Coconut water has been growing in popularity as a healthy beverage alternative for its added benefits to consumers' overall health and here's why:
What Is Coconut Water?
Coconut water is the clear liquid inside coconuts during the early development stage.
Fresh coconuts are harvested whole from a tree while their pigment is green. Ideally, coconuts harvested between 5 - 7 month period contain the most water. Once the coconut reaches maturity, the liquid inside is replaced with coconut “meat.” The contents of the “meat” include liquid and pulp, or coconut milk.
Consumers are expected to receive full nutritional value from coconut water when drinking it while in its development stage, not after it matures into coconut milk. In comparison to coconut water, coconut milk has minimal nutritional value.
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Historically, coconut water originates from tropical climates and is most commonly used to treat a variety of illnesses. Modernly, coconut water is enjoyed by people across the globe for its multi-benefits and its refreshing pleasures.
The New York Times boasts about coconut water's ability to “hydrate naturally”. This tropical fruit is commonly said to be a natural replacement for sports drinks.
Any truth to these claims? We think so.
Coconut Water Nutrition Facts
Coconut water is a good source of several nutrients. The liquid inside is naturally 94% water with 0-1% fat and protein. It's known to contain electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals that are essential for human health.
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According to Healthline, coconut water contains 10% vitamin C, 15% magnesium, 17% manganese, 17% potassium, 11% sodium, and 6% calcium.
Potassium is a major ingredient that makes this beverage a healthier alternative for sports drinks because of its concentration of electrolytes, which control fluid balance, regulate blood pressure, help muscle contraction, and help maintain proper acidity in the blood.
So is coconut water actually good you?
5 Health Benefits of Coconut Water
1. Electrolyte Replacement: Coconut Water vs. Sports Drink
Coconut water is high in potassium has a lower concentration of carbohydrates than sports drinks. Artificial sports drinks contain 6 - 8% carbohydrate concentration while coconut water contains almost 5%.
For athletes, coconut water is a healthier alternative when trying to monitor sugar intake while remaining hydrated during and post-workout. The lightness of coconut water allows athletes to drink more of the beverage without feeling nauseous or full. For casual athlete’s coconut water is a great option.
2. Lower Blood Pressure
The high potassium content of coconut water has been proven to be an optimal product in helping reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Potassium helps balance out the negative effects of salt intake, further lowering blood pressure.
3. Lower Cholesterol and Triglycerides
Coconut water and heart health?
Yes. It is becoming widely known that coconut water helps reduce the risk of heart attack and heart disease and it's because there's more potassium than sodium in coconut water.
As a result, higher concentrations of potassium help balance out sodium levels in the human body. It’s a domino effect where total cholesterol and "bad" LDL cholesterol is lowered, while simultaneously raising "good" HDL cholesterol.
4. Cleanse & Detox
The human body naturally cleanses and detoxes on its own when it consumes the proper nutrients and hydration. Inadequate hydration can lead to the build-up of toxins in the liver and kidneys. The liver and kidney act as our detoxifying organs and when not properly hydrated can cause dehydration, which can lead to fatigue, irritability, confusion and extreme thirst.
The body ideally needs 8 -10 cups of water per day to maintain the body's natural detoxification function. Advantageously, adding coconut water into your daily routine is essential to remain hydrated during and after your workout.
Coconut water contains similar electrolyte levels that are present in the human blood, which makes it an excellent beverage to restore fluids and eliminate toxins from the body.
5. Reduce Stress and Muscle Tension
Coconut water is a great stress reliever!
Two nutrients in coconut water, calcium and magnesium, help consumers manage stress and muscle tension. Most people lack these critical minerals, which makes managing stress more difficult.
Calcium is known to help maintain strong bones, but it has other benefits too, including promoting smooth muscle relaxation.
Likewise, magnesium acts as a muscle relaxer, helping your muscles relax after contraction. It’s the fourth most abundant mineral in the human body. Magnesium’s primary function is to help relax the parasympathetic nervous system. Combined, these minerals help maintain muscle relaxation.
Drink up!
