Coconut water has been described by nutritionists as ‘nature’s gift to humans’ because it contains many beneficial elements such as sugars, vitamins, minerals, electrolytes, plant based hormones, enzymes, and amino acids. This wonder water tastes best when green and unripe.
According to Netmeds, it contains 95% water and minimal fat. 240 grams of coconut water comprises of 9g carbohydrates, 3g fiber, 2g protein, Vitamin C (10-12%), Sodium (10-12%) and Calcium (6-8%) with its low sugar content and refreshing properties.
Coconut water helps prevent cardiovascular diseases and improve blood flow. It is also rich in antioxidants, and has also been proven to be helpful in maintaining blood sugars. It helps prevent kidney stones, boost immunity, reduce blood pressure, and regulate bowel movement. It is effective in stomach issues, intestinal issues and nausea.
Below are some amazing benefits of drinking Coconut water:
Abundance of nutrients
Coconut water is very low in calories, is rich in potassium, magnesium and copper. For the body to function properly, these nutrients are very essential.
One serving of coconut water will cover about 13% of your daily potassium needs, 14% of your daily magnesium needs, and 11% of your daily copper requirements.
Helps lower blood sugar level
Research has shown that coconut water can lower blood sugar levels and improve other health markers in diabetic animals.
A study with diabetic rats treated with coconut water showed that better blood sugar levels were maintained better than in the other diabetic rats.
May help prevent kidney stones
Though more research is still to be carried out, coconut water has been found to keep crystals from sticking to the kidneys and other parts of the urinary tract. It also reduced the number of crystals formed in the urine.
Kidney stones form when calcium, oxalate and other compounds combine to form crystals in the urine. These can then form stones.
Antioxidant properties
Coconut water contains lots of antioxidants, which help prevent the damage to the system caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that are produced in your cells during your own metabolism.
Their production increases in response to stress or injury. Intake of foods and drinks that can neutralise these free radicals are highly encouraged, and coconut water does just that.
Helps reduce blood pressure
The high potassium content has also been found to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and lower blood pressure.
A 2005 study found that when subjects were given coconut water for two weeks, their systolic blood pressure was 71 percent lower and their diastolic blood pressure was 29 percent lower than those who drank plain water.
