Having the scientific name of Cocos nucifera, the use of coconut water dates back to the 16th Century where the Spanish and the Portuguese gave the special hairy food the name of “coco”, which basically means “a grin” or “a monkey face”. Tropics and subtropics are the places you would normally see coconut trees be planted and grown. Most preferably coconuts thrive in humidity and can grow exceptionally well along the shorelines of beaches.
What you may not know about the coconut is that it isn’t actually a nut, but rather a drupe. A drupe consists of 3 layers; the exocarp, the mesocarp and the endocarp. Coconut trees were originally found in places like Malaysia and northwestern South America, and today coconut trees are grown in more than 70 countries, with the main countries being India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Philippines and Maldives.
Coconut Water is Superb for Rehydration
Coconut water is mostly famous for being able to rehydrate people after an extensive exercise. In a crossover study that examined the effectiveness of fresh young coconut water and carbohydrate-electrolyte beverage compared to that of plain water after a 2-hour period, 8 healthy men participated. Results basically showed that coconut water was statistically no different than plain water, but it is perfectly safe to drink for hydrating and post-exercise purposes.
Another crossover study examined the effectiveness of plain water, a sports drink, coconut water and sodium-enriched coconut water where 10 healthy men would participate. Plasma volume restoration was particularly examined after exercise. It turned out that plasma volume was restored with coconut water and sodium-enriched coconut water, and also plasma glucose concentrations were significantly greater when both coconut water drinks were consumed, making coconut water as good a choice as water or any sports energy drink.
Coconut Water Treats Diarrhea
Patients that have diarrhea in tropic regions are generally given coconut water to replace the fluid loss from the gastrointestinal tract and to reduce the need for intravenous therapy. Key factors that weigh heavily on coconut water healing those who suffer from diarrhea would be amino acids, enzymes, minerals and fatty acids.
Coconut water and coconut milk are often comparable, so while it is suggested that a mixture of coconut milk and a teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil be taken for 3 days, it is safe to say that coconut water can be used as a substitute for coconut milk.
If you need a stimulant bundle, then the combination of drinking coconut water and applying carrot seed essential oil as a moisturizer lotion will help your metabolic functions.
Coconut Water Treats Diabetes
Submitted on February 2015 by the Journal of Medicinal Food, it has been discovered through testing that coconut water consumption helps improve diabetes. The study consisted of rats that attracted diabetes from a potent compound called alloxan, which is very pervasive in normal food supply for humans. Coconut water was found to improve blood sugar levels and hemoglobin A1C levels. Coconut water has also been found to prevent glycation, which is the process of aging the body faster.
Coconut water is great for diabetics because it is low in calories (46) as well as sugar content and potassium (250 milligrams or 5% Recommended Daily Average). The sweetness of the coconut water helps subdue cravings, and it also helps that it has no effect on cholesterol. It is preferred to enjoy drinking coconut water in moderation.
Coconut Water Treats Hypertension
According to the West Indian Medical Journal, the effect of regular consumption of 2 tropical food drinks were examined, which were coconut water and mauby. 28 hypertensive subjects were divided into 4 different groups and they systolic and diastolic blood pressure would be examined for 2 weeks before and while they took one of the four interventions. The groups were Control (bottled drinking water), coconut water, mauby, and a mixture of the latter two. There was a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure by 71% with coconut water, and a 29% decrease in diastolic blood pressure.
In another study that examined the effect of coconut water on hypertension, results showed that there was a significantly decreased blood pressure and reduced serum triglycerides. These results indicate that coconut water can prevent and reverse high blood pressure along with mitigating oxidative stress.
Looking for a quick snack combo? Try a glass of coconut water along with a small cup of pine nuts. This combo will improve your blood pressure.
Coconut Water Promotes Brain Health
Coconut oil is super powerful in protecting the brain, but coconut water also provides help for the brain. Coconut water increases energy production in the brain by providing neurons an alternative to glucose due to the brain-nourishing metabolites of medium chain fatty acids. What you are guaranteed to find in coconut products are ketone bodies, which are very valuable in the fight against Alzheimer’s Disease.
Coconut water contains isotonic properties, which are able to easily pass through cell membranes. These properties provide help in restoring hydration to the brain and may also translate to increased energy production in those tissues and any associated cognitive improvements.
Coconut Water is an Anti-Depressant
The anti-depressant potential of coconut water was examined, and you will be surprised to learn that this drink has plenty of such potential. Rodents were subjected to a forced swim test, and then coconut water was orally given to them at a dose of 4 millileters or 100 grams. Results showed a very significant increase in struggling time in the forced swim test. By way of homeostasis of monoamines synthesis, coconut water can have an anti-depressant effect.
One major factor in curing depression would be magnesium content. Coconut water has 25 milligrams of magnesium, or 6% of Recommended Daily Average. This drink has been clinically proven to be able to treat depression symptoms and maintain a healthy state of mind because of magnesium.
Coconut Water Contains Anti-Inflammatory Properties
The anti-inflammatory activity of coconut water of different maturation stages was explored. 40 albino rats were divided into 4 different groups, and the groups were rats who consumed either water, young and mature coconut water, and a prescription drug. Results showed that both coconut waters contained significant anti-inflammatory activity. Inhibition of inflammation by young coconut water revealed percentages of 20.22, 35.13, 42.52 and 36 for 1, 2, 3 and 4 hours of acetic acid administration. This suggests that young coconut water has a potent effect on inflammation while mature coconut water only has a moderate effect.
Cocos nucifera actually contains ethyl acetate soluble proanthocyanidins (EASPA), and this feature was examined in regards to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities. The results of this study showed that there was a radical scavenging activity with EASPA, and that the anti-inflammatory activity was similar. This study basically states that coconuts in general provide anti-inflammatory help.
