Health Benefits of Coconut Water

Coconut water is also known as nature's own soft drink. It is a natural beverage that rehydrates your body, keeps you cool and helps maintain a proper body temperature. After exercises, if coconut water is consumed, it replenishes the body fluids making you feel refreshed and rejuvenated. Coconut water is also abundant in various anti-viral, anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties. In this article, I will be discussing some of the health benefits of Coconut water in detail.
Coconut is a wonder nut which is found in the tropical regions of the world. It is a nut which is self sufficient in itself as it provides everything which is required by a human being to survive: milk, water, oil and the white solid part which pacifies your hunger. It has lot of other uses as well, for example, its coir is used to make mats and mattresses. In India, if you travel to Southern regions like Kerala, you will find the coconuts in abundance. Coconut water is found in tender green coconuts which is freshly plucked from the coco palms. Let's find out the health benefits of coconut water in the section below.

1. Excellent drink for scorching summer heat - Coconut water replenishes the hydration levels in the body as it is packed with various minerals and electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, and magnesium.
2. Excellent anti-ageing effects - As coconut water is full of cytokinins (known to regulate cell growth and divisons), it minimizes the ageing of skin cells and balances the pH levels. Also, regular intake of coconut water gives you a skin free of dark spots, acne, wrinkles and even stretch marks. Coconut water hydrates the skin from inside and prevents it from sagging. It has also been used in various creams, lotions and moisturizers. Also, it is used in many shampoos and conditioners as it removes excess oil from skin and scalp.
3. Excellent treatment for Liver Ailments - Due to the presence of Lauric Acid, coconut water helps in treatment of liver ailments such as Hepatitis and also eliminates Kidney and Bladder stones.
4. Improves Exercise Regime - According to a recent study, coconut water is an excellent natural sports drink as it contains 5 times more potassium than any other fitness drink available in the market. After any strenuous activity or workout, it also helps boost the body's energy levels.
5. Helps Lose Weight - For weight conscious people, this is one of the most important benefits as it is very low in fat and you can have it as much as you can without worrying for the intake of fattening agents. It keeps you full and decreases your cravings for other food stuff. Also, since drinking coconut water your metabolic rate, you are ought to lose some extra pounds.
6. Helps Prevent Diabetes - Since it is very low in sugar content, it can help prevent you from the onset of diabetes.
7. Good for Cardiovascular Health - It has been found that people with high blood pressure have lower levels of potassium in their body. Since coconut water is rich in Potassium and Lauric Acid, regular intake of it regulates the blood pressure level and also increases the level of HDL(good cholesterol) in the blood.
8. Aids Digestion - If you suffer from problems like diarrhoea or constipation, having coconut water twice daily helps you get rid of these problems. Also, Lauric Acid present in coconut water helps fight against intestinal worms and parasites.
9. Natural Diuretic - Since coconut water is a natural diuretic, it increases the flow of urine and thus helps prevent infections like UTI (Urinary Track Infection).
10. Improves Immunity - Since coconut water is rich in Vitamin C, it helps improve your body's immunity and thus preventing you from normal infections like cold and cough.
11. Helps Maintain Nervous and Circulatory System - Due to the presence of Vitamin B1(Thiamine) and Vitamin B2(Riboflavin), coconut wtare helps maintain the nervous and circulatory systems.
12. Good for Pregnant and Lactating Women - Since coconut water is also rich in Vitamin B9(folate) which is essential for fetus and baby's brain growth, it is recommended for pregnant and lactating mothers.
13. Helpful for Emergency Blood Transfusions - Since coconut water has properties similar to blood plasma, it can be used in emergency blood transfusions.
14. Prevents Hangovers - It is a bit weird but, coconut water is very effective in overcoming hangover as it replinishes the electrolytes lost from the body due to execessive urination caused by excessive drinking.