7 Health Benefits of Coconut Water You Should Know
You may have seen those large coconuts on the beach and wondered if they have any practical use other than to put in alcohol and a colorful umbrella. The answer, my friend, is a resounding yes! There are many benefits to be experienced from drinking coconut water.
Here’s the caveat, though, and that is you need to drink real coconut water and not that bottled nastiness full of artificial ingredients and unwanted added sugars and sweeteners.
In this article, we will look at seven of the major health benefits that only real coconut water can provide. So, put down your fruity umbrella drinks, and let’s get into it!
1. Great Source of Nutrients
Coconuts grow in tropical climates on trees that are scientifically called Cocos nucifera and are considered a fruit.
Related Article: Did You Know About These Cucumber Water Benefits?
Coconut water is the liquid that is found inside a young, green coconut. It helps in nourishing the fruit. As the coconut starts to mature (which takes around 10-12 months), some of the liquid remains inside while the rest ripens into a solid white flesh which is known as coconut meat.
The water you find in coconut water products generally comes from young coconuts, which are about 6-7 months old, though it is also found in mature coconuts. An average young green coconut provides around 1/2-1 cup of coconut water. When you think about that, it takes a boatload of coconuts to have a beverage business in that particular industry.
Coconut water is made up of around 94% water and has very little fat. One cup (240 ml) of coconut water contains 60 kcal, as well as many other nutrients:
- Carbs: 15 grams
- Calcium: 4% of the daily value (DV)
- Sugar: 8 grams
- Magnesium: 4% of the DV
- Potassium: 15% of the DV
- Phosphorus: 2% of the DV
2. Aids In Hydration
One of the main health benefits of coconut water is that it contains electrolytes like potassium, magnesium, and sodium. These are essential minerals for the body to function properly.
Related Article: Effective Rehydration with Coconut Water Powder Supplements
When we are dehydrated, our body does not receive enough of these minerals, which can lead to fatigue, muscle cramps, and headaches, among other things. Coconut water helps to replenish these vital minerals so that you can stay hydrated throughout your day without any issues or adverse effects — especially if you work out in the heat or sweat profusely during workouts.
Click here to view my favorite coconut water source that tastes delicious and helps keep me hydrated.
3. Antioxidant Properties
Antioxidants are substances that help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are molecules produced during normal metabolic processes that can damage your DNA and lead to cancer or other diseases if antioxidants don’t neutralize them.
Coconut water contains antioxidants that help to neutralize free radicals and oxidative stress.
While many studies over the years have studied the antioxidants in coconut water, relatively few have included any human participants.
According to one study published in 2016, it was found that coconut water’s high potency antioxidant properties helped decrease cholesterol markers in rats.
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