Coconut water seems to have plenty of health benefits, confirmed both by traditional Indian medicine and modern studies. Find out what are the most important benefits of coconut water and discover which brands are the healthiest choice.
Answering the question “Is coconut water good for you?” is simple when it’s raw and unpasteurized. Fresh coconut water is always the top choice, but few people have access to coconut palms all year round. Not to be confused with coconut milk, which is obtained from mixing water with coconut shavings, coconut water is the pure liquid found inside coconuts and it seems to have plenty of benefits as an excellent hydration option.
Health Benefits of Coconut Water
The most important advantage of coconut water is that it’s all natural, without any additives or preservatives. Drained from the coconuts, the liquid is simply pasteurized and placed in the container.
Coconut water health benefits revolve around its great hydrating powers. Either fresh or pasteurized, coconut water is very rich in electrolytes, especially in potassium, along with magnesium, chloride, calcium and phosphate. Unlike most sports drinks that have high levels of sugars and sodium, coconut water is a natural way of consuming electrolytes for proper hydration.
Coconut water nutrition reveals that this miracle beverage is fat free and very low in calories (when it doesn’t include added sugars). Cholesterol-free, coconut water seems to outweigh the benefits of all other hydration methods, from sports drinks to fresh fruit smoothies.
Modern lab tests have shown that coconut water reduces high blood sugar and oxidative stress in diabetic rats, and the benefits seem to be similar for humans.
Along with the effective way of rehydrating the body, health benefits of coconut water also include the fact that it’s better tolerated by the body when you’re working out vigorously. Coconut water produces no nausea and causes an upset stomach less frequently than sports drinks or even regular water.
Relevant coconut water nutrition facts also include two important properties of this beverage: coconut water is a good source of dietary fiber, which helps shorten transit time in the digestive system, and a natural diuretic. By increasing the urine flow, coconut water helps flush out toxins faster and the fibers it contains can also be an aid in weight-loss.
Other studies have shown that coconut water boosts circulation and that it can help balance the body’s pH levels.
Which Coconut Water is Best for You?
Filled with vitamins, amino acids and electrolytes, coconut water is becoming an increasingly trendy rehydration option, but not all the coconut water brands have the same content of electrolytes and some have added sugar. Check the package for coconut water nutrition information before making a purchase, so make sure you choose the right product for you, with or without added sugars and with a high level of electrolytes.
O.N.E. Coconut Water
Naturally sweet and free of fat and cholesterol, O.N.E. coconut water is all natural, as the juice from young green coconuts reaches the final container without being reformulated or fortified in any way.
An excellent alternative to water or juice in smoothies or for mixing with protein powders, O.N.E. Coconut water is also available with a splash of different fruit juices added, not just in the natural version.
Zico Coconut Water
One bottle of Zico has more potassium than a banana and 15 times more than most sports drinks, making it the perfect choice for a workout without cramping. Packed with the most important 5 electrolytes, Zico water has a much lower acidity than sports drinks and juices and it’s also Dr. Oz’s choice for an effective hydrating solution.
C2O Coconut Water
With an emphasis on natural flavor, C20 Coconut Water is made from fresh coconuts of a variety specific to inland Thailand, for a sweet natural taste without extra flavors or sweeteners.
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