Coconut water is a natural beverage rich in nutrients and beneficial for health.
Coconut water is a gift from nature to humans with low sugar content, refreshing properties and other little-known ingredients.
This clear liquid made up of 95% water found in the coconut is the treasure we are talking about. Coconut water or coconut milk is harvested from young coconuts, about 5-7 months old, containing the most water and containing more nutrients than old coconut milk. Health benefits range from lowering blood sugar to helping with dental care.
1. Antioxidant properties
Coconut water is packed with antioxidants, which help prevent system damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules created in your cells during your own metabolism. Their production increases in response to stress or injury. Consuming foods and beverages that can neutralize these free radicals is strongly encouraged and coconut water does just that.
- Rich in nutrients
Coconut water is very low in calories, rich in potassium, magnesium and copper. For the body to function properly, these nutrients are essential. One serving of coconut water will provide about 13% of your daily potassium needs, 14% of your daily magnesium needs, and 11% of your daily copper needs. - Helps lower blood sugar
Research has shown that coconut water can lower blood sugar and improve other health markers in diabetic animals. A study with diabetic rats treated with coconut water found that blood sugar levels were better maintained than in other diabetic rats. - May help prevent kidney stones
Although more research is still needed, coconut water has been shown to prevent crystals from sticking to the kidneys and other parts of the urinary tract. It also reduces the number of crystals that form in the urine. Kidney stones form when calcium, oxalate, and other compounds combine to form crystals in the urine. These can then form stones. - Helps with heart health
The calcium, potassium and magnesium content helps maintain heart health. A 2006 study found that rats who drank coconut water had fewer heart attacks. It helps reduce levels of total triglyceride cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol around the heart. - Good Drinks After Workout
Coconut water is rich in potassium, making it ideal for replacing electrolytes. It has even been used for IV hydration in some emergency situations. - Helps lower blood pressure
High levels of potassium have also been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and lower blood pressure. A 2005 study found that when subjects were given coconut water for two weeks, their systolic blood pressure was 71% lower and their diastolic blood pressure 29% lower than those who drank plain water.
Although coconut water has many beneficial properties, it should not be replaced with water.
Source: pulse.com.gh