6 Health Benefits of coconut Water: Uses of Coconut Water – Dr Appiah
Coconut tree is packed with lots of health benefits,
from the fruit, water, the bark and roots all contain medicinal properties. But
our focus is on the coconut water.
Coconut water is the nutritious clear liquid found
inside the coconut fruit which is packed with vitamins and minerals. There is
usually a lot of water in a young coconut, since the water is replaced by the
white coconut flesh as it matures.
Therefore, for the purposes of drinking, coconuts
are always harvested off the trees when they are still green and young. The
outer green husk is later removed and the coconuts are wrapped in plastic to
keep its moisture content.
In order to get the best results, coconut water
should be consumed shortly after being exposed due to possible loss of
important nutrients from the liquid. A single coconut usually provides about 11
ounce serving of water, and it is low in calories and fat but very rich in
minerals, vitamins and other important nutrients.
Among the
nutrients in Coconut water are; Chloride, Iron and Lauric acid, it also has
some important electrolytes such as Potassium, Magnesium, sodium, Calcium and
Phosphorous.
In fact, the potassium content in Coconut Water is
close to twice (2x) the amount in a banana.
To have a healthy balance of electrolytes is very
important for maintaining the optimal health of our cardiovascular, immune,
nervous, and muscular system as well as to help with the absorption and balance
of the body's internal fluids.
What are the Benefits of Coconut Water?
Many research studies have shown that the
antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antioxidant activity of Coconut
water helps with a number of minor to severe health conditions.
This nutrient-riched natural drink plays a
significant role in regulating blood pressure, sugar and cholesterol levels. It
has also been found to boost energy levels and also increase metabolism in the
body.
It's effective in treating dyspepsia, dysentery,
constipation, enteric worms, cholera, intestinal flu, urethral stone, defective
kidneys, dry and itchy skin, age spots, and wrinkles.
Uses of Coconut Water
Wrinkles,
Age Spots, and Other Skin Problems
Researchers have revealed that Cytokinins present in
coconut water assist regulate cell growth and
divisions.
Coconut water
is rich in lauric acid and cytokinins
which fights against or minimizes the aging of skin cells, balances the acidity
and alkalinity levels (PH) and also keeps the connective tissues strong and
hydrated.
For skin problems like this, you can apply the water
on the affected part daily before bed, it may assist in treating acne,
wrinkles, stretch marks, eczema,
cellulite and other related problems. (READ ALSO: 4 Great Uses of Baking Soda for Skin)
Weight
Loss
This natural isotonic beverage and electrolyte
assist to increase the body's metabolism. Therefore, it can significantly
benefit people who are struggling with obesity and other weight issues.
Boosting
Energy
Coconut water is
packed with minerals, vitamins
and other nutrients therefore it makes a wonderful energy drink.
Coconut water has less sodium and sugar content
compared to most sports drinks, while packing more calcium, Chloride and
Potassium which makes coconut water a better choice to rehydrate, replenish and
boost the energy levels of the body after any strenuous activity or workout.
For example, in every 100ml of Coconut Water there
is approximately 294mg of potassium compared to 117mg in an average energy
drink, 25mg of sodium compared to 200mg in energy drinks and 41mg in most sport
drinks, 5mg sugar compared to 20-25mg, and 118mg of chloride compare to 39mg in
average energy and sport drinks.
Cardiovascular Health
Researchers say; individuals with high blood
pressure usually have low levels of potassium.
Drinking coconut
water can be effective in fighting against cardiovascular diseases particularly
pressure level as a result of it's high concentration of potassium(K) and
saturated fatty acid.
Similarly, other studies have also found that
coconut can assist in raising High Density Lipoprotein (i.e. the good
cholesterol) level, which makes coconut water a wonderful natural treatment for
maintaining good cardiovascular health. (Read more: Insulin Resistance & Cardiovascular Disease)
Dehydration
Rich in Potassium and other minerals, Coconut Water
helps to regulate our internal fluids and replenish and rehydrate the body.
It can been
used to treat dehydration caused by dysentery, stomach flu, cholera and
diarrhea. The electrolyte balance and plasma in Coconut Water has been found to
be similar to that of human blood.
Taking one cup of this water daily particularly
throughout times of hot weathers, low humidity and after strenuous workouts
will facilitate rehydration the body quickly.
Digestive
Problems
Coconut water also contains Lauric acid which is
converted to monolaurin. This has great
anti-protozoal, anti-viral and anti-bacterial effect which aids fight against
intestinal parasites, lipid-coated viruses, worms and other gastrointestinal
tract infections in children and adults.
Additionally,
coconut water may not only act as an antibiotic but can also rehydrate the
body.
Therefore, its a potent simple natural remedy for
Intestinal worms. Mix one teaspoonful of extra virgin olive oil into a cup of
Coconut water and drink it daily for at least three consecutive days.
In cases of constipation, diarrhea and other related
digestive problems, just drink one cup of Coconut Water 2x daily.
What
are the Side Effects of Coconut Water?
Fresh Coconut Water is undoubtedly one of the best
natural drinks on the face of this planet that nature has blessed us with. No side effects has been reported till now
unless someone is sensitive to having allergic reactions after drinking it or
have severe nut allergies.
It is considered to be safe for children, pregnant,
and breastfeeding women.
It is
advisable for those taking potassium supplements to reduce their intake before
drinking Coconut Water since it’s very high in potassium. This will shoot the
level of potassium which may cause undesirable effects.
WHERE CAN I GET COCNUT WATER TO BUY?
I learnt coconut is not available in some part of the world. I am sorry if you are in one of those countries. But technology has made it possible. You can actually buy from amazon through this link, click here to buy.
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