Coconuts have slowly become a very famous and versatile food commodity and are being used in everything from our daily cuisine to our beauty regimens. Coconuts are highly nutritious, rich in fiber, and packed with essential vitamins and minerals.
Nutritional Profile of Coconuts
Before diving into the benefits, let’s understand the key nutrients found in coconuts:
- Electrolytes (Potassium, Sodium, Magnesium) – Vital for hydration.
- Healthy Fats (Medium-Chain Triglycerides – MCTs) – Support brain function and metabolism.
- Fiber & Antioxidants – Aid digestion and prevent oxidative stress.
- Vitamin C & B-complex – Boost immunity and energy production.
How Coconuts Help Fight Nutritional Deficiencies?
Coconut Water for Hydration and Electrolyte Balance
Rich in potassium, sodium, and magnesium, making it an excellent natural rehydration drink. Coconut water has always been used as a refreshing drink and a health enhancer in most tropical countries with long coastlines where coconut palms grow in abundance. They have the ability to rehydrate you very quickly because it is readily absorbed into the body.
May reduce inflammation
Coconut water works in a variety of ways to soothe the stomach lining during an upset stomach. They contain tannins, which are known to reduce inflammation and have antibacterial properties. Coconut water can even handle mild infections. It contains lauric acid which is abundant in human breast milk. The body converts lauric acid into monolaurin, a compound with proven antimicrobial properties.
Highest sources of electrolytes
Coconut water is also one of the highest sources of electrolytes. Electrolytes are responsible for keeping the body properly hydrated so the muscles and nerves can function appropriately. Blood pressure and blood pH are also regulated by electrolytes. Sodium, Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium, Chloride, Phosphate and Bicarbonate are the seven major electrolytes in the body.
In the possibility of an electrolyte imbalance, coconut water should be consumed as a glass of coconut water has more than 600 mg of potassium, over 250 mg sodium, about 60 mg magnesium, 58 mg calcium and 48 mg phosphorus.
May prevent Kidney Stones
Potassium acts as a diuretic and helps the kidneys flush out water. A single glass of coconut water can provide enough potassium to keep the kidneys in good health. Its diuretic effect is beneficial in preventing kidney stones.
May improve blood circulation
Coconut water also contains arginine which is known to relax blood vessels and improve blood circulation to all organs. Every cup of coconut water contains about 0.283 mg of arginine. It is not a lot, but still sufficient for an appreciable reduction in blood pressure when you regularly drink one or two glasses.
May help prevent obesity
Coconut helps prevent obesity by speeding up metabolism, providing an immediate source of energy with fewer calories than other fats. People, who consistently use coconut products, generally have a stronger ability to go without eating for several hours with no effects of hypoglycemia.
Rich in Fiber
It is high in dietary fiber and supplies an impressive 61% dietary fiber. Since the body cannot digest the dietary fiber in coconut, no calories are derived from it and it has no effect on blood sugar.
Healthy Fats
Coconut water is also low in calories, carbohydrates, and sugars, and almost completely fat-free. In addition, it is high in ascorbic acid, B vitamins, and proteins. Furthermore, the soft meat, or flesh, inside the coconut helps to restore oxidative tissue damage and contains a source of healthy fats, proteins, and various vitamins and minerals.
Coconut Oil for Immunity and Metabolism
Coconut oil is one of the most stable oils when cooking with high heat, and does not form harmful by- products when heated to normal cooking temperatures like the other vegetable oils do.
- Contains lauric acid, which has antibacterial and antiviral properties.
- Helps in maintaining a healthy weight by boosting metabolism.
- Supports brain health and memory function, especially in aging individuals.
Boost immunity
Coconut contains no trans-fats, is gluten-free, non-toxic, hypoallergenic, and also contains antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and anti-parasitic healing properties. Coconut helps to aid and support overall Immune System functions.
Supports diabetic health
It also improves insulin secretion and symptoms associated with diabetes. Coconut fiber slows down the release of glucose, therefore requiring less insulin to utilize the glucose and transport it into the cell where it is converted into energy. Coconut also assists in relieving stress on the pancreas and enzyme systems of the body, in turn, reducing the risks associated with diabetes.
Rich source of nutrition
Coconut water is an excellent general health tonic. Young children suffering from malnutrition, pregnant and lactating mothers who require extra nutritional inputs and elderly people who cannot derive sufficient nutrition from food can benefit by drinking coconut water.
Conclusion
Even if one doesn’t have a specific condition, one should consider adding pure coconut water to the daily diet for improved overall health and energy. It is truly a gift from nature that should be respected.
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