Coconut water, coconut milk and coconut oil are products that we often associate with palm trees and tropical climate. Coconut water is full of nutrients that produce a variety of health benefits. It is 95 percent water and is extracted from young coconuts. Usually there is some soft meat on the inner walls of the coconut that you can extract with a spoon to happily enjoy its gelatinous taste. Coconut milk is what is used in Asian cuisine to thicken many dishes.
Benefits of Drinking Coconut Water
To obtain coconut milk, coconut meat is ground and diluted with water. Coconut oil is also made from coconut meat, which is crushed and then squeezed to get this healthy oil. It can be applied to the skin and hair, or used for cooking. For additional health benefits, always get the unrefined cold pressed oil. Coconut oil has a number of health benefits. Here are some reasons to drink coconut water.
1. Drinking coconut water prevents dehydration
Coconut water is ideal for rehydration: it is refreshing, it contains essential electrolytes, and it is as close to pure as you will get. It is also environmentally friendly and a good alternative to bottled water, especially in places where you can not drink tap water. Coconut water is a source of five important minerals: potassium, magnesium, calcium, sodium and phosphorus. It can be a particularly suitable drink after you've done some strenuous exercise. If you have sweated a lot, add a pinch of Himalayan salt to the coconut water and your properties will increase.
2. Energy for the brain and muscles if you drink coconut water
Coconut water contains 295 mg of potassium, which means that a cup of this tropical drink has more potassium than a banana. Potassium regulates heart rate and muscle function. Electrolytes facilitate the functioning of the nervous system and nerve transmission, as well as better cognitive functioning.
3. Coconut water is anti-aging
Now you know why coconut water is popular among Holywood divas. It has been dubbed 'the secret source of youth'. It contains a group of plant hormones called cytokinins, which are involved in the growth, development and aging of a plant. According to the Journal of antiaging medicine, cytokinins have an anti-aging effect on human cells as well. They prevent cells from undergoing degenerative changes. Dr. Bruce Fife, author of "Coconut Water for Health and Healing," says that this process of regulating cells can help prevent cancer, because errors in cell development do not happen.
4. Digestion
Coconut water is a digestive tonic. It has been used to treat different tropical ailments, including stomach flu, dysentery, constipation and parasites. It helps in the absorption of food and improves digestion through its bioactive enzymes. But it can have a laxative effect, so think about it before you drink too much. Mint and chamomile and other herbs can also improve your digestion.
5. Supports immune function
Coconut water stimulates the immune system and helps fight infection. It contains lauric acid - a medium chain fatty acid - is anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-bacterial. Three in one. Lauric acid has been found to be effective in the treatment of candida albicans and fungal infections, hepatitis C, herpes and HIV.
6. Benefits to the heart and urinary tract
High levels of potassium in coconut water helps prevent heart attacks and blood pressure. Coconut water can also help with kidney stones and is diuretic. A hospital in the Philippines tried to give its urology patients coconut water two to three times a week. The result? Your kidney stones decrease in size and some do not need surgery any longer.
7. It is rich in natural vitamins, amino acids, enzymes, antioxidants and phytonutrients
Coconut water contains a large amount of B vitamins, minerals and trace elements, such as zinc, selenium, iodine and sulfur. It is an antioxidant and fights free radicals that cause many diseases, including cancer.
8. Coconut water is a low calorie drink
If you drink coconut water straight from the coconut, the calorie value is quite low - 46 calories per cup. Coconut water has one-fifth of the sugar in some other fruit juices, but it remains natural and pleasantly sweet. Still, one cup contains 6.3 grams of sugars, which is quite high. In addition, some coconut drinks sold in stores may have added sugar in them, always check the label if you are concerned about the sugar content. In general, coconut water is a good alternative to commercial drinks with high calorie content and can help you lose weight, since you will be consuming fewer calories than commercial flavored soft drinks.
9. Alkalize the body
If you are trying to alkalize your body, coconut water could be the perfect drink. With it, the pH of body fluids goes down and it can make you less acid - therefore less prone to disease - in this increasingly acidic world.
You may be interested to read more about methods to alkalize the body
10. Improves blood circulation
Coconut water has been used as a heart tonic. It strengthens the heart, reduces bad cholesterol levels and prevents the formation of blood clots. This reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke. By improving blood circulation, coconut water also benefits diabetic patients and prevents complications that are associated with poor blood circulation, such as numbness of feet and loss of vision. What's more, coconut water is so similar to that of blood plasma in its chemical composition that it can help save lives. According to the UN, it has been used for emergency transfusions during wars and disasters.
As always, moderation applies. Although coconut water is very good, do not use it with exaggeration. In moderation, coconut water should help you stay healthy, young and fit.
