The popularity of coconut has skyrocketed in the last few years, even though nutritionists have long criticised it due to its high saturated fat content.
As a result of its high content of natural electrolytes like potassium and magnesium, coconut water has been advertised as a thirst-quenching beverage. Coconut water is a low-calorie, water-like beverage with a bit of coconut taste. Coconut milk is a far more nutrient- and calorie-dense food as coconut meat is mixed with it.
Although coconut water has been used for centuries in tropical regions, it has only recently gained favour as a healthy alternative to sports drinks, particularly among athletes who appreciate its hydrating effects. Everyone, regardless of their degree of athletics, may benefit from maintaining healthy water levels.
How Does Coconut Water Stack Up Against Regular Water?
To be sure, nothing can replace good old H2O regarding hydration, but coconut water contains 95% water, so it gets very close. Coconut water is an excellent source of hydration, but it also has other beneficial elements, including calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium. While most coconut products have earned a bad reputation for being heavy in saturated fat, coconut water has relatively low levels of this nutrient.
It's worth noting that coconut water has a bit of salt (252 milligrammes [mg] per cup). Conversely, water is a better option for those watching their salt consumption because it has no sodium or calories. The American Heart Association suggests keeping your daily salt intake to 1,500 milligrammes or lesser. Seventeen per cent of that lesser number may be met by drinking one cup of coconut water
Why is coconut water hydrating?
Coconut water, in addition to its high water content, also includes electrolytes, which assist in keeping your body working at its optimum and can even help you better hydrate. Since electrolytes are excreted through sweat, they get a lot of airtime in commercials for sports drinks. Minerals like salt, calcium, and potassium, known as electrolytes, are essential for proper cellular fluid balance, and coconut water is a natural supply of these electrolytes.
Coconut water is good for you in more ways than one
Coconut water offers several health advantages and should be consumed regularly. It's a great way to get your daily dose of magnesium, which the National Institutes of Health (NIH) says is necessary for everything from protein synthesis to maintaining healthy blood pressure and glucose levels. The potassium in coconut water is essential for regular muscle contractions (particularly those of the heart), nerve impulse conduction, and kidney health, as reported by the National Institutes of Health.
