Popular drinks like lemonade and ginger tea might not be to everyone’s liking. Some might prefer sweeter, more refreshing drinks and this is where coconut water comes in like a blessing. It is delicious and can boost your health in a number of ways.
Nutritious
Imagine getting all the benefits of eating a salad without having to do all the work to make it? That’s what coconut water can do for you. According to Nutrition Data, it contains vitamin C, calcium, and riboflavin. It is also rich in minerals like manganese, magnesium, and potassium. Moreover, coconut water is also a delicious way to consume fiber.
Stabilizes Blood Pressure
The Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine carried a study which proved that coconut water is a good source of antioxidants. Scientists observed the changes in rats after being fed coconut water for almost a month. One aspect they took into consideration was blood pressure and the study showed that the antioxidant content in coconut water could bring blood pressure down to a stable and safe level.
Besides its antioxidant properties, coconut water also contains high levers of potassium. Experts have discovered that potassium lowers blood pressure and improves the circulation of blood in general.
Diabetes
An experiment conducted on diabetic rats showed that feeding them coconut water helped them with their condition. Scientists from India’s Kerala University proved that the level of sugar in the blood decreased in the rats which had been given coconut water and they were no longer physically stressed due to oxidants.
Keeps You Hydrated
Remembering to drink the right amount of water isn’t always easy. Coconut water is a flavorful substitute for when you want something more refreshing. It is not as fattening as carbonated and caffeinated drinks and is even better than sweetened tea. If you’re buying branded coconut water make sure you read the ingredients listed at the back since certain companies add extra sugar to make it taste better.
Refreshments After Working Out
While exercising it is important to stay hydrated especially during the recovery period after the workout. Water may not suffice to give the body the boost it needs. Sports players who do strenuous exercises for hours and who constantly push the human body to its limits won’t be able to regain the electrolytes discarded while perspiring just by drinking water. This was issued as a warning by the United States of America’s National Library of Medicine.
The Journal of Physiological Anthropology and Applied Sciences carried a study which showed that people who played sports were able to recover their energy faster when they drank coconut water. The subjects also showed that they were at a lesser risk of contracting indigestion and vomiting than the group who were given energy drinks or just water.
As mentioned earlier, always be careful to read the label when you’re buying bottled coconut water. It is best to get it from organic and natural sources.
