Healthy Food – Benefits of Coconut Water for Skin and Health

Healthy Food – Benefits of Coconut Water for Skin and Health

Image by Elba Cabrera from Pixabay

Scientific name for coconut is Cocos nucifera. Its origin is South East Asia.

It was called as ‘Coco’ by inhabitants. When ‘coco’ arrived in England, the suffix ‘nut’ was added making it a ‘coconut’.

Coconut is actually a fruit found on the palm trees. These trees grow well in the coastal tropical environments. This tree usually yields several hundreds of fruits every season depending upon the species and the area.

Coconut water is the juice present inside the interior cavity of young and tender coconut. This clear liquid is sweet and contains various essentials compounds such as vitamins, minerals, sugars, electrolytes, amino acids, phytohormones and cytokine.

A coconut can contain around 200 to 1000 ml of water based on its size and species. A coconut fruit younger than five months will be bitter and without any nutrients. Fully developed coconuts have less water because their endosperm is thick. It has a white edible kernel.

Health Benefits of Coconut Water

Improves Cardiovascular Health

As per studies coconut water can reduce risk of heart attacks, low blood pressure and hypertension.

Drink Coconut water once a day to improve cardiovascular health.

Coconut water might be low in calories, but there can be about five grams of sugar per coconut. So, it is not recommended to drink too much of coconut water.

Improves Metabolism

One of crucial things required for proper metabolism of carbohydrates and fats into energy is manganese. Coconut water is a good source of manganese. So it can boost the metabolism.

Prevents Kidney Stones

Drinking coconut water can help prevent kidney stones. Kidney stones happen when there is accumulation of crystals in our kidneys. As per research coconut water reduces the amount of crystals deposited in the kidneys which significantly reduces the occurrence of kidney stones.

Aids Digestion

Coconut water helps with our digestive system as it is rich in fiber. A single coconut contains about 9% of fiber that is required by our body in a single day.

Prevents and Treats Dehydration

Dehydration happens because of not drinking enough water or losing water through excretion. Coconut water keeps us hydrated. Athletes use coconut water as after workout drink.

Coconut water contains high water content and is rich in nutrients. It helps to restore our body. When we are dehydrated, we lose water, essential salts and nutrients.

Helps with Muscle Cramps

Muscle cramps happen due to potassium deficiency. Excessive exercise can also cause muscle cramps.

Coconut water can replenish lost water and potassium. Coconut water is a perfect alternative for any energy drink.

Strengthens Bones

We need nutrients to maintain bone strength and density.  Coconut water contains substantial amount of calcium that is necessary for healthy bones. It has magnesium also that builds bone strength.

Reduces Bloating

Bloating is usually related to gas. Bloating can be caused due to high sodium intake. Coconut contains high amount of potassium which can help counteract effects of sodium.

Aids Weight Loss

Consuming calories is one of the main reasons to put on weight. Aerated drinks and other sugary drinks can contribute to pile on calories. They can also leave us hungry. Coconut water is excellent substitute for these kinds of unhealthy drinks.

Coconut water is good for weight loss as it contains dietary fiber. Fiber gives a feeling of fullness as it takes long time to digest and stay in our body system longer. So we feel less hungry and eat less.

Lowers Blood Pressure

Coconut water helps prevent blood clots. It reduces cholesterol which can have an enormous impact on our blood pressure by clogging up our arteries.

Coconut water has direct effect on lowering blood pressure and hypertension.

Treats Diarrhea

Coconut is a good solution for those suffering from diarrhea. It replaces the fluid loss from the gastrointestinal tract.

Coconut water has high osmolarity than that of the WHO recommended ORS solution due to the presence of essential chemical compounds such as amino acids, minerals, enzymes and fatty acids.

It is very low in sodium and chlorides but high in sugar and amino acids. This makes coconut water a well balanced fluid replacement for diarrhea.

As an Electrolyte Replacement

Coconut water contains 250mg of potassium and 105mg of sodium that help replenish electrolyte deficiency in the patient’s body. Due to this reason coconut water was popular during the World War II.

As a Detoxifier

Detoxification is an important step for the proper functioning of our body. Detoxification flushes out harmful components from our organs.

Inadequate hydration leads to blocked functioning of kidneys and livers. Coconut water contains all nutrients including potassium and sodium.

Our body is capable of cleansing and detoxifying on its own, if it has all essential nutrients and hydration.

Good after Long Workout

Coconut water is a good replacement for energy drinks after a long work out session to stay hydrated.

It helps to replenish lost electrolytes in the body as it contains potassium, sodium, magnesium and calcium. They also assist in maintaining proper fluid balance.

Balances pH Levels

Coconut water helps restore a healthy pH in the body as it has alkalizing effect.

Many toxins and chemical compounds present in the environment and food make our body pH levels highly acidic. This can lead to joint pain, chemical sensitivity, heartburn, weight gain, diabetes and immune deficiency.

Provides Instant Energy

It is better to rely on coconut water instead of bottled energy drink on a sunny day. Fresh coconut water contains 5mg of natural sugar which has better energy boosting effects than energy drinks. Also it is available at a much lower price.

A glass of coconut water contains about 294mg of potassium which is essential for energy production in the cells.

Cures Hangovers

Coconut water helps settle our stomach reducing frequent urination and vomit after drinking. It also helps provide the much required hydration and nutrients that are lost due to alcohol consumption.

Hangover Drink

Ingredients Required

2 cups fresh coconut water, 2 cups grated ripe mangoes, 2 fresh mint sprigs and ½ cup ice.

Make a smoothie by blending all the ingredients and have it fresh to get rid of hangover caused by drinking alcohol.

Relieves Headaches

Coconut water is proclaimed to be one of the best natural remedies for instant hydration.

Dehydration is one of the main causes for headaches.  Migraine patients have low levels of magnesium. Coconut water has high levels of magnesium and helps reduce the frequency of migraine attacks.

Treats Alzheimer’s

As per one study it was found that trans-zeatin, a cytokinin present in coconut water can prevent brain cell damage. It helps cure damage in memory.

Coconut water is being seen as one of new possible treatments for neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Healthy Alternative to Caffeinated Drinks

Fresh coconut water is a good replacement for tea. It keeps us energized for the day. It contains only 19 calories per 100 grams. Coconut water is high in nutrients like calcium, magnesium, potassium and vitamin C.

Boosts Immunity

Coconut water can be trusted for an active immune system. 100 grams of coconut water contain 2.5mg of vitamin C which is required for production of antibodies to fight any foreign invasion.

It also keeps us healthy from inside out by helping to clean our body from the existing toxins and germs. Coconut water also beats cold viruses.

Eye Health

Coconut water is best bet to ensure good eyesight. Our body needs a good amount of vitamin B1 for improved brain and eye health.

It strengthens eye muscles and also betters night vision.

A cup of coconut water contains around 0.7mg of Thiamine (Vitamin B1). So we need to have two cups to meet the recommended daily requirement of 1.4mg.

Relieves Stress

Drinking a glass of fresh coconut water is a refreshing method to lessen tension levels.

Coconut water contains a decent amount of Vitamin B5, B6 and folate that help reduce stress levels. Folate (B9) helps trigger the release of mood boosting hormone serotonin.

Cures Insomnia

Coconut water contains GABA, a neurotransmitter that has a relaxing anti-convulsive and anti-anxiety effect on the body, aiding a good sleep.

Boosts Memory

According to several studies Coconut Water helps increase memory owing to the presence of glumatic acid which is an amino acid said to be essential for improved memory retention and recall.

Treats Gallstones

Coconut water can help to flush out gallstones from our body. It contains malic acid and magnesium which combine to break down gallstones.

Fight Depression

Coconut water has a high content of magnesium which is proven to fight symptoms of depression. It contains 60mg per cup. Coconut water is refreshing drink and promotes a healthy state of mind, uplifting the mood.

Treats Skin Infections

Coconut water has antibacterial, antifungal and antiparasitic properties which is why its topical application helps cure skin infections.

Helps Reduce Acne

Acne is caused when the follicles in our skin get clogged by oil which is then attacked by bacteria to cause swelling. Coconut water application can reduce acne as it has antibacterial properties.

Coconut Water Application

Ingredients Required

• 1/2 cup coconut water, 1 teaspoon honey.
• Stir honey into coconut water.
• Soak a cotton ball into mixture and dab it on cleansed face.
• Leave it for 10 minutes and wipe it off with a washcloth.

Honey has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory properties. It can reduce swelling and soothes skin.

This application can be used every day as a Cleansing, Toning and Moisturizing (CTM) mixture.

Cures Eczema

Coconut water contains nutrients like potassium, lauric acid, antioxidants and cytokinins that help to maintain a youthful skin. It further helps balance the pH levels of the body.

All these factors make coconut water an ideal treatment for skin disease like eczema.

Works as a Natural Cleanser and Toner

Coconut water can work as a cleanser and toner to get rid of the stubborn dirt and impurities of the day. Add a few drops of lemon juice for added skin lightening effect.

Mix coconut water and rose water to remove dark sports. Use this mixture two to three times a day.

Heals Skin Infections

Coconut water has antiviral, antimicrobial and antifungal properties which can help to take care of skin infections like acne, redness, itching. These infections happen during summer and monsoon.

Rub some fresh coconut water on the affected skin with the help of a clean cotton ball.

Hair Benefits of Coconut Water

Coconut water is cheap, easily available and highly effective when it comes to hair troubles.

Stimulates Hair Growth

Potassium is essential for hair growth. Coconut water is rich source of potassium, so it stimulates hair growth.

Application of Coconut Water for Hair

Massage coconut water into scalp on regular basis for hair growth

• Take half cup of coconut water.
• Massage your scalp with this water using cotton balls or using fingers.
• Leave overnight and wash it mild shampoo.

Hair can be massaged with Coconut Water alternate days. This improves hair health and increases blood circulation to scalp. Also it strengthens root and reduces hair fall.

Adds Shine

Coconut water is a natural way to condition hair and boost shine.  Coconut water infuses hair with moisture and deep conditions it. It leaves hair bouncier, glossier and shinier.

Best way to condition hair with coconut water is to use it as a hair rinse.

• Take 1 cup coconut water.
• Shampoo hair as usual and rinse thoroughly.
• Dilute coconut water with three to four mugs of tap water and use it as final rinse.
• Rinse hair with coconut water as often as you shampoo.

How to Buy Coconut from Market

• Always check that coconuts are fresh. Shake coconut before you buy it. If it has more water, it is fresh.
• If coconut has less water it means that it is no longer young. It might also be rotten.
• Some coconuts might be full so they hardly make any sound when shaken. This indicates that they are still too young and the water might not be very sweet or flavorful.
• Packaged coconut water is easily available in store and supermarkets but its nutritional value might not be the same. They may contain additives. Make sure to go through the nutritional chart. Do not buy ones that contain added sugar or preservatives.

Precautions about Drinking Coconut Water

Coconut water is natural and safe to drink. However, there are still a few risks that should be looked upon before consuming coconut water.

• In case of small kids and pregnant females, a medical practitioner should be consulted.
• Coconut water lowers blood pressure and can interact with certain medications. Those on blood pressure medications should consult their doctor about use of coconut water. Those who have scheduled for surgery should avoid it altogether.
• Consuming too much coconut water can cause bloating and stomach discomfort.
• Those with kidney dysfunction should consult their medical specialist before consuming coconut water.
• Many people are allergic to coconut water. They should not consume it.