Healthy Habits: Coconut Water
The fresh juice of green, “young” coconuts is what is referred to as coconut water, not to be confused with coconut milk, which is an emulsion of coconut water blended with the freshly grated inner flesh of mature coconuts.
Fresh organic coconut water is wonderfully hydrating and replenishes electrolytes. It is a choice alternative to sports drinks, juice drinks and sodas that can be loaded with sugar, artificial colors & flavors and preservatives.
Here are some of the many health benefits that coconut water can offer:
- boosts hydration,
- assists in optimal digestion,
- aids metabolism,
- helps with weight loss & healthy weight management (helps reduce food cravings),
- destroys intestinal parasites,
- prevents kidney stones,
- calms urinary tract infections,
- replenishes electrolytes,
- promotes healthy skin,
- reduces blood pressure,
- improves heart health,
- improves cognitive function/memory,
- increases energy levels naturally,
- helps reduce joint pain, cools the body/regulates body temperature,
- and helps regulate blood sugar. (*The natural sweetness of coconut water can satisfy sugar cravings as a healthy alternative for those on low sugar diets.)
One cup of coconut water contains approximately sixteen percent of our daily recommended potassium, which assists in keeping fluid and electrolyte levels balanced. One cup of coconut water also provides: about 56 mg of calcium, 60 mg of magnesium, 10.4 g of carbs, 0.5 g of protein & manganese, and only 44 calories, with zero fat and cholesterol.
I recommend unflavored Harmless Harvest Brand Organic Coconut Water. I’m sure there are other good brands out there, but this one just stands out above all others I’ve tried. It has a great taste, it’s naturally sweet but not too sweet, and the company seems to have the highest standards for quality.
It is interesting to note that the consistency of coconut water is similar to the liquid inside our red blood cells. There is a myth that coconut water is identical to plasma. It is not. There are, however, reported emergency cases where IV fluids ran out in remote areas or weren’t available at all, and pure, fresh coconut water was used successfully as an alternative.
Contraindications
If you have a health condition that requires limiting potassium or sodium, then coconut water may not be a good choice for you. Along with the aforementioned amount of potassium in the water, it also contains around 101 mg of sodium per each 8 ounce serving. With any suggestion that I make in my columns, please always do your own research and/or talk with your doctor before trying.
Hydration
While coconut water is a great alternative to sports drinks, sodas and other drinks loaded with cane sugar, it isn’t meant to replace water. Coconut water is over 90 percent water itself, but make sure you are still drinking plenty of filtered water daily. It is recommended that adults drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day.
Some warning signs of dehydration are: headache, dizziness/lightheadedness, fatigue, confusion, and dry mouth, eyes and lips. The human body is 60 percent water. Losing even 2 percent of our body’s water content can hinder memory, clarity, mood, etc.
Staying hydrated decreases the risk of kidney stones, relieves/prevents constipation, reduces headaches, improves physical & mental performance, and according to studies can provide migraine headache relief, just to name a few. So stay hydrated!
~Be Well and God Bless You.
By Jennifer Wimmer
