Coconut water has become quite the trendy beverage.
In addition to being naturally sweet and hydrating, coconut water is loaded with several important nutrients, including minerals that many people don’t get enough of.
7 health benefits of coconut water.
1. Good source of several nutrients
Coconuts grow in tropical climates on trees scientifically known as Cocos nucifera, and are botanically considered a fruit.
Coconut water is the liquid found in the center of a young, green coconut. It helps nourish the fruit. As the coconut matures, which takes around 10–12 months, some of the liquid remains while the rest ripens into the solid white flesh known as coconut meat (1Trusted Source).
Coconut water typically comes from young coconuts about 6–7 months of age, though it’s also found in mature fruit. An average green coconut provides about 1/2–1 cup of coconut water.
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Coconut water contains 94% water and very little fat. It should not be confused with coconut milk, which is made by adding water to grated coconut meat. Coconut milk contains about 50% water and is quite high in fat (1Trusted Source).
One cup (240 ml) contains 60 calories, as well as (2Trusted Source):
2. antioxidant properties
It must be noted that Free radicals are unstable molecules produced in your cells during metabolism. Their production increases in response to stress or injury.
When there are too many free radicals, your body enters a state of oxidative stress, which can damage your cells and increase disease risk (3).
Research on animals has shown that coconut water contains antioxidants that may help modify free radicals so they no longer cause harm (4, 5Trusted Source, 6Trusted Source, 7Trusted Source).
In one 2012 study, insulin-resistant rats on a high fructose diet were treated with coconut water. Free radical activity decreased, as did blood pressure, triglycerides, and insulin levels (5Trusted Source).
Another study from 2014 found that damaged rat livers showed significant improvement in oxidative stress when treated with coconut water compared with livers that received no treatment (6Trusted Source).
A third study from 2016 highlighted the benefits of coconut water extract on rats fed a high fat diet. Not only did the coconut water help decrease cholesterol markers, but it also showed “antioxidant potency (4).”
While these studies are interesting, it’s important to note that no studies involving humans and the antioxidant power of coconut water have been done to date, and each of the animal studies used different dosages and parameters.
Other benefits are
3. May help lower blood sugar for people living with diabetes
4. May help prevent kidney stones
5. May support heart health
6. Beneficial after prolonged exercise
7. Delicious source of hydration
Source: Healthline.
