coconut water properties

By: Becky Schilling
Edited date: January 1, 2024Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Sweet natural hydration

Coconut water properties | For thousands of years, tropical cultures have enjoyed the nutritional and thirst-quenching benefits of coconut water. Those of us outside the tropics have witnessed a coconut water craze sweep health-conscious consumers over the past 10 years, and for good reason.

Coconut water is a fantastic alternative to help hydrate because it is packed with high quantities of nutrients, minerals and essential electrolytes including potassium, magnesium, sodium, manganese, calcium and phosphorus.
Additionally, it has no fat and little calories. However, be wary of foods that have extra sugar and sodium.

Because of these properties, it is highly effective in not only rehydrating the body, but provides energizing rejuvenation as the body’s electrolyte balance is restored. Electrolytes are inorganic compounds that become ions in solution and have the capacity to conduct electricity.

They are important for electrical signaling—and of course your brain, heart, muscles, and nervous system are all bioelectrical systems. Your cells use electrolytes to maintain voltage across their membranes and carry electrical impulses to other cells.

Things like water balance and blood pH depend on your body’s proper electrolyte balance, and you can suffer severe medical problems if your electrolytes fall out of balance.

While initially touted as a sports drink replacement; coconut water has highlighted our bodies need for electrolyte balance in all walks and activities of day-to-day life…on and off the mat.

Getting the right balance of electrolytes assists in replenishing energy, lowering your blood pressure, and helping to rebuild lean muscle, which are only some of the reasons coconut water has become such a health craze.

Other reports are being released highlighting the cytokinin of coconut water; a compound that protects cells from aging and free-radicals.

Coconut water also reportedly boosts the immune system due to the anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-viral qualities of the lauric acid of coconut.

Staying hydrated and replacing lost electrolytes are essential requirements for athletes and all individuals active for long periods especially when in hot conditions.

Due to the popularity of hot yoga, coconut water is a very common sight at yoga studios worldwide.

Water and other fluids help the body maintain proper body temperatures, while electrolytes, particularly sodium and potassium, are needed to regulate bodily functions. Isotonic coconut water is quickly ousting synthetic sports drinks for energy and replenishment after exercise and throughout the day.

It is low in cholesterol and sugar and has a pleasant, light coconut flavor. Coconut water also has an alkalizing effect on your body, which can help correct the cumulative effects of acidifying foods that make up most diets today.

The list of health benefits of coconut water is impressive, and growing with each new scientific study. Coconut water is now a universally appealing and familiar beverage of choice.

It is not only cherished in health-oriented lifestyles but considered safe in pregnancy, infants as well as in diseased conditions.

Coconut water properties

Encourages hydration

Coconut water is minimal in calories and carbs, compared to sports beverages, that can be filled with flavorings and added sweets. The electrolytes potassium, magnesium, & sodium play a significant part in the attraction of coconut water. According to certain research, the electrolytes may help with hydration in particular when it comes to exercise, adds Smith.

However, Smith advises that these studies make use of sodium-enriched coconut water, which might not be the best option for most individuals and should only be used by those who exercise for an 1 hour or longer. Long exercise sessions “may be beneficial,” according to Smith. The electrolytes in coconut water, however, differ. For these circumstances, a sports beverage is an more reliable bet.

According to a general rule, you should consume 20 ounces of liquid, such as water, coconut water, or a sports drink, for every kilogram of weight lost during  activity. The optimum hydration method, according to Smith, is still water.

Rich in potassium

Most people’s diets are deficient in potassium. Through your urine, the mineral aids in removing excess sodium from your body. Even blood pressure can be lowered with coconut water.

According to preliminary studies, coconut water may help individuals who have hypertension lower their blood pressure. However, it may be better to avoid coconut water if you are taking blood pressure medications because it could cause it to drop too low. It would be preferable to talk to your doctor about this.

Additionally, due to the high potassium content of coconut water, it is advised that you avoid drinking it two weeks prior to any type of surgery.

Very few calories

Other fruit juices may have a lot of extra sugar, calories, and carbohydrates. Conversely, coconut water has fewer calories and is a wonderful choice for people who enjoy sweet beverages.

According to Smith, it contains between 40 and 60 calories per 8 ounces, or approximately half as many as orange juice. “If you like the taste, you can include it in your diet.”

Free of cholesterol & fat

Coconut water is about 94 % water, cholesterol- and fat-free. Choose one that is unsweetened but doesn’t contain additional sodium for recreational drinking, advises Smith.

Additionally, she advises looking at the expiration date because coconut water loses nutrients more quickly as it ages and may acquire a strange flavor.

Kidney stone avoidance

Based on the National Inst of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases, 11 % of men and 6 % of women in the United States experience kidney problems at least one time in their lives. The best way to avoid them is by staying hydrated. According to Smith, consuming coconut water as part of a healthy diet can provide some alleviation and aid in system cleansing. Using coconut water boosted the elimination of potassium, chloride, and citrate from urine, according to a 2018 study.

Stones come in a wide variety of sorts, according to Smith. But coconut water might be helpful if your doctor advises you to increase your potassium intake.

Skin improvement

According to a preliminary 2017 study, coconut water’s antibacterial qualities also may help in the fight over acne. Drinking coconut water may support the antioxidant system by counteracting the impacts of free radicals, according to research.