Top 7 Super Food Benefits of Fresh Coconut Water
By Deborah S. Nelson, with Photos by Vanessa Taranto
The clear, murky liquid found inside young green coconuts, has become a popular health food beverage. Coconut water contains electrolytes, and can be more effective for rehydration after exercising than many sports drinks. Sports drinks tend to be high in sugar which may be dehydrating and increase thirst. Coconut milk, often confused with coconut water, is made from the meat of the coconut and higher in calories and fat. Coconut water is a low-fat but slightly nutty drink with less sugar.
1. Aids in sustainable Weight-loss.
A natural appetite suppressant, coconut water is packed with nutrients, and drinking several glasses a day can help control eating binges. The more nutrients in your body, the less prone to cravings and snacking you will be. Coconut water’s fat content is extremely low, so while protecting yourself from hunger, your fat consumption is low too. Those serious about weight loss may consider adding coconut water to their diet.
2. Perfect Skin Elixir.
Butterfly & Coconut at Encuentro Beach
Because coconuts have anti-bacterial properties, those with acne or other blemishes on the surface of the skin, topical application of coconut water can clear up and tone the skin. If ingested orally it also moisturizes the skin from within. Commercial products such as facial creams, shampoos, conditioners and lotions that contain traces of coconut extract are more effective; but just think how much better the live, fresh real thing will be.
Coconut Water-Superior Hydration. PHOTO BY: Vanessa Taranto
3. Ultimate Hangover Drink.
Coconut water contains essential electrolytes that exit the body with frequent urination and vomiting from overdoing alcohol. Drinking coconut water after a night of drinking as well as the next morning replaces lost nutrients and electrolytes quickly.
4. Hydration Boost.
The nutritional ingredients including enzymes, minerals, vitamins and electrolytes in coconut water are tremendously effective at hydrating the human body–much more than sports and energy drinks. During rigorous exercise or extended periods of physical activity, the human body looses critical enzymes, electrolytes, and mineral rich fluids.
5. Balances Blood Pressure.
A sudden decreased level of electrolytes can result in high blood pressure. To balance your blood pressure, daily use of coconut water can be an effective remedy as it can rebalance of your electrolytes.
6. The Nutrient Bomb.
Coconut, the Nutrient Bomb. PHOTO BY: Vanessa Taranto
Drink fresh coconut water daily to bomb your body with live nutrients. To receive calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium and sodium enzymes in one drink all in proper balance is invaluable. Coconut water contains 1.78 grams of protein, a tiny amount of natural sugar, and less than 1 gram of total fat all for only 46 calories per cup. Carbohydrates make up the majority of the calorie content, with 8.9 grams per 1-cup serving, of which 6.26 grams are from sugar. And Coconut water even has fiber, providing approximately 2.6 grams per cup; nearly 10 percent of your daily needs for fiber.
7. Human Blood compatibility.
Coconut water has historically been used in extreme emergencies to quickly rehydrate the human body if administered intravenously. This was done often in WWII to keep soldiers from bleeding to death, and it is nearly the same chemical composition as human blood. Additionally, where there is a shortage of blood, it is common for the drink to be used in poorer, third-world countries to save human lives.
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