Coconut water is one of the most trendy natural drinks all over the world. With increasing hype for organic and natural food, health-conscious people are choosing this water over other energy drinks, carbonated beverages. With its amazing hydrating abilities and potential for the body, our researchers agreed to call it nature’s Super Drink without hesitation!
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Coconut is a large topic, and people are interested in coconut milk, water, oil, vinegar, etc. We write detailed articles all of the sub topic separately. Here, we explore the history, benefits, and uses of coconut water first. We will also dive into different coconut products later.
Let’s start.
Why is Coconut Water a Super Drink?
Coconut water is nature’s electrolyte drink. In many instances, it can be more effective in curing dehydration and recovery. Along with its rehydrating ability, this refreshing water also contains several potential health benefits for the heart, kidneys, blood, skin, and liver. There is a lack of research on other benefits of coconut water. However, existing studies suggest its potential for human health.
According to My Organic BD superfood Criteria, coconut water is a natural healthy & refreshing super drink. It has amazing ability to refill the lost electrolytes of the body. But we do not typically say it as a superfood. You should read the Benefits of coconut : A complete guide for wellness to see the holistic view.
History of Coconut fruit Water
The history of coconuts takes us back to the prehistoric era when dinosaurs were alive. Coconut trees evolved about 85 million years ago. How old is that? Well, dinosaurs became extinct about 65 million years ago. I kinda love to think dinosaurs liked coconut water too!
However, humans appeared only 2 million years ago. So, it can be said that coconuts were with us all along!
Coconuts were first domesticated by Austronesian peoples. During the Neolithic period, those domesticated coconuts spread to different parts of the world through the sea. As coconuts float in water, they cross many seas before humans. It is said that coconuts were introduced to America during the Columbian Exchange. Many also believe coconuts already existed in America back then.
Nutritional fact About Coconut Water (Daily value)
Please see the nutritional value :
Calories: 44
Fat: 0g
Sodium: 64mg
Carbohydrates: 10.4g
Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 9.6g
Protein: 0.5g
Vitamin C: 24.3mg 20-30% DV
Magnesium: 2% DV
Phosphorus: 2% DV
Calcium: 4% DV
Potassium: 404mg 15% DV
Coconut drink comes with some of the best electrolyte content like potassium and, magnesium. It also has sodium, but it is not very much. Sodium has a low calorie and zero fat. It is one of the reasons why health-aware people embrace it with love.
Coconut water has some carbs and sugar. But don’t worry, coconut juice has the ability to potentially decrease blood sugar. So unless you have diabetes you can drink it without any issue. Young and fresh coconut drinks also contains vitamin C, which is an essential antioxidant for the body. This healthy water also comes with phosphorus, protein, and very little protein.
Benefits of Coconut Water
Coconut fruit water is not that kind of superfood with dozens of benefits. It mainly does one thing and pretty effectively. With its refreshing taste, instant energy and mood-boosting power, people actually don’t care about its other benefits. But the good thing is, it has some more potential benefits most of us don’t know.
Let’s deep dive into the benefits of coconut water.
Balancing electrolytes
This water does an excellent job of rehydrating our bodies. The high potassium content of fresh coconut juice is the key component for balancing the electrolytes from the cellular level. It is more beneficial for dysentery or exercise-related dehydration. Potassium is one of the most vital components for muscle contraction and relaxation. If our body is low on water and electrolytes, muscle stiffness can occur which is very painful. Coconut juice can quickly refill the electrolytes and help relax the muscles. After a workout, coconut water is one of the best drinks for muscle recovery.
Antioxidant
Coconut water has a good amount of vitamin C, cytokines, and other antioxidants that can fight harmful free radicals in the body according to International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Review and Research. Free radicals are the components that steal electrons from our cells and cause mass cell damage. This causes many health issues and aging. Antioxidants donate electrons to the free radicals and inactivate them.
Reducing Blood Sugar
Coconut juice has benefits for reducing blood sugar as per the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) studies. Different studies on rats showed coconut drinks increased insulin sensitivity, reducing blood sugar. This indicates humans may also have similar benefits. However, more human study is required for a better understanding of this benefits. Note that, if you already have diabetes, you should discuss with your doctor in case of wellness goal. Coconut palm water also contains a decent amount of sugar.
Reduce the Chance of Kidney Stones
Coconut water has the potential to reduce the chance of kidney stones. Stone is caused by calcium oxalates and other crystals. Coconut drinks stops the crystal formation and also helps the stone to pass through the urine. However, it might harmful to someone with kidney issues.
Heart health
Animal studies have shown the potential benefits of coconut for heart health. Consuming coconut juice may reduce the bad cholesterol and fat in the blood. Coconut drinks can also reduce blood pressure due to its high potassium content.
Recovery
Coconut water does a great job of recovery after exercise or playing sessions. Not just the electrolyte balance, it helps the body from the cellular level, recovering the muscle.
Disadvantages of Coconut Juice
Coconut water is generally very safe. In some cases we need to be cautious. It has a high potassium content. If someone already has too much potassium in their body, coconut juice can cause a potassium overdose.
If coconut palm water consumed on an empty stomach, it may cause electrolyte imbalance. As mentioned, diabetics and kidney patients may be careful for drinking coconut water regularly. Coconut may also interact with other drugs due to its potassium level. There is no reliable research if pregnant women have any issue drinking coconut fruit water.
( Note – Current research show it is safe & offer few positive benefits during pregnancy.)
Uses of Coconut Drinks
Coconut water is quite versatile. Its original role is rehydrating with a pleasing taste, but it is also used in many different ways around the world. Let’s go through some of them.
- Skin care: This water is often used for skin care. Its antioxidant content has the potential for skin complexion.
- Smoothies and juice: fresh coconut water is widely used for different types of juice and smoothies.
- Fruit Custard: Green coconut custard is one of the popular dishes.
- Curry and Soups: This water used making different curries and soups. Lobster with coconut juice in a coconut shell is one of the interesting recipes I love.
- Salad Dressing: Coconut water is also used as a salad dressing in many places of the world.
Taste of Coconut drinks
Coconut drink has a refreshing, sweet, nutty taste. Although not all coconut water is the same. The potency taste depends on the place and species of the coconut. Generally, healthy coconut trees produce sweet and tasty water.
Natural Coconut Water in the Wellness Industry
Natural coconut palm water can benefit the wellness industry in many ways. It can take the place of electrolyte drinks and sports drinks. Different organic beauty products can be made with coconut water. With its low calorie and potential benefits, more people will replace artificial drinks with coconut water. Coconut can be used for organic containers which is a sustainable way to replace plastic.
Apart from that this water derived wellness products help millions.
Future of Coconut Drinks in Human Civilization
Coconut plants became an integral part of human culture and civilization. When it comes to coconut water, it will be more popular in future. Wellness conscious people consume more often. In the future, coconut derive supplements will rise. If we can produce enough coconut sustainably and distribute, it will have a greater impact on human health and wellness.
Coconut Water and Environmental Sustainability
Coconut water is quite sustainable for the environment. Although it absorbs a lot of water, it is not a big issue as most of the coconut of the world is produced in the coastal areas, especially in Indonesia and India. But farming coconut in a drought-prone area is a problem indeed. Coconut is naturally packed. No plastic or pollution is involved.
The shell can be used again with proper technology. Ironically, many companies make packaged coconut water for easier transport. With rising demand, we must ensure the ethical production and packaging of this.
FAQ
What does coconut water do for your body?
Coconut water quickly releases the electrolyte in the blood which travels in all the cells of our body enhancing hydration. It also comes with many antioxidant, heart and kidney-friendly benefits.
Who should not drink coconut water?
People with diabetes and kidney disease should not eat coconut water. Also, it’s not suitable for someone with high potassium in their body.
Does coconut water detox the body?
Coconut water may have detoxing potential; some studies showed its liver-cleaning potential. However, more concrete evidence is required.
Why not drink coconut water at night?
Drinking coconut water at night causes disturbance in sleep due to the need of urinate.
Is coconut water bad for your gut?
Coconut water is not bad for the gut. It even has lucrative benefits for the digestive system.
Is coconut water good for belly fat?
Coconut water is a zero-fat and low-calorie food. If you are looking to burn fat, coconut juice will not add up any excess fat.
Conclusion
Coconut water is full of freshness and health benefits. It’s not only excellent as a drink, it can also be used for cooking different dishes. Coconut is a true lifeline for millions of people living in the coastal area. We must use it for a sustainable better future.
Mr. Shariful Alam Pavel believes in natural living. To live a healthy conscious living, we need to eat green, live green. MyOrganic Bd is a green wellbeing brand, educating millions to live a better life with mother nature.
