Living in a tropical country like Indonesia, we certainly encounter many consumption products from coconut, one of which is coconut water. Coconut water, besides its refreshing taste, especially if we drink it when the weather is hot, it turns out that coconut water has extraordinary benefits for the health of the body. Anything?
Coconut water has a delicious, refreshing taste and provides health benefits for your body because it contains various nutrients such as vitamins and minerals that are rarely obtained from the food you consume every day. Through this post, we will explain what the nutritional content and benefits of coconut water are for the health of the body.
Nutritional content and benefits of coconut water for the body
1. High Nutrient Content
Coconut water can be found in young coconuts which is produced naturally in the fruit and consists of 94 percent water and very little fat. Coconut fruit takes between 10-12 months to fully ripen, while coconut water is found in fruit aged 6-7 months.
Young coconut water is a source of nutrients that are important for body health. In one cup of coconut water the size of 240 grams contains at least:
- Calories 46
- Carbohydrates 9 grams
- Potassium 17 percent
- Sodium 11 percent
- Calcium 6 percent
- Fiber 3 grams
- 2 grams of protein
- Vitamin C 10 percent
- Magnesia 15 percent
- Manganese 17 percent
2. Rich in Antioxidant Substances
Free radicals are unstable molecules produced by your body’s cells during the metabolic process. Increased production of free radicals can also be caused by stress and injury.
When you have too many free radicals in your body, your body is in a state of oxidative stress, which can damage your body’s cellular tissues and lead to serious diseases like cancer.
Various studies conducted on animals revealed that the antioxidant content in coconuts can modify free radical molecules so that they are not harmful to the body.
In another study using rats showed that the antioxidant content in coconut water can treat liver organs damaged by free radicals. Although until now there has been no research that proves the benefits of antioxidants in coconut water for the human body, there is no harm in consuming it.
3. Good for Diabetics
Research reveals that coconut water can lower blood sugar levels and improve general health. In a study using rats, it was found that animals treated with coconut water had lower blood sugar levels than animals not given coconut water.
The same study also found that mice given coconut water had lower levels of hemoglobin A1c. The content of fiber and easily digestible carbohydrates in water is very good for diabetics.
In addition, the magnesium content in coconut water can increase insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes.
4. Prevent Kidney Stone Disease
One way to prevent kidney stones is to regularly consume water. However, research reveals that consuming coconut water is better than just plain water.
Kidney stones form when calcium, oxalate and other components combine and become crystals in your urine. These crystals can turn into kidney stones.
Coconut water can prevent the accumulation of crystals in the kidneys and urinary tract, as well as consistently prevent the formation of new crystals in the urine.
Researchers believe this can reduce the production of free radicals, which is usually caused by high levels of oxalate in the urine.
Although the above still needs to be proven by comprehensive research, it is possible that the vitamin and mineral content in coconut water is good for your body’s health.
5. Maintain Heart Health
The next benefit of coconut water is to maintain heart health.
In a study showed that consuming coconut water can reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the body. In addition, it can also reduce fat in the liver.
6. Lowers High Blood Pressure
Coconut water is also useful for controlling high blood pressure to keep it normal. In a study involving people with hypertension showed that those who consumed coconut water experienced a 71 percent reduction in systolic blood pressure.
This is possible because in 240 ml of coconut water there are 600 mg of potassium. Potassium is known as a compound that helps lower blood pressure in people with hypertension. In addition, coconut water is also useful for preventing blockage of blood vessels because it has anti-thrombotic properties.
7. Prevents Dehydration
The next benefit of coconut water is that it is the best drink to drink after exercise to restore body fluids and replace electrolytes lost during exercise.
Electrolytes are minerals that have an important role for your body, one of which is maintaining fluid balance. Electrolytes contain Potassium, Magnesium, Sodium and Calcium.
In two studies revealed that coconut water has the ability to hydrate the body better than plain water. In addition, those who consumed coconut water also reported a decrease in the effects of nausea and abdominal pain.
8. Help Diet Program
Citing the Times of India, consuming coconut water is highly recommended for those who are on a diet program. In addition to being low in fat, coconut water can also give the effect of feeling full longer and reduce appetite.
9. Can Maintain Skin Health
In addition to being consumed, coconut water can also overcome the problem of acne and premature aging on the face. Apply coconut water on facial skin and leave it overnight. The anti-bacterial content in coconut water is useful in preventing the development of acne-causing bacteria.
That’s the nutritional content and benefits of coconut water for health and beauty. If the article above is useful, don’t forget to share it via social media. Greetings healthy!
