From The Straits Times    |

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Coconut water advocates boast some lofty claims but is it really nature’s miracle cure – more hydrating than water – or merely a well-designed marketing ploy? This is what our experts had to say:

 

  • Belinda Kirkpatrick, Naturopath

“Coconut water has become very fashionable recently but it’s actually been used to rehydration and health in tropical regions around the world for centuries. Coconut water isn’t the same as coconut milk, which is made by mixing coconut water and coconut meat, and then pressed to give the milk. The water has a very light consistency and contains energy-producing and stress-reducing B-group vitamins and minerals.”

  • Susie Burrell, Weight-Loss Expert

“Of all the foods that have created hype over the past few years coconut water is high up on the list.  From a nutritional perceptive, it does contain fewer kilojoules than both sports drinks and fruit juices, with relatively high amounts of the mineral salt, potassium.”

  • Dr Claudia Lee, General Practitioner

“Coconut water is actually a healthy natural drink and a good source of hydration. In its natural form, it’s low in sugar and kilojoules (less than half of fruit juices and soft drinks), low in fat, and has a balance of electrolytes similar to our blood plasma, which means it’s easily absorbed.”

 

Here are some other health benefits of coconut water that you may not have known about:

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1. It Can Help You Lose Weight

Unlike plain water, coconut water is not entirely calorie-free, but at 42 calories per serving (240 grams) it’s still a pretty low-calorie drink. This makes it an awesome replacement for any one of your regular, sugar-sweetened drinks and when used like this, coconut water can help you reach your weight loss goals.

 

2. It Keeps You Looking Younger For Longer

Coconut water contains a variety of trace elements such as zinc, selenium, iodine, sulfur, manganese, boron, molybdenum that act as antioxidants in the body. Antioxidants protect the body from damage by toxins, keeping you young and vibrant. It’s also high in vitamin C, which helps to boost the immune system, heal wounds and protect the skin from damage.

 

3. It Will Give Your Skin A Glow

For those with acne or other blemishes on the surface of the skin, topical application of coconut water can go a great distance as it has the ability to clear up and subsequently tone the skin. It also moisturizes the skin from within if ingested orally and eliminates large amounts of excessive oil.

 

4. It Will Improve Digestive Issues

Coconut water improves digestion, and may normalise bowel movements due to its high fibre content. This high concentration of fibre aids in the prevention of indigestion and reduces the occurrence of acid reflux helping you answer nature’s call and provide relief at times when digestive issues are bringing you down.

 

5. It Will Keep You Energised

Need to keep the midnight oil burning but just too tired? Gulp down some coconut water. It will quickly improve energy reserves by flooding the body with easy-to-access nutrients including glucose. Coconut water also increases oxygen in the body tissues, therefore improving your body’s performance.

 

6. It Can Calm You Down During Stressful Periods

Coconut water benefits those suffering from stress and may reduce panic attacks and anxiety. That’s because it contains GABA, a neurotransmitter that has a relaxing, anti-anxiety, and anti-convulsive effect on the body.

 

7. It’s Great For Hydration

Coconut water helps regulate fluid levels in the body and may prevent edema and the occurrence of water weight. In its natural form, it is a thirst quenching and nutrient-dense beverage. It is highly concentrated with five electrolytes that are known to support rapid hydration: sodium, magnesium, calcium, potassium and phosphorus.

 

8. It May Be Able To Treat Cancer

Coconut water has a unique chemical composition of sugars, vitamins, minerals, amino acids and cytokines – which have shown anti-aging and anti-cancer effects in research studies. But further research in this area is needed before it can be touted as a medical miracle.

 

9. It’s Full Of Antioxidants

Coconut water contains a lot of antioxidants, which help prevent the damage to our bodies caused by free radicals. Free radicals are produced by your own metabolism, so there’s no other way to neutralise the damage, except making sure you consume enough antioxidants in your diet.

 

10. It Had Anti-Microbial Properties

Coconut water contains natural anti-microbial peptides that can be effective in fighting bacteria such as E.coli, B. subtilis, S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. E. coli is a multi-drug-resistant bacterium and universal inhabitant of human digestive tract. S. aureus and B. subtilis cause food spoilage and poisoning. P. aeruginosa is a potential human pathogen found inhabiting milk products, vegetables and meat.

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The original version of this story was published in Women’s Weekly on November 9, 2016.

For more of the best tips on healthy living, check out www.herworldplus.com/lifestyle/health-fitness