Coconut water is a clear, delicious-tasting liquid contained inside young coconuts (also known as green coconuts). When the coconut is ripe, the water will be less and replaced by coconut meat (old coconut). Coconut water is different from coconut milk. Coconut milk is made from the meat of an old coconut.
Why do most people believe that coconut water has many good benefits?
Coconut water is a popular drink, especially in the summer. Coconut water is considered a remedy for dehydration and electrolyte loss related to diarrhea or exercise in hot weather. Coconut water is also used in cases of people with high blood pressure to improve exercise results.
Coconut water is rich in carbohydrates and electrolytes such as potassium, sodium and magnesium. Because of these electrolytes, many people believe that coconut water can be used to treat and prevent dehydration. But some experts believe that the electrolyte content in coconut water is not enough to be used as a rehydration solution.
So is drinking coconut water really good?
Dehydration related to diarrhea: Some research shows that drinking coconut water may help prevent dehydration in children with mild diarrhea. However, studies show that there is not enough evidence to convince that coconut water is more effective than other drinks in replacing electrolytes in people with diarrhea.
Dehydration due to exercise: some athletes have the habit of using coconut water to replace drinking water after exercise. Coconut water also helps rehydrate after exercise, but it doesn’t seem to be any more effective than sports drinks or plain water. Some athletes also like to drink coconut water before exercising to prevent dehydration. Coconut water has a delicious, cool taste that helps cool you down and brings a refreshing feeling, quenching your thirst. However, its effectiveness in limiting dehydration has not been proven.
High blood pressure: Some research shows that drinking coconut water can reduce blood pressure in people with high blood pressure.
Coconut water is safe for children: Studies show that coconut water is quite safe for children. Therefore, mothers can absolutely give their babies coconut water. However, if you drink large amounts every day, you need to consider it.
What does the experts say?
Keeping the body hydrated is one of the top principles for professional athletes. If you like drinking coconut water because of its taste, you can choose it, but it is not a solution for people who exercise for a long time.
Whether you choose sports drinks, coconut water or plain water, they all work to keep your body hydrated. The challenge is that when you’re exercising strenuously for more than 3 hours in the heat and sweating a lot, you need a source of carbs that can be absorbed easily, provide quick energy, and replenish electrolytes. Solutions are lost as sodium and potassium.
Neither coconut water nor sports drinks contain enough sodium or carbs for someone who sweats heavily and continuously for many hours at a time. You should add a quick source of energy like a banana, some raisins or cookies to provide more carbs for the body.
Warning to be cautious when drinking coconut water
Coconut water is good for adults if used as a daily drink. However, drinking a lot of coconut water can cause bloating or discomfort in some people, although this symptom is not common. If consumed too much, coconut water can cause blood potassium levels to become too high. This can lead to kidney problems and irregular heartbeat.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There are currently no scientific studies on the safety of coconut water for pregnant and breastfeeding women, so to be safe, experts recommend avoiding use.
Cystic fibrosis: Cystic fibrosis leads to decreased salt levels in the body. Some people with cystic fibrosis need fluids or medications to increase salt levels, especially sodium. Coconut water is not a good liquid to increase salt levels in people with cystic fibrosis. Coconut water may contain too little sodium and too much potassium. Don’t drink coconut water as a way to increase your salt intake if you have cystic fibrosis.
High levels of potassium in the blood: Coconut water contains high levels of potassium. You should not drink coconut water if you have high levels of potassium in your blood.
Low blood pressure: Coconut water may lower blood pressure. So if you have low blood pressure, it is advised that you should not drink coconut water
Kidney problems: Coconut water contains high levels of potassium. Normally, potassium is excreted in urine if blood levels are too high. However, this does not happen if the kidneys do not function normally. In this case, drinking coconut water can increase the burden on the kidneys due to the very high potassium content in coconut water. Consult your doctor about whether you should drink coconut water if you have kidney problems.
Surgery: Coconut water may affect blood pressure control during surgery. Stop drinking coconut water at least two weeks before surgery.
How much coconut water is enough?
The dosage of coconut water you should drink depends on your age, health and a number of other factors. At this time, there is not enough scientific evidence to determine how much coconut water you should drink that is appropriate and good for your health.
The advice here is that you should not abuse it. Remember that natural products are not always safe and when consumed in excess, they do not always bring good benefits.
