The coconut water It is one of the fashionable drinks, especially now in summer, when the beaches fill up with people consuming this refreshing drink in the heat. Coconut water is a drink that, specifically, is found inside coconuts that are green, since when they ripen, the water would become what is the flesh of the fruit.
Those who consume this drink maintain that it is good for coronary health, cholesterol control and to regulate the level of sugar in the blood. In addition, they believe that coconut water is more hydrating than H2O, and they believe that, drinking it after practicing intense exercise, you can recover faster.
The truth is coconut water is 95% water. But in addition, it also contains sugars, vitamins, minerals, amino acids and phytohormones.
Coconut water benefits
Let’s see below the Benefits that coconut water can have for the human body:
– Avoid dehydration: coconut water is a natural drink that comes from a fruit. In addition, it contains minerals that help hydrate the body, improve physical performance and provide energy.
– Provides energy for the brain and muscles: coconut water contains around 295 mg of potassium. Potassium is a very beneficial mineral for contracting the muscles of the heart and can reduce the risk of suffering a cardiovascular accident, according to a study by the World Health Organization (WHO).
– Prevents aging: a study carried out by Palacký University, in the Czech Republic, says that cytokines have an anti-aging effect on human cells. This drink specifically contains this group of plant hormones, which is why many people would include coconut water in their anti-premature aging routines.
– Improves digestion: according to experts in a study by the Federal University of Santa Catarina (Brazil), the digestive properties of coconut water could be quite beneficial. Although the same investigations conclude that it is still not safe to use it as a digestive tonic for stomach-related ailments, since scientists have not done enough research yet and little is known about it. Therefore, they recommend taking it moderately, since coconut water in excess can have a laxative effect.
This same study carried out in Brazil, tried to analyze the myths with which, in recent years, many people have classified coconut water as a “miracle” food. However, the research results did not present clear data, but rather contradictory, so experts recommend consuming it in moderation.
– Strengthens the immune system: coconut water has a high content of lauric acid and, according to a study carried out by Texas A&M University (United States), lauric acid could have antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial properties.
– Urinary Tract Health: Another study conducted by the Cross River University of Technology in Nigeria suggests that coconut water may have positive effects on the kidneys.
Coconut water myths
Those who consume this drink also suggest that it may have other positive effects, such as reducing the risk of having a heart attack. However, we must know well the research of scientists before believing the opinions of others, since a study carried out by the New Zealand Institute of Chemistry, these data they wouldn’t be real, and coconut water would not prevent heart attacks and other cardiovascular problems.
Of course, they admit that part of the benefits can be lost if the coconut water is not natural, because it will have added sugars and other additives that multiply the calories and make it similar to industrial soft drinks.
Also Marjorie Nolan Cohn, specialized in eating disorders and member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics of Cleveland in the United States, debunks theories about the benefits of coconut water in an interview in the online magazine Eat right of that organization, where he affirms that there are some myths that, at the moment, do not have consistent scientific support.
Thus, various studies show that the coconut water It has several health benefits, but other experts debunk the theory. Well, like everything else, coconut water is not a miracle food, so it does not cure diseases.
The right thing is always consult a doctor before starting to consume coconut water, since it is the specialist who will know well our organism and how this drink can affect it. And it is that, for example, it should be taken into account that coconut water has a high sugar content, so it would not be suitable for people with diabetes.
This information does not replace in any case the diagnosis or prescription by a doctor. It is important to go to a specialist when symptoms occur in case of illness and never self-medicate.
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