Definitely a buzz word…
I have been asked a lot lately about coconut water. It’s one of the big buzz words out there, and one of the ‘new’ health foods everyone wants to know about.
What exactly IS coconut water?
Coconut water is the fluid that’s found in the cavity of the coconut when you crack it open. It contains no fat and is very low in calories, about 50 calories for one cup, most of them from natural sugars. In addition to water and sugar, coconut water also contains some minerals such as potassium and magnesium. In fact, coconut water has more potassium than a banana! Wow!
What ISN’T coconut water?
Coconut water is NOT coconut oil {see my post about how much I loooove coconut oil here!} or coconut milk. Instead of being found in that cavity we talked about with the water, coconut milk is made by grinding up coconut meat and pressing out the liquid {sounds kind of gross, but when it’s coconut, it’s all good!}. Like the coconut meat itself, coconut milk is very high in fat and, therefore, calories. One cup of coconut milk contains about 550 calories, most of them from fat. Remember though, this fat is a good fat, but still a fat – everything in moderation, right?!
So is it good for you?
The short answer – yep!
The long answer – here are some of the ‘amazing benefits’ of coconut water:
It’s said to help with:
- Muscle performance
- Energy
- Weight-loss
- Heart health
- Recovering after illness
- Post-workout recovery
- Stress reduction
- Skin, hair, & nail health
- Mental clarity
- Kidney cleansing
- Hang-over cure! Interesting….
What makes this tasty coconut water so good for you? Basically it is a natural, healthy version of those sports drinks we reach for after a tough workout, or when you are sick and need a boost {I won’t name names…}.
It contains water, simple carbohydrates (or, sugar), and electrolytes (health-promoting essential minerals). Compared to a sports drink made with refined sugars {not great for you, especially when you are fighting an illness – or ok, ANYTIME really!}, artificial flavoring, and food coloring, I’d say coconut water represents a pretty solid upgrade. Have some on hand for the next time you work out hard, or get sick!
How does it help you:
Lose weight?
Boosts metabolism – Drinking pure coconut water will actually raise your metabolic rate. Here is how it works – Coconut water is a great way to keep you hydrated, and if you are hydrated, you are less likely to store fat in your body to help raise your body temperature. Your body temperature drops a little bit each time you are dehydrated {many people live in constant dehydration!} and this negatively affects your metabolism.
Fiber – One cup of coconut water contains 3 g of fiber, more than many other liquids. Water, soda and most juices contain no fiber. Fiber aids weight loss by slowing down the absorption of food through the digestive system, which keeps blood glucose levels even, preventing sugar spikes, crashes and cravings. At the same time, fiber speeds up the passage of food through the colon and helps you to eliminate waste faster.
Protein – One cup of coconut water has 2 g of protein. Protein can work as an appetite suppressant, helping you to consume fewer calories and lose weight. Awesome!
Boost energy?
Abundant in vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, Coconut Water makes a wonderful energy drink. In particular, coconut water has less sugar and sodium content compared to most sports drinks {which leave you with that temporary energy boost… followed by the CRASH we all know so well}, while packing more Potassium, Calcium, and Chloride, which makes it a better choice to rehydrate, replenish and boost the body’s energy levels after any strenuous activity or workout – or just from life.
Have beautiful skin?
Researchers have found that Cytokinins help regulate the cell growth and their divisions. Coconut Water contains these cytokinins and lauric acid which can minimize the aging of skin cells, balance PH levels, and keep the connective tissues strong and hydrated. Therefore, simply applying Coconut Water onto affected skin areas every night before going to bed may help with acne, age spots, wrinkles, stretch marks, cellulite, and eczema.
Cure your hangover?
Dehydration is quite common after you have partied all night or drank too much. Since alcohol is a diuretic, {it makes you urinate} which leaves you in that fun hangover state – you need to hydrate your body by drinking lots of fluids. Coconut water is one of the most effective ways of rehydrating the body. The best remedy is to consume liquids with electroytes – Coconut water here you come!
Overall, coconut water can be a great addition to your health – give it a try and see what YOU think!
