In recent years, coconut water has become quite the trendy beverage.
In addition to being naturally sweet and hydrating, coconut water is loaded with several important nutrients, including minerals that many people don’t get enough of.
Here are 7 health benefits of coconut water.
1. Good source of several nutrients
Coconuts grow in tropical climates on trees scientifically known as Cocos nucifera, and are botanically considered a fruit.
Coconut water is the liquid found in the center of a young, green coconut. It helps nourish the fruit. As the coconut matures, which takes around 10–12 months, some of the liquid remains while the rest ripens into the solid white flesh known as coconut meat
Coconut water typically comes from young coconuts about 6–7 months of age, though it’s also found in mature fruit. An average green coconut provides about 1/2–1 cup of coconut water.
Coconut water contains 94% water and very little fat. It should not be confused with coconut milk, which is made by adding water to grated coconut meat. Coconut milk contains about 50% water and is quite high in fat
One cup (240 ml) contains 60 calories, as well as
- Carbs: 15 grams
- Sugar: 8 grams
- Calcium: 4% of the daily value (DV)
- Magnesium: 4% of the DV
- Phosphorus: 2% of the DV
- Potassium: 15% of the DV
SUMMARY
Coconut water is the liquid found in young coconuts and a natural source of several important minerals.
2. May have antioxidant properties
Free radicals are unstable molecules produced in your cells during metabolism. Their production increases in response to stress or injury.
When there are too many free radicals, your body enters a state of oxidative stress, which can damage your cells and increase disease risk
Research on animals has shown that coconut water contains antioxidants that may help modify free radicals so they no longer cause harm
In one 2012 study, insulin-resistant rats on a high fructose diet were treated with coconut water. Free radical activity decreased, as did blood pressure, triglycerides, and insulin levels
Another study from 2014 found that damaged rat livers showed significant improvement in oxidative stress when treated with coconut water compared with livers that received no treatment
