Mention any exotic tropical destination and immediately, what springs to mind are sandy beaches, sunny days, and tropical fruit cocktails with tiny paper umbrellas. Images associated with the tropics, such as palm trees and coconuts, also spring forth. But rarely does one valuable tropical product come to mind-coconut water.
Learn more about the benefits of this unusual gift of nature.
1. It's Low in Calories
The first benefit of coconut water is its low-calorie content. Unlike other fruit juices, a cup of coconut water has only 45 calories. Coconut water also has fewer carbohydrates and sugars, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. If you need to lose weight, coconut water is a great way to curb cravings for sodas and is a better alternative than sugary fruit juices. Before you use coconut water to help you reach your weight loss goals, consult medical professionals like the MD Diet clinic in Orem to advise you on the right practices.
2. It's Loaded with Electrolytes
Coconut water has more of the good stuff like minerals and electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium. This is good news for athletes who like to rely on sports drinks to rehydrate since commercial sports drinks can rot your teeth. In that study, it was even found that Gatorade rots teeth worse than Red Bull or Coca-Cola. The rehydrating properties of coconut water don't come with any teeth-eroding caveats, so feel free to drink up after any sports activity.
3. It Has Anti-Aging Properties
Free radicals, or waste by-products from your cells, can cause cells to die if left unchecked. What does this have to do with aging? If enough cells on certain areas of your body (like in your skin and other organs) die and don't get replaced fast enough, then essentially that shows up on your body as aging. Coconut water has antioxidants that clean up cells of free radicals, preserving cells and helping out your system by not having to replace as many dead cells. Note that these properties can only preserve the cells that are alive, and not revive dead cells.
4. It Has Some Benefits of Milk
Milk has calcium and magnesium - as does coconut water. Calcium is needed by the body to keep bones and teeth strong, while magnesium is essential for muscular function. These substances are present in coconut water, but in small amounts. What coconut water has more of than milk, however, are amino acids. Coconut water has more arginine, alanine, cysteine, and serine than cow's milk, and these are helpful in repairing tissues.
Coconut water can be an excellent replacement for most sports drinks, as it has enough electrolytes to help your body replenish water and salts lost to perspiration. It also won't rot your teeth. Though the calcium and magnesium in coconut water may not be sufficient, it has more than enough amino acids that speed up muscle recovery after a strenuous workout. If you're lactose-intolerant, you may reap these benefits without having to worry about what you're drinking. Coconut water is, indeed, a helpful tool in losing weight and staying healthy, but only if you get the most natural kind. Source the most natural coconut water you can find and avoid brands full of sugar and preservatives.