Coconut water provides various health benefits, including re-hydration, weight loss, a remedy for digestive system disorders and cholera, it is useful for intravenous hydration, as well as controlling hypertension, lowering cholesterol levels, and protecting the heart.
Coconut trees are considered wonder trees by mankind. Not only the fruit but the whole palm is reported to be very useful. Coconuts provide coconut water and the flesh inside the nut. The water and flesh supply us with essential nutrients that can keep our stomachs full and give us the energy to increase endurance. The scientific name of coconut is Cocos nucifera and it belongs to the Arecaceae or palm family. The fruit or the seed is technically known as a drupe, and it is not a nut, despite the name. [1]
Origin of Coconuts
Coconuts are thought to be native to the Indian Malay regions. By the beginning of the 15th century, coconuts entered Africa and slowly spread to Europe. The palm generally grows in tropical climates and today it is found in almost all the tropics in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, ranging from the Hawaiian islands, West Indies, Jamaica, Africa, India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, to Papua New Guinea.
There is evidence of coconuts being used in India over 3,000 years ago. In India, coconuts are regarded as one of the most sacred of fruits and they are offered to deities as tokens of gratitude. One of the names of coconut in Sanskrit is Kalpa-Vriksha meaning an “eternal tree” or “tree which fulfills all wishes”. That name has been given due to the fact that coconut palm is such a versatile tree and almost all parts of the tree can be put to beneficial use.
A coconut closely resembles a rugby ball with roughly three sides. The size is about 20 to 30 cm long. The drupe is covered with layers of fiber known as coir and the shell itself is very hard – almost water proof. Coconut water and the flesh develop inside. Coconut water and coconut flesh are not the only two types of food obtained from coconuts. Some of the byproducts of coconuts include mature coconut meat, coconut milk, coconut oil, coconut wine, coconut vinegar, and many more. [2]
Fresh coconut water contains easily digested carbohydrates in the form of sugar and electrolytes. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Serving Size : Nutrient Value Water [g] 94.99 Energy 19 Energy [kJ] 79 Protein [g] 0.72 Total lipid (fat) [g] 0.2 Ash [g] 0.39 Carbohydrate, by difference [g] 3.71 Fiber, total dietary [g] 1.1 Sugars, total including NLEA [g] 2.61 Calcium, Ca [mg] 24 Iron, Fe [mg] 0.29 Magnesium, Mg [mg] 25 Phosphorus, P [mg] 20 Potassium, K [mg] 250 Sodium, Na [mg] 105 Zinc, Zn [mg] 0.1 Copper, Cu [mg] 0.04 Manganese, Mn [mg] 0.14 Selenium, Se [µg] 1 Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid [mg] 2.4 Thiamin [mg] 0.03 Riboflavin [mg] 0.06 Niacin [mg] 0.08 Pantothenic acid [mg] 0.04 Vitamin B-6 [mg] 0.03 Folate, total [µg] 3 Folate, food [µg] 3 Folate, DFE [µg] 3 Choline, total [mg] 1.1 Fatty acids, total saturated [g] 0.18 6:0 [g] 0 8:0 [g] 0.01 10:0 [g] 0.01 12:0 [g] 0.09 14:0 [g] 0.04 16:0 [g] 0.02 18:0 [g] 0.01 Fatty acids, total monounsaturated [g] 0.01 18:1 [g] 0.01 Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated [g] 0 18:2 [g] 0 Tryptophan [g] 0.01 Threonine [g] 0.03 Isoleucine [g] 0.03 Leucine [g] 0.05 Lysine [g] 0.03 Methionine [g] 0.01 Cystine [g] 0.01 Phenylalanine [g] 0.04 Tyrosine [g] 0.02 Valine [g] 0.04 Arginine [g] 0.12 Histidine [g] 0.02 Alanine [g] 0.04 Aspartic acid [g] 0.07 Glutamic acid [g] 0.17 Glycine [g] 0.03 Proline [g] 0.03 Serine [g] 0.04 Sources include : USDA [3]
Nutritional Value of Coconut Water
Coconut water contains energy, protein, fat, carbohydrates, sugar, and dietary fiber. The mineral content includes calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, sodium, zinc, copper, manganese, and selenium, according to USDA. The vitamins found in coconut water include vitamin B6, vitamin C, and vitamin E, as well as vitamin K, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, and folate. [4] [5]
Coconut Water Health Benefits
Some amazing health benefits of drinking coconut water include:
Re-hydrates the Body
Coconut water is not just water. It is water filled with vitamins and minerals. Some of the minerals found in coconut water, such as potassium and sodium, act as electrolytes and help balance the water levels in our body. Having one or two glasses of coconut water after a long day in the sun can bring back lost minerals, vitamins, and energy in no time at all! [6]
Improves Digestion
Coconut water is an effective remedy for gastroenteritis, vomiting, mild diarrhea, dysentery, dyspepsia, and flatulence. Research studies have suggested that young coconut water is a good home remedy for children in the early stages of mild diarrhea. [7]
Useful for Intravenous Hydration
Coconut water can also be used for intravenous hydration and resuscitation for seriously ill patients when regular intravenous hydration solutions are not available. [8]
Note: Only medical professionals are capable and experienced enough to administer this. Please do not try this at home.
Antimicrobial Properties
Coconut water has been tested for its antimicrobial properties as well. It has been noted that coconut water contains biochemicals called peptides, which can kill both gram positive and gram negative bacteria. Thus, drinking coconut water can be very helpful in fighting infections. [9]
Treats Cholera
When suffering from cholera, tender coconut water can be very useful. Take two glasses of coconut water and mix it with 3-4 teaspoons of lime juice. This solution is known to bring back the electrolyte balance and should be regularly given to the patient. Coconut water, being a good source of potassium, can be an ideal solution for cholera. [10]
Normalizes Cholesterol Levels
Coconut water can also act as a deterrent for high cholesterol. Studies on the impact of coconut water in cholesterol-fed rats showed that LDL (low-density lipoprotein) or bad cholesterol levels, triglycerides, and overall total cholesterol levels were lowered while HDL (high-density lipoprotein), also known as good cholesterol, levels increased due to the consumption of coconut water. [11]
Maintains Heart Health
Coconut water is good for the heart. As coconut water controls cholesterol, the heart and aorta have lower cholesterol levels, resulting in a healthier heart and a reduced chance of strokes and heart attacks. Coconut water has a stimulating effect on enzymes, which helps in recovering from myocardial damages. [12]
Controls Hypertension
One of the benefits of coconut water is the control of hypertension (high blood pressure). A comparative study of coconut water and mauby (a tree bark-based beverage popular in the Caribbean islands) showed that hypertensive patients given coconut water showed a more positive response than people treated with mauby. The daily intake of one or two glasses of tender coconut water can be beneficial in controlling hypertension. [13]
Protects Liver
Tests on tender coconut water for its hepato-protective properties show that it is good for the liver. Coconut water provides antioxidants, which reduce the activity of many toxins in the liver. [14]
Reduces Urinary Disorders
Coconut water has diuretic properties, which is very helpful in cases of urinary disorders. Due to the diuretic effect, water is easily expelled from the body, along with the toxins, helping to keep our bodily systems healthy. [15]
Antioxidant Properties
Coconut water is a good source of antioxidants, which are helpful in scavenging free radicals and various toxins that are naturally produced in the body. These free radicals can start what is called chain reactions in the body by snatching away electrons. Such chain reactions can cause cell death and a variety of diseases. Antioxidants in our food are very important in counteracting these dangerous free radicals. [16]
Wound Healing Properties
Research studies have suggested that young coconut water is beneficial for postmenopausal symptoms or hormone replacement therapy. Also, it has wound healing properties. [17]
