In recent years, coconut water seems to have been gaining much popularity among people from different parts of the globe. This is having been linked to the fact that it has good amount of minerals, electrolytes and vitamins.
For this reason, this tropical drink is often readily available and can be found in any store near you. the clear liquid found inside the green coconut is the main ingredient used to make coconut water.
Even though most people are still finding out about it, the drink has been in use for more than centuries, especially in the tropical regions where it was used for various reasons. Well, it might not be that much medicinal but below are a few health benefits you can enjoy when you use products like Greater Than coconut water.
Due to its natural electrolytes, the product can be used as a sports drink. It is considered to be quite natural as it is made without any artificial sweeteners, added sugar or food coloring. This is among the reasons why people prefer using it.
Research has shown that coconut water has the ability to replenish your body fluids after a run thus keeping you hydrated. However, the drink has less amount of sodium and carbohydrates compared to most energy drinks.
This shows that it is not suitable for endurance performance. However, it will keep you hydrated. Using coconut water that has added sugars might not be safe. Health experts say they can prevent proper hydration and can also add more calories.
If you are tired of using high calorie drinks and you are looking for a better alternative with low calories, coconut water is your best shot.
According to the studies that have been conducted, coconut water has less carbohydrates and sugars compared to most juices or energy drinks. However, it contains more electrolytes and minerals such as potassium and sodium.
A cup of coconut water contains only 45 calories. But even at this, it should not be confused with zero calorie water. There is a big difference between 0 to 45.
By now, you’ve only been reading that coconut water has much potassium compared to other drinks. But, do you know how much that is? Well, it is said to be 10 times more than most sports drink.
This is much more advantageous as most people aren’t usually getting the recommended daily dose. A cup contains about 405 mg which is just enough to help protect you against muscle cramps. Another advantage of having enough potassium is the ability to maintain the electrolyte and fluid balance in your body.
This happens mostly when you exercise. As mentioned before, since the drink has more potassium than sodium, it can help in balancing out the effect of sodium on blood pressure. It can also help in lowering it down as well. See this link on how potassium can help you avoid getting leg cramps https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/qa/how-does-potassium-help-prevent-leg-cramps
Calcium and magnesium are among the important minerals the body usually needs to develop well. The calcium is often responsible for the formation of strong bones and teeth. It also helps in muscle contraction and keeping them working properly.
The bones also need the mineral too repair and get stronger, especially when your workout. On the other hand, magnesium usually helps in transporting the potassium and calcium to the muscles for contraction and relaxation. It also assists when it comes to energy production and organ functioning.
Even though coconut water contains more of these minerals compared with most energy drinks, it should not be taken as a concentrated source for the minerals. Medical experts say that it still contains less that 5 percent of what your body needs.
It is not just about the minerals and nutrients. Coconut water also contains antioxidants in addition to its hydrating advantages.
These antioxidants usually help in neutralizing oxidative stress free radical formed during the exercise. If you are looking to get the highest levels of these antioxidants, it is recommended that you go for fresh coconut water.
This is after a study shown that processed coconut water contains fewer antioxidants.
If you ever attended any biology class, you definitely know the importance of amino acids. They are always known the building blocks of protein and are usually important when it comes to tissues repair.
Examples of some amino acids contained in the water include arginine, serine and alanine among others. It is said that even a cow’s milk cannot match this product in some of the amino acids. For instance, the water can be treated as a major source of arginine.
This is an important amino acid that helps the body to respond well towards stress caused by activities such as workouts. It also plays a part in keeping the heart in a healthy condition. Click here to see more advantages.
Conclusion
With all these in place, coconut water makes a good solution for rehydration after a vigorous activity such as exercising. It will help you to avoid a lot of synthetic ingredients and added sugars you get when using various energy drinks. If you want to get the best out of it, ensure that you go for the fresh unprocessed drink. It contains more antioxidants and you will also get to enjoy the tropical taste.