down. The magnesium in coconut is also responsible for taming high blood sugar levels.<\/p>\n

\"\"5. Refreshes After a Workout<\/h3>\n

Athletes who spend hours running or engaged in other sports activities often rely on coconut water to rehydrate their bodies and restore precious nutrients lost through perspiration.<\/p>\n

The electrolytes in coconut water are the active ingredient that helps nourish the muscles, the heart, and improve general health. When we sweat, we lose these precious minerals, such as potassium<\/a>, that are plentiful in coconut water.<\/p>\n

This natural beverage is a healthy alternative to energy drinks that contain caffeine and artificial ingredients.<\/p>\n

Try sipping coconut water before, after, and during a workout.<\/p>\n

\"\"6. Strengthens Teeth<\/h3>\n

Calcium in coconut water promotes bone and teeth strength.<\/p>\n

As we get older, we lose bone density, and drinking coconut water can help replenish the supply of calcium that keeps bones solid. People who are lactose intolerant can benefit from non-dairy forms of calcium such as sesame seeds<\/a>, almonds, and coconut water.<\/p>\n

In addition, young people can be weaned off of sugary soft drinks and encouraged to drink coconut milk because of its appealing, sweet taste. Sugary drinks can damage the teeth and lead to obesity, and coconut water prevents both of these problems.<\/p>\n

\"\"7. Skin Health<\/h3>\n

Your skin covers your entire body, and its health reflects your general health. The skin needs a steady supply of water, vitamins<\/a>, and minerals to remain looking young and vibrant.<\/p>\n

Drinking plenty of water, especially in warm weather, is essential for skin health. Sometimes it can seem difficult to down so much water, so coconut water will make drinking water more palatable.<\/p>\n

Its sweet taste is tempting, and it doesn\u2019t have added sugar or preservatives. In addition, it is filled with essential minerals and vitamins with no added calories.<\/p>\n

In addition, coconut water can be applied externally as a skin freshener to nourish your pores.<\/p>\n

\"\"8. Rich in Antioxidants<\/h3>\n

You may have heard of the benefits of antioxidants<\/a> which can eliminate free radicals and fight illness. Free radicals are produced by toxins and chemicals in the environment and a poor diet and stress can make us vulnerable to them.<\/p>\n

These substances cause the deterioration of cells and can speed up aging. Antioxidants prevent these free radicals from oxidizing and affecting the body.<\/p>\n

These nutrients help neutralize the effect of impurities and stress on our bodies and can provide a shield of protection. Coconut water was found to reduce oxidative stress in rats and to reduce free radicals in the body.<\/p>\n

\"\"9. Promotes Heart Health<\/h3>\n

Those with heart disease are urged to improve their diet and exercise habits to lower their odds of developing heart ailments. Coconut water can be the key to keeping your heart healthy and strong and prevent illnesses.<\/p>\n

Studies have shown that coconut water can lower cholesterol<\/a> and fight liver fat. In a 45-day study, rats were shown to have less liver fat and lower cholesterol after consuming coconut water for 45 days.<\/p>\n

This study may have implications for humans and preserving the heart. This drink contains potassium which helps regulate the heartbeat and can help treat arrhythmia which can lead to blood clots.<\/p>\n

\"\"10. Fights Dehydration<\/h3>\n

Many people don\u2019t realize it, but they are dehydrated.<\/p>\n

This can happen in the winter and the summer but is more prevalent in hotter months. When we feel thirsty, we are already seriously dehydrated, so it is worthwhile to stay proactive when it comes to hydrating our bodies.<\/p>\n

Drinking plenty of water can help flush out impurities that can cause illness and provide benefits for circulation. Coconut water has greater benefits than plain water because of the electrolytes<\/a>, vitamins, and minerals it contains.<\/p>\n

The body loses minerals when it is depleted of fluids, and coconut water can replenish the supply.<\/p>\n

\"\"11. Helps the Immune System<\/h3>\n

The vitamin C<\/a> in coconut water can help boost the immune system and fight illness.<\/p>\n

Although orange is the most famous fruit when it comes to Vitamin C, coconut water has a healthy supply of this important vitamin, which has many properties, such as fighting off infection, killing germs and eliminating impurities.<\/p>\n

Since Vitamin C is water-soluble, it is eliminated through sweat and urination, so it is essential to replenish the supply of this vitamin.<\/p>\n

Drinking several glasses a day of coconut water can help you prevent colds and flu and to give your body a fighting chance.<\/p>\n

\"\"12. Hangover Remedy<\/h3>\n

Ironically, the key to solving the problem of drinking too much the night before is more drinking in the morning, but this means coconut water and not a beer. Starting the day with coconut water if you drank too much alcohol can help repair your system.<\/p>\n

The electrolytes in coconut water replenish the body with minerals and nutrients that help it function effectively.<\/p>\n

The headache and hazy feeling we experience during a hangover is really the result of dehydration<\/a> and the fact our bodies were robbed of nutrients.<\/p>\n

A good solution is to drink coconut water and resolve to drink less alcohol in the future.<\/p>\n

\"\"13. Preventing Obesity<\/h3>\n

Sugary sodas have been rightly blamed for creating a high incidence of childhood obesity<\/a>.<\/p>\n

In response to these findings, many schools removed machines dispensing sweets and sodas from school campuses. If you are looking for healthy alternatives to soft drinks, coconut water with its sweet flavor and nutritional benefits may be the answer.<\/p>\n

This drink provides a tempting flavor, no calories, and a rich dose of vitamins and minerals that provide nourishment. Diet drinks have few or no calories but have plenty of chemicals that do not promote health.<\/p>\n

Coconut water is naturally free of additives and artificial sweeteners.<\/p>\n

\"\"14. Increases Energy<\/h3>\n

If you feel a slump in the middle of the day, drink some coconut water as a pick-me-up. This drink has carbohydrates<\/a> and other substances that can be used for a quick energy boost.<\/p>\n

This is the reason athletes often drink coconut water before, during, and after a competition or workout. In addition, you may feel a dip in energy because you aren\u2019t getting enough fluids.<\/p>\n

Coconut water provides electrolytes that rehydrate the body with the help of fluids and minerals. That tired, draggy feeling in the early afternoon can be reversed with the help of coconut water.<\/p>\n

\"\"15. Regulates PH Levels<\/h3>\n

Ph refers to the balance of acid and alkaline <\/a>in the body.<\/p>\n

Most people have Ph levels that contain too much acid because the pollutants and chemicals in our environment have high acid levels.<\/p>\n

If we have too much acid in our system, we become vulnerable to free radicals and other substances that can speed up aging and can make us vulnerable to illnesses.<\/p>\n

Coconut water is high in alkaline which can undercut the intensity of acid in our bodies. If you are experiencing heartburn, pain in the joints, and if you get sick often, you may need more alkaline.<\/p>\n

\"\"16. Treats Diarrhea<\/h3>\n

Diarrhea<\/a> can have many negative effects on the body, including dehydration and the depletion of necessary vitamins and minerals.<\/p>\n

Coconut water is rich in minerals known as electrolytes that can help restore levels of minerals in the body. It also has amino acids that can help resolve bowel problems and gastrointestinal illnesses.<\/p>\n

Diarrhea can lead to serious health problems, but the root of it is dehydration. At the outset of diarrhea symptoms, it is a good idea to start taking coconut water to prevent dehydration before it happens.<\/p>\n

This is especially important for young children, who often need to seek medical treatment if they lose fluids.<\/p>\n

\"\"17. Reduces Bloating<\/h3>\n

Sometimes the problem with a swollen waist is not weighted gain but bloating<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Many people experience uncomfortable swelling after meals that can be caused by consuming too much sodium. Reducing salt intake can help prevent this condition, and the high potassium content of coconut water can also keep your belly from swelling.<\/p>\n

Potassium counteracts levels of sodium in the body and can eliminate this problem. In addition to drinking coconut water, look for hidden sodium in your food.<\/p>\n

Reduce meals that use processed foods and be careful of sodium when dining out in restaurants.<\/p>\n

\"\"18. Slows Aging<\/h3>\n

Coconut water is rich in vitamin C which produces collagen<\/a>.<\/p>\n

This protein is the building block of our skin cells and preserves firmness which is important for young-looking skin.<\/p>\n

As we age, the lack of firmness due to the breakdown of collagen creates wrinkles. Consuming coconut water provides Vitamin C to our cells and can slow down the aging process.<\/p>\n

The vitamins in coconut water can also make your skin less vulnerable to ultraviolet rays which can dry out the skin and make it more likely to sustain wrinkles.<\/p>\n

\"\"19. Revs Up Metabolism<\/h3>\n

If you want to lose weight, one way is to speed up your metabolism through regular aerobic exercise. In addition to running, swimming, or biking, consuming coconut milk can also give your metabolism <\/a>a boost.<\/p>\n

This drink has manganese which can help your body transform carbohydrates into energy. The faster this process occurs, the more beneficial an effect it will have on metabolism.<\/p>\n

Combining exercise, a low-fat diet, and drinking coconut water may improve your chances of losing weight fast. With all of these components working in tandem, you may be able to shed pounds.<\/p>\n

\"\"20. Soothes Muscle Cramps<\/h3>\n

Cramps <\/a>are painful and can even be debilitating. They can arise along with other pre-menstrual symptoms or can be the result of a long run or weightlifting.<\/p>\n

It isn\u2019t just the time of the month or a workout that can be the cause of cramps, but a potassium deficiency can also lead to aches and pains.<\/p>\n

Coconut water is rich in potassium which nourishes muscles and prevents cramps. If your cramps don\u2019t seem to be going away, drink plenty of coconut water to provide your body with this muscle-nourishing nutrient.<\/p>\n\r\n

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