katherinecroftonCoconut oil is already well known for its amazing nutritional and beauty-enhancing properties. The saturated fats found in coconut oil can be excellent for the body. And just like coconut oil, coconut water contains some pretty incredible health benefits of its own. This healthy drink improves hydration, which offers a cascade of benefits.
What Drinking Coconut Water Does for the Body
Improves Hydration
Coconut water is a great natural electrolyte, and it contains relatively high amounts of potassium. It is also lower in carbohydrates — it only contains about 4% carbohydrates by volume. While it has trace amounts of protein and fat, the balance of coconut water is . . . well, water. whereas typical sports drinks can contain a 6%-8% carbohydrate concentration. (1)
In a 2002 study aimed to compare plain water, sports drinks, and coconut water, eight participants were asked to choose one drink out of the group after a workout. Researchers found all three of the beverages to be equally hydrating, but those who drank coconut water experienced significantly less nausea and felt less full. (2) However, most studies have shown that water is still the best choice for hydration.
Lowers Blood Pressure
According to the American Heart Association, adding appropriate amounts of potassium to one’s diet can help maintain a healthy blood pressure, or lower a high blood pressure, because it balances the effects of sodium. Daily consumption of coconut water, which also contains potassium, could therefore also reduce blood pressure.
In a 2005 study, subjects who drank coconut water daily for two weeks showed a reduction in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure by 71% and 29% respectively. But the subjects who drank only water showed no improvement. So, we see, it helps control hypertension. (3)
Lowers Cholesterol and Triglycerides
In addition to helping control hypertension, coconut water helps balance cholesterol values. In fact, tests performed on a group of rats found that coconut water helped to decrease their total cholesterol, triglyceride levels, and LDL cholesterol. More specifically, it reduced the cholesterol found in their hearts.
Also, rats that consumed coconut water recovered faster from heart attacks, and it is believed that the electrolytes (potassium, calcium and magnesium) found in the beverage may help maintain heart health. (4)
It is clear that coconut water is a great drink for anyone looking to improve their health. You can counter dehydration, high blood pressure, and cholesterol with moderate consumption. And moderation is key. The high amount of potassium found in coconut water can cause significant damage to several of the body’s internal organs if too much is consumed too quickly. But that would have to be a lot. (5)
Balanced pH Levels
One amazing skill of your body is its ability to maintain a specific pH level in different parts of the boyd. Unfortunately, a number of toxins and compounds in both the environment and foods can make your body pH levels more acidic. An acidic pH level opens you up to several health problems, including the following:
- Joint pain
- Excessive mucus buildup
- Chemical sensitivity
- Heartburn
- Reduced libido
- Osteoporosis
- Immune deficiency
- Sciatica
- Weight gain
- Diabetes
In other words, you really don’t want to have an overly acidic body pH level. That’s where coconut juice comes in.
“The pH acidic level in the body turns alkaline when you drink coconut water,” says nutritionist Jyoti Arora. Some experts say keeping your body in an alkaline state is key to preventing diseases like cancer.
Increased Energy
Hey, you! Drop that artificial sugar-packed energy drink and pick up a bottle of coconut water. A glass of the latter contains roughly 5 mg of natural sugar, which is much better for you and has a similar energy-boosting effect as artificial sugar.
That same glass of coconut water also contains 294 mg of potassium, which helps your cells produce energy.
The average energy drink, for comparison, contains just 117 mg of potassium.
Convinced yet? Here’s another reason to start!
Fermentation adds a delicious zing to coconut water while adding to the amazing benefits already discussed. Watch David “Avocado” Wolfe show you how to make a simple coconut kefir right at home!