Coconut water: 12 incredible benefits and 3 suggestions to drink it daily
Coconut water is a product
that you can find everywhere now. If you are also a fan of this exotic fruit, now
you have several reasons to include it in your daily life.
Coconut water is that liquid
that will run out if we open a coconut, and it's there to help the fruit ripen,
and provide it with nutrients. Therefore, it is a perfect and refreshing source
of nutrients for us too. Coconut water is not related to coconut milk, as it is
literally the water extracted from the unripe fruit. It contains plant fibers,
is refreshing, has antimicrobial properties and anti-aging action.
Not to be confused, coconut
water is different from its milk counterpart. It consists mainly of water,
nutrients and electrolytes. It has no calories and can even become the top
choice of athletes, in addition to water. Let's take a closer look at ten
reasons why coconut water is good for us. Below you will discover 12 important
benefits for your health, but also 3 ways to consume it daily.
Super moisturizing
As we mentioned above, coconut
water is made up of electrolytes, such as magnesium, potassium and sodium. You
can drink it every day, because it regulates your pH, hydrates you and controls
muscle contractions. "It's a great choice for full hydration after intense
exercise, after exposure to the sun or if you've been sick with lots of
vomiting. Especially in this case, it more than replaces the fluids you've
lost," says nutritionist Cerena Poon.
Better Digestion
You already know that you need
to drink 8 glasses of fluids a day to stay hydrated. But
coconut water takes this to the next level due to its high fiber content. "Fiber
is incredibly important for the proper functioning of the digestive system.
"Magnesium helps with muscle relaxation and is taken as a supplement in
case of constipation," adds Poon.
Shiny skin
When you properly hydrate your
body, you give it another benefit. Excellent leather. Although plain water does
the same job, coconut water has something more. A small dose of vitamin C (10
mg/100 grams), which boosts collagen production and reduces wrinkle lines. Hydration
is necessary for the good health of our skin. Coconut water is rich in
nutrients and amino acids that enhance skin elasticity. In addition, you can
use coconut water to make a face cream at home.
Highly nutritious
It is rich in electrolytes,
vitamins and minerals, such as magnesium, potassium, calcium, selenium, zinc,
iodine, manganese and some proteins. Manganese and potassium, in particular,
are found in very high concentration.
Rich in antioxidants
Coconut water contains
antioxidants that protect our cells from damage caused by free radicals. This
damage is called oxidative stress, and it not only ages us faster, but also
plays a role in the occurrence of stroke, heart disease, and even cancer.
Very refreshing and hydrating,
especially after exercise
After exercise, our body needs
the electrolytes it lost through sweat. And since coconut water is rich in
trace elements like potassium, magnesium, sodium and calcium, it can help us
replenish them and bounce back faster.
Helps to regulate cholesterol
levels
This has been proven in animal
studies, of course, but experts believe that coconut water can reduce the risk
of heart disease, due to its ability to regulate and lower LDL cholesterol and
triglyceride levels in the blood, while increasing the value of "good"
cholesterol.”, HDL cholesterol.
Additional benefits for the
heart
In addition to lowering
cholesterol levels, it contains the amino acid l-arginine and vitamin C, both
of which fight the action of free radicals and protect our heart. At the same
time, l-arginine can help regulate blood pressure.
Prevents the appearance of kidney stones
Kidney stones form when waste chemicals in the blood crystallize and collect in the kidneys. Drinking coconut water can help prevent them, which has been confirmed by small-scale studies.
Healthy digestion system
Coconut water is a very good
source of magnesium, a mineral that is necessary for the good health of our
digestive system. It activates certain enzymes that help the body absorb and
utilize fats, proteins and carbohydrates as sources of energy. In addition to
this, in 250ml of coconut water we also find 3 grams of fiber.
Strong anti-inflammatory
effect
Chronic inflammation in the
body can cause very serious problems, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Coconut
water, due to its ingredients, has a strong anti-inflammatory effect and helps
reduce pain.
Beneficial for diabetic
patients
Blood sugar levels are often
consistently elevated in patients with diabetes. Research has shown that
coconut water is very effective in regulating blood sugar, reducing the sugars
stored in the liver. In addition, its sweet taste makes it a very good and
light alternative.
How Much Coconut Water Should You Drink?
Remember that coconut water is more nutritious than plain water. So, you shouldn't replace it or drink it all day. According to the expert, 1-2 cups a day are quite enough.
3 ways to drink coconut water
Simple and natural
Its wonderful taste helps you
reach the recommended daily amount. As we said, you will find it easily.
On ice cubes
What's better than having
coconut water in frozen form? You put it in ice packs and pour the ice cubes
into juices and drinks. Even in the water itself, to tempt with its taste. But
in moderation, because we have just entered Spring.
In smoothies
Your breakfast can include healthy smoothies and acai bowls. In order not to get bored of the same things, alternate with almond or other plant-based milk.
