Just as coconut oil contains many health benefits, coconut water also contains a vast array of nutrients and vitamins that we can benefit from.
Coconut water has been used for several years as a refreshing and healthy drink and is still drunk today straight from the nut.
It was effectively used during the second world war in the Pacific as an emergency plazma replacement. Coconut water is naturally sterile, (the water permeates though the filtering husk) it does not produce heat or destroys red blood cells and is readily accepted by the body. It has virtually the same level of electrolytes as human blood plasma and so it was often used as an alternative during emergency plasma transfusions.
Coconuts are found growing all over the world in warm climates. The water from Indian and Bangladeshi coconuts are generally sweeter than Thai and Brazilian coconuts.
A coconut has more water content when it is young and green, and is harvested earlier to extract the maximum amount of water. At this stage the water is clear and dense, with a sweet taste. Once it begins to mature, much of the water is absorbed into the flesh of the nut, giving it that moist white texture. A single coconut usually provides approximately an 11 ounce serving of water.
Health Benefits of Coconut Water
As soon as coconut water is exposed to air some of the nutrients will begins to dissipate and the water will start to ferment. Therefore it is important to drink the water as soon as possible or vacuum seal it to preserve much of the health properties.
The important nutrients found in coconut water include lauric acid, chloride, and iron, as well as essential electrolytes such as potassium, magnesium and calcium. A healthy balance of electrolytes is important for the optimal health of our muscular, cardiovascular, nervous and immune systems. They also contribute to the effective absorption and balance of the body’s internal fluids.
As well as containing a wide variety of vitamins, minerals and other healthy nutrients, coconut water is naturally low in carbohydrates and sugars, and is virtually fat-free.
Coconut Water As An Energy Drink
Coconut water benefits are particularly significant when used as an energy drink after any form of physical activity. Most people turn to the normal energy drinks after a workout, and whilst they are fairly effective at rehydrating the body and replenishing lost nutrients, they just don’t compare to the benefits of coconut water.
Coconut water contains much more vitamins and minerals, as well as a quarter less sugar and salt. It also has approximately double to three times The amount of potassium, calcium and chloride compared to most sports drinks.
This makes coconut water perfect for rapid hydration and to replenish the body’s energy levels and depleted nutrients after a vigorous workout. It’s a natural isotonic beverage and not artificially produced.
Age Spots, Wrinkles, and Other Skin Problems
Oddly enough, coconut water is believed to help various skin conditions such as age spots, wrinkles and even acne. Coconut water contains traces of Cytokinins and lauric acid which research has found can help lessen the effects of aging skin, balance PH levels and keep tissues in the skin firm and hydrated.
Applying coconut water to the face at night, before going to bed, may help with age spots, wrinkles, cellulite, acne and eczema. I’m not sure how effective or practical this is, and further research is needed to confirm these claims.
Coconut Water and Weight Loss
Coconut water is a natural electrolyte and isotonic beverage which help increase the body’s metabolism. An increased metabolism can benefit people who want to lose weight as the body will naturally burn off more calories.
Digestive Problems
Lauric acid, found in coconut water is converted into monolaurin which has anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-microbia properties.
Drinking coconut water can help treat various gastrointestinal tract infections such as parasites, intestinal worms and lipid-coated viruses. More common digestive problems like constipation, diarrhea or Leaky Gut Syndrome can also benefit from a daily cup of coconut water.
To treat intestinal worms, it is recommended you mix 1 teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil into a cup of coconut oil and drink daily for 3 days.
Dehydration
Dehydration can occur through rigorous exercise, illness or simply not drinking enough water. Coconut water is rich in potassium and other minerals which help regulate our internal fluids – replenishing and rehydrating the body. A cup of coconut water actually contains close to twice the amount of potassium found in a banana.
The electrolyte balance and plasma in coconut water is almost identical to that of human blood. Without going into too much detail, the body can quickly and effectively absorb the rich levels of potassium and minerals found in coconut water. Rehydration occurs much more quickly and often used to treat illness such as dysentery, cholera, diarrhea and stomach flu.
Treatment for High Blood Pressure
More often than not, people who suffer from high blood pressure also have lower levels of potassium in their body. Coconut water is particularly rich in potassium and therefore drinking it on a regular basis can help regulate and stabilize blood pressure levels.
Any Side Effects to Drinking Coconut Oil?
Fortunately coconut water is one of the healthiest, natural drinks there is. The bodily readily accepts it and there are no known side effects. It is also deemed safe for children, pregnant, and breastfeeding women.
Where and How to Buy Coconut Water
Apart from buying fresh coconuts, which just isn’t very practical, you can buy pure coconut oil from health stores or online (see below).
They are all pretty much taste the same to me and are similarly priced. I have tried all 3 and have eventually stuck with Vita. At the time of writing this, they also have it reduced in price.
Conclusion
Many people already know about coconut oil benefits and how it can improve our health,both internally an externally. Now it is clear that coconut water benefits also contain a ton of healthy vitamins and minerals that can keep us fit and well. A daily cup may be all you need to keep you fit and healthy.
If you have any questions or comments regarding the coconut water benefits, please drop them below.
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