ExqMagJul18

Wellnessproduce
Refreshing
Coconut Water
Coconut water not only quenches your
thirst, it helps you build a strong immune
system. By Marie Lee
Coconut water has long been a popular drink in the
tropics where it is available fresh, canned or bottled.
For generations, it has been touted for its healing and
medicinal properties. In recent years, coconut water
has been marketed as a natural energy or sports drink. This
is hardly surprising since it’s chockfull of Vitamin B and C,
electrolytes, amino acids, organic acids, enzymes, minerals and
trace elements, antioxidants and phytonutrients. The list just
goes on and on; and all these are exceptionally beneficial to
your health. They are also great for your heart, skin, bones and
teeth.
What is coconut water?
Coconut water is the liquid found inside unripe coconuts that
eventually forms the familiar white pulp as the fruit matures.
Naturally refreshing, this translucent drink contains easily
digested carbohydrate in the form of sugar and electrolytes.
Though low in sugar, coconut water offers a pleasantly sweet,
nutty taste. Weight- watchers are bound to appreciate that it’s
low in calories, naturally fat- and cholesterol free. Furthermore,
coconut water is all natural, free from added sugar and doesn’t
contain artificial ingredients or food colourings; provided you
choose plain coconut water and avoid those with added sugar
or juices, which are no different from other sugary beverages.
Hydration
Dehydration occurs when you lose more water and electrolytes
than you take in. You lose electrolytes when you sweat or lose
fluid from your body such as when you have diarrhea or vomit.
Coconut water can help keep you hydrated because it contains
high levels of essential electrolytes such as potassium, that are
needed to keep proper fluid balance in your body and maintain
proper muscle and nerve function.
As a sports drink
Drinking refreshing, slightly sweet coconut water after a
workout can help replenish the electrolytes your body needs.
It has fewer calories, less sodium and more potassium than a
sports drink – about 15 times more to be exact. One of the most
important electrolytes that coconut water contains is sodium.
This electrolyte is also the one most depleted with exercise, as
you lose sodium through sweat and urine. Hence, consuming
coconut water after exercise may be a more effective way to
rehydrate than drinking plain water or a sports beverage.
Anti-aging benefits
Coconut water is a good source of plant hormones called
cytokines. These plant hormones have anti-aging effects on
human cells, keeping them smooth, full and youthful. Drinking
coconut water can have an anti-aging effect on your body,
including your skin, from the inside out. It improves wound
healing and eye health as well.
Curative properties
Coconut water has also shown significant anti-cancer and
anti-thrombotic benefits. This is due once again to its high
cytokine content. It is useful as a means to treat diseases such
as hypertension and heart disease because it is an effective
vasodilator, improving circulation and reducing the occurrence
of plaque formation in your arteries. Coconut water contains
trans-zeatin which can be used to treat Alzheimer’s disease or
dementia.
Helps balance blood glucose and insulin
levels
Coconut water is excellent for diabetic patients as it contains
certain nutritional properties that help in maintaining the blood
sugar levels. Coconut water directly improves blood circulation
and aids to widen the vessels for smooth blood circulation.
Therefore, coconut water provides great relief against fighting
the symptoms and side effects of diabetes.
Lowers blood pressure
Coconut water lowers triglyceride levels helping to manage
the good cholesterol in your body. A study showed that 71 per
cent of participants lowered their blood pressure after drinking
coconut water.
Dissolves kidney stones and prevents urinary
tract infection
Due to its high quantities of potassium, coconut water may help
alkalize urine and dissolve certain types of kidney stones. Foods
high in potassium are excellent sources of nutrients that help
create an alkaline-forming environment in the blood and urine,
altering the body’s pH and dissolving various calculi. Since it is
a diuretic, coconut water helps prevent urinary tract infections.
Good for the bones and teeth
Calcium is needed for healthy bones, muscles and tissues.
Coconut water provides a high amount of calcium which
strengthens bones and teeth. It is effective in preventing
osteoporosis. It also improves oral health and prevents tooth
decay.
For pregnant women
Coconut water is beneficial for pregnant women. Many
pregnant women in tropical climates drink it to alleviate
morning sickness and to soothe the stomach after vomiting. It
aids digestion and prevents constipation, a common complaint
during pregnancy. Coconut water contains lauric acid which
boosts the immune system, preventing infection and illnesses.
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EXQUISITE | 77