Coconut water has many benefits for active and health conscious people. It has been and can be used as an electrolyte boosting drink (i.e. a “sports drink”) and has many other benefits for the human body.
The benefits of coconut water include:
- High in potassium and antioxidants
- Efficiently hydrates the body
- Anti-cancer properties
- Anti-aging activity, benefits skin
- Improves connective tissue health
- Increases metabolism (can help to lose weight)
- Aids in digestion
- Replenishes the body’s minerals
- Helps to dissolve and prevent kidney stones
- Helps alkalize the body
- Contributes to healthy bones, muscles, and joints (high calcium content)
Perhaps you’re wondering what is in coconut water that makes it so good for you? We’ll cover a few highlights here. An 8 oz serving of coconut water contains{1}:
- 57 mg of Calcium
- 60 mg of Magnesium
- 48 mg of Phosphorus
- 600 mg of Potassium
- 252 mg of Sodium
- And more!
- 283 mg of Arginine
- 52 mg of Tyrosine
- 76 mg of Lysine
- 127 mg of Leucine
- 396 mg of Glutamic acid
- 168 mg of Aspartic acid
- And more!
As you can see, coconut water has a lot of potential benefits for the health conscious person. From its high mineral and electrolyte content, to its antioxidants and amino acids, coconut water has turned out to be both healthy and delicious!
{1} – Source: http://ndb.nal.usda.gov
One note is that if you are new to coconut, take it easy at first! When I first started using coconut oil, it really “cleaned” me out. Coconut is a natural antibacterial and anti-fungal agent. Does coconut oil give the same effects though? I would imagine it does and it is more concentrated. I am not a huge fan of the taste so I will continue to stick with the oil. It is great in popcorn with some sea salt.