10 reasons coconut water is good for your health

What the Health Experts Say

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Refreshing, tasty and low in calories, coconut water is the go-to drink for many health and fitness junkies. But is it actually good for health? We find out from the experts if the delicious beverage is merely a well-designed marketing ploy or really a miracle cure:

Belinda Kirkpatrick, Naturopath

"Coconut water has become very fashionable recently but it's actually been used to rehydration and health in tropical regions around the world for centuries. Coconut water isn't the same as coconut milk, which is made by mixing coconut water and coconut meat, and then pressed to give the milk. The water has a very light consistency and contains energy-producing and stress-reducing B-group vitamins and minerals."



Susie Burrell, Weight-Loss Expert

"Of all the foods that have created hype over the past few years coconut water is high up on the list.  From a nutritional perceptive, it does contain fewer kilojoules than both sports drinks and fruit juices, with relatively high amounts of the mineral salt, potassium."



Dr Claudia Lee, General Practitioner

"Coconut water is actually a healthy natural drink and a good source of hydration. In its natural form, it's low in sugar and kilojoules (less than half of fruit juices and soft drinks), low in fat, and has a balance of electrolytes similar to our blood plasma, which means it's easily absorbed."

 

This article was originally published in Singapore Women's Weekly.

It Can Help You Lose Weight

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Unlike plain water, coconut water is not entirely calorie-free, but at 42 calories per serving (240 grams) it's still a pretty low-calorie drink. This makes it an awesome replacement for any one of your regular, sugar-sweetened drinks and when used like this, coconut water can help you reach your weight loss goals.

Read more: 3 brain hacks to lose weight fast

It Keeps You Looking Younger For Longer

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Coconut water contains a variety of trace elements such as zinc, selenium, iodine, sulfur, manganese, boron, molybdenum that act as antioxidants in the body. Antioxidants protect the body from damage by toxins, keeping you young and vibrant. It's also high in vitamin C, which helps to boost the immune system, heal wounds and protect the skin from damage. 

Read more: 46 best anti-ageing skincare products you need for youthful skin

It Will Give Your Skin A Glow

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For those with acne or other blemishes on the surface of the skin, topical application of coconut water can go a great distance as it has the ability to clear up and subsequently tone the skin. It also moisturizes the skin from within if ingested orally and eliminates large amounts of excessive oil.

Read more: 5 sleeping masks that will make your skin glow

It Can Calm You Down During Stressful Periods

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Coconut water benefits those suffering from stress and may reduce panic attacks and anxiety. That's because it contains GABA, a neurotransmitter that has a relaxing, anti-anxiety, and anti-convulsive effect on the body. 

Read more: 10 things that stress you out over the festive season and how to deal with them

It Will Improve Digestive Issues

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Coconut water improves digestion, and may normalise bowel movements due to its high fibre content. This high concentration of fibre aids in the prevention of indigestion and reduces the occurrence of acid reflux helping you answer nature's call and provide relief at times when digestive issues are bringing you down.  

Read more: 8 tips to stop bloating so you feel good after every meal

It's Great For Hydration

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Coconut water helps regulate fluid levels in the body and may prevent edema and the occurrence of water weight. In its natural form, it is a thirst quenching and nutrient-dense beverage. It is highly concentrated with five electrolytes that are known to support rapid hydration: sodium, magnesium, calcium, potassium and phosphorus.  

Read more: Should you get an alkaline water dispenser and is it really good for your health?

It Will Keep You Energised

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Need to keep the midnight oil burning but just too tired? Gulp down some coconut water. It will quickly improve energy reserves by flooding the body with easy-to-access nutrients including glucose. Coconut water also increases oxygen in the body tissues, therefore improving your body's performance.

Read more: 4 ways to pamper yourself when you are tired and stressed 

It May Be Able To Treat Cancer

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Coconut water has a unique chemical composition of sugars, vitamins, minerals, amino acids and cytokines – which have shown anti-aging and anti-cancer effects in research studies. But further research in this area is needed before it can be touted as a medical miracle.

Read more: 8 myths about breast cancer you need to stop believing

It Has Anti-Microbial Properties

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Coconut water contains natural anti-microbial peptides that can be effective in fighting bacteria such as E.coli, B. subtilis, S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. E. coli is a multi-drug-resistant bacterium and universal inhabitant of human digestive tract. S. aureus and B. subtilis cause food spoilage and poisoning. P. aeruginosa< is a potential human pathogen found inhabiting milk products, vegetables and meat. 

Read more: Why you need to eat probiotics now

It's Full Of Antioxidants

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Coconut water contains a lot of antioxidants, which help prevent the damage to our bodies caused by free radicals. Free radicals are produced by your own metabolism, so there's no other way to neutralise the damage, except making sure you consume enough antioxidants in your diet. 

Read more: 9 best nutritional supplements for optimal health