Coconut Water

Overview

Coconut water is the clear liquid found inside immature coconuts. As the coconut matures, the water is replaced by coconut meat. Coconut water is sometimes referred to as green coconut water because the immature coconuts are green in color.

Coconut water is different than coconut milk. Coconut milk is produced from an emulsion of the grated meat of a mature coconut.

Coconut water is commonly used as a beverage and as a solution for treating dehydration related to diarrhea or exercise. It is also tried for high blood pressure and to improve exercise performance.

Classification

Is a Form of:

Liquid found inside immature coconuts

Primary Functions:

Dehydration

Also Known As:

Agua de Coco, Asian Coconut Water, Coconut Drink, Coconut Fruit Water

How Does It Work?

Coconut water is rich in carbohydrates and electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, and magnesium. Because of this electrolyte composition, there is a lot of interest in using coconut water to treat and prevent dehydration. But some experts suggest that the electrolyte composition in coconut water is not adequate to be used as a rehydration solution.

Uses

  • Diarrhea-related dehydration. Some research shows that consuming coconut water can help prevent dehydration in children with mild diarrhea. But there is no reliable evidence that it is any more effective than other beverages for this use.
  • Dehydration caused by exercise. Some athletes use coconut water to replace fluids after exercise. Coconut water helps people rehydrate after exercise, but it does not appear to be more effective than sports drinks or plain water. Some athletes also use coconut water before exercise to prevent dehydration. Coconut water might work better than drinking plain water, but results are still preliminary.
  • Exercise performance. Some athletes use coconut water to replace fluids during or after exercise in order to improve their performance during follow-up exercise. Coconut water might help, but it does not appear to be more effective than sports drinks or plain water. Some athletes also use coconut water before exercise to improve endurance. Coconut water might work better than drinking plain water, but results are still preliminary.
  • High blood pressure. Some research suggests that drinking coconut water might lower blood pressure in people with high blood pressure.
  • Other conditions.

Recommended Dosing

The appropriate dose of coconut water depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for coconut water. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

Coconut Water Supplements Frequently Asked Questions

Is it bad to drink coconut water everyday?

Coconut water is LIKELY SAFE for most adults when consumed as a drink. It might cause fullness or stomach upset in some people. ... In large amounts, coconut water might cause potassium levels in the blood to become too high. This might lead to kidney problems and irregular heartbeat.

Does coconut water affect drugs?

Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs)Interaction Rating: Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Talk with your health provider. Coconut water might decrease blood pressure. Taking coconut water along with medications for high blood pressure might cause your blood pressure to go too low.

What are the benefits of drinking coconut water?

8 Science-Based Health Benefits of Coconut Water

  • Good Source of Several Nutrients.
  • May Have Antioxidant Properties.
  • May Have Benefits Against Diabetes.
  • May Help Prevent Kidney Stones.
  • May Support Heart Health.
  • May Reduce Blood Pressure.
  • Beneficial After Prolonged Exercise.
  • Delicious Source of Hydration.

What are the disadvantages of coconut water?

Side Effects & Safety

It might cause fullness or stomach upset in some people. But this is uncommon. In large amounts, coconut water might cause potassium levels in the blood to become too high. This might lead to kidney problems and irregular heartbeat.

Will coconut water make me poop?

Improves Digestion

Eliminate your bodies waste and release unwanted toxins by consuming coconut water on a daily basis. The magnesium found in coconut water helps the muscles within your digestive system relax, relieving constipation by helping move your stool through the intestines.

Is coconut water high in sugar?

Naturally refreshing, coconut water has a sweet, nutty taste. It contains easily digested carbohydrates in the form of sugar and electrolytes. ... Ounce per ounce, most unflavored coconut water contains 5.45 calories, 1.3 grams of sugar, 61 milligrams of potassium, and 5.45 milligrams of sodium.

Does coconut water lower BP?

Coconut water may be great for controlling blood pressure. ... Potassium has been shown to lower blood pressure in people with high or normal blood pressure. What's more, one animal study found that coconut water has anti-thrombotic activity, which means it may prevent the formation of blood clots.

Is coconut water a good electrolyte drink?

Natural coconut water contains five key electrolytes: sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Coconut water is packed with potassium, more than found in one banana or 15 sport drinks. Potassium is also important because it enhances rehydration through replacement of intracellular water post-exercise.

What does coconut water do sexually?

Some studies stated that coconut water increases High density lipoprotein levels in the body. Coconut water helps to lose weight as it is low in fats. However, coconut water can have different effect in the sex organ. Fertility and reproductive health are regulated and maintained by the levels of serum sex hormones.

Does coconut water hydrate better than water?

While coconut water is low in calories, rich in potassium, and fat and cholesterol free, the evidence that it is actually better than plain water for simple hydration is unfortunately lacking. Compared to typical sports drinks, coconut water has fewer calories, less sodium, but higher amounts of potassium.

Does coconut water help in hair growth?

Coconut water promotes cell growth and keeps hair strong by stimulating the scalp. It improves blood circulation and combined with its many vitamins minerals and amino acids, coconut water works to fortify strands and help make your locks grow even thicker.

Can you drink coconut water after 3 days?

"For best taste, after you open a Vita Coco," recommends the brand in their FAQ section, "place it in a refrigerator and consume within 24 to 48 hours—nobody likes sour coconuts."  But those changes—including a rancid odor—are a sure sign that you probably shouldn't drink that coconut water, no matter where it's from.

What coconut water has the least sugar?

Per cup, Zico Natural is the lowest in terms of calories, carbohydrates and sugar.

How much coconut water per day is safe?

It also naturally contains some sugar, and some brands add even more to theirs, making it definitely not equivalent to drinking water. Thus, Poon suggests sticking to one to two cups of coconut water per day at most

Is coconut water good for skin?

Anti-ageing Properties

Coconut water could do wonders for your skin and help induce a youthful glow. Coconut is known to have has cytokinins in it, which is a well-known anti-ageing agent. Besides this, it also hydrates your skin to make it more radiant and firm.

Can diabetics drink coconut water?

According to a study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food, coconut water helps improve diabetes. Such natural high potassium drink is good and healing for diabetics and a great alternative to fruit juices or aerated drinks that are generally loaded with toxic sugar."

Does coconut water help with bloating?

Coconut water is a real healer. It's refreshing and an excellent substitute for a sugar based energy drink. It's rich in potassium which helps counter sodium-induced bloating. Coconut water not only flushes the sodium out of the body but also regulates the cleansing process.

Is coconut water good for kidneys?

Regular consumption of coconut water increases the metabolism rate which helps to burn sugar and lose fat faster. 3. Coconut water also helps in dissolving kidney stones because of the presence of potassium, which plays a key role in urine alkalizing and preventing formation of kidney stones.

Does coconut water have side effects?

Side Effects & Safety

Coconut water is LIKELY SAFE for most adults when consumed as a drink. It might cause fullness or stomach upset in some people. In large amounts, coconut water might cause potassium levels in the blood to become too high. This might lead to kidney problems and irregular heartbeat.

Is coconut water good for your heart?

Coconut water helps prevent stroke and heart attack. You may have seen coconut water touted as a heart-healthy beverage. The potassium in coconut water helps counteract the blood pressure-boosting effects of sodium, so, in theory, drinking coconut water could help prevent heart disease.

Clinical Studies