Coconut water is a real natural elixir, which has dozens of healing properties. In fact, coconut water is the water found in the young and green coconut, not the ripe one.
Many people even consider this water to be alive and it makes sense, because the coconut tree drinks groundwater, filters it and eventually seals it and stores it inside its coconut fruit. It is believed that to filter only 1 liter of water, the tree needs 9 months.
An interesting fact is that coconut water has a similar electrolyte balance as blood plasma. This is the reason why it was used for infusions of the wounded in the Pacific during World War II. In Asia, coconut water is known as the juice of life. The locals just have to drill a hole in the coconut and drink directly from the source. This way of drinking water maximizes the health benefits.
The inside of the coconut is completely sterile, but once in contact with air, many of the qualities of valuable water are lost.
In recent years, coconut water has become a real hit. Pure water is an exceptional product that is low in calories and free of any cholesterol and fat. Just one glass of coconut water has as much potassium as much as a few bananas.
Benefits of coconut water
There are a number of benefits to drinking coconut water. First of all, it is considered to be an excellent way to hydrate the body because it contains valuable electrolytes that the body needs. It is rich in calcium, sodium, potassium and magnesium, which makes it one of the best drinks in the summer heat and during intense exercise.
Regular drinking of coconut water strengthens the immune system, as the lauric acid contained in the drink has excellent antifungal, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. This also means that coconut water is a great way to protect against various viral diseases. Due to its antimicrobial properties, it is believed that coconut water can also fight against Candida Albicans.
Coconut water contains various valuable enzymes that improve digestion and metabolism. This means that people who suffer from stomach problems should drink more of the life-giving fluid. Coconut water also improves blood circulation.
Coconut water is great for people who want to lose weight, because it is low in fat and calories. Taken regularly, it helps to get rid of excess water accumulated in the body, prevents the accumulation of new water and at the same time speeds up metabolism.
One of the most valuable qualities, which coconut water has, is that it regulates the blood pressure in a completely natural way. High levels of electrolytes normalize blood pressure levels. The drink reduces the risk of plaque in the blood vessels and this way it reduces the likelihood of heart disease. It is also believed that coconut water is very effective in regulating blood sugar and cholesterol.
It has become clear that coconut water is a natural diuretic, that not only helps to remove excess water from the body, but also helps prevent various urinary tract infections.
Coconut water is very useful for beauty and appearance, because it improves the overall condition of the skin. This is due to the fact that it has moisturizing properties and this way the skin is significantly refreshed. Directly applied to the skin, it removes acne.
It is believed that the drink improves kidney function due to its high mineral content. Potassium in coconut water has an alkalizing effect on the pH of urine and this way it prevents kidney stones.
Many doctors advise pregnant women to drink coconut water more often, as it is high in fiber and this way it reduces the risk of constipation and heartburn, which many expectant mothers suffer from.
Coconut water and beauty
Coconut water has long been considered an elixir of youth and rejuvenation, because it slows down the aging process and at the same time helps cell growth and regeneration. It refreshes the appearance of the skin, but is also extremely useful for hair and nails. It is used in many cosmetic products against cellulite, stretch marks, wrinkles, eczema, pigment spots.
Many celebrities also use coconut water for beauty and weight loss and this further adds to its popularity. Lovers of the drink are Jennifer Aniston, Madonna, Gisele Bündchen, Anne Hathaway, Rihanna, Jessica Simpson, Gwyneth Paltrow, Courtney Cox and others.
Coconut water and sports
John Isner, a professional tennis player, said that during the 11-hour Wimbledon marathon he drank a lot of coconut water, thanks to which he kept his strength and energy to continue. For in recovery after matches, he mixes it with protein powder.
Coconut water is better than sports drinks, because it is more effective in restoring lost fluids after active exercise. However, being hydrated is important not only for professional athletes, but also for all people who want to feel fresh.
However, as with anything, there are some downsides to coconut water. It is low in sodium and carbohydrates and high in potassium, but this is not always good for athletes who have a heavy sports program.
It is at the greatest loss of body fluids, that the body needs easily digestible carbohydrates for fast energy and coconut water does not contain enough sodium and carbohydrates. In this case, fast energy sources such as raisins and bananas are best.
Myths about coconut water
We have mentioned a number of health benefits of coconut water, but according to some opponents of the drink, most of them are a myth. According to some health experts, it is a myth that coconut water speeds up the metabolism, because there is no real evidence of this property.
Another myth, is that it is the perfect sports drink and as already noted, there is some truth in this doubt, because only with coconut water active athletes can not get the necessary sodium.
It is also a myth that coconut water can cure a hangover. The reason for this unpleasant condition is rooted in the fact that alcohol intake leads to severe dehydration, resulting in nausea and severe headaches.
Like any liquid, coconut water will hydrate the body, but plain water does exactly the same job, which makes it somewhat pointless to buy an expensive drink.
Another myth, according to some, is that coconut water takes care of heart health. Yes, it is rich in potassium, which is extremely important for the heart, but getting it through food is much more important.
