Coconut water is found in plenty in the southern part of India and have many health benefits ranging from benefits to heart, kidney stones, liver and includes many essential nutrients.
Earlier there were many parts of India where some people were drinking only coconut water instead of normal water.
Although coconut water may not be as beneficial as papaya but all fruits have some benefits which are unique to themselves.
Benefits for Liver:
Research on animals shows that coconut water contains antioxidants which have properties to modify free radicals so they are no longer harmful. Rats with liver damage showed significant improvement in oxidative stress when treated with coconut water compared to rats that received no treatment.
AS per another study, rats on a high-fructose diet were treated with coconut water and the results; blood pressure, insulin level and free radical activity decreased.
Although no studies have investigated this antioxidant activity in human, however, many medical studies are done on rats initially with encouraging results.
Benefits of pineapple for cough, asthma and tuberculosis
Prevent Kidney Stones
Drinking enough water(ideally 2 to 3 liters daily) is important for kidney stone prevention.
Although one need to be vigilant with the quality of water one drink as with one report in India even mineral water (almost all brand) sold in plastic bottles contains pesticides and other harmful elements. Now when normal water seem to so contaminated, coconut water seem great choice as it contains many beneficial nutrients and seem effective against many ill health condition.
Coconut water said to prevent formation of kidney stones. Stones in Kidney form when calcium, oxalate and other compounds combine to form crystals in urine. These can then form stones.
As per one study on rats with kidney stones, coconut water prevented crystals from sticking to the kidneys and other parts of the urinary tract and also reduced the number of crystals formed in the urine which is great news for people suffering from kidney stones although more research in needed on humans.
However as my thump rule when you stick to nature products, you can’t go wrong 🙂
Improves Heart Health
Drinking coconut water can also be helpful to reduce heart related risk.
For example, study done on rats shows that coconut water results in reductions in blood cholesterol and significant decreases in liver fat.
Reduce Blood Pressure
Coconut water can be great for controlling blood pressure.
As per one study on humans with high blood pressure, coconut water improved systolic blood pressure in around 70% of participants.
Coconut water contains 600 mg of potassium in 8 ounces (240 ml) and potassium has been known to lower blood pressure in people with high or normal blood pressure.
Another study on animals shows that coconut water prevent the formation of blood clots.
Summary: Coconut water in not only delicious but also nutritious as it contains: One cup (240 ml) contains 46 calories, and it has less sugar and carbohydrates than most juices. It also has more minerals and electrolytes like sodium and potassium.
Carbs: 9 grams
Fiber: 3 grams
Protein: 2 grams
Vitamin C: 10% of the RDI
Magnesium: 15% of the RDI
Manganese: 17% of the RDI
Magnesium helps calcium and potassium moves into muscles for contraction and relaxation. It also helps with energy production and supports organ function. A hard workout can leave you depleted in magnesium and prone to cramps, restless muscles, and spasms.
Coconut water is said to contain more calcium and magnesium than other sports drinks or fruit juices.
Potassium: 17% of the RDI
Potassium in coconut water can help you ward off cramps and keep fluid and electrolyte balance in the body, especially during exercise.
Sodium: 11% of the RDI
Calcium: 6% of the RDI
Calcium is vital not only for strong bones and teeth but also helps in muscles contract and work properly. During exercise, muscles pull on bones and break them down slightly. As body recovers, bones use calcium to get stronger and repair.
Wherever possible I would recommend take natural coconut water.