11 Benefits of Coconut Water That You Didn’t Know About
November 17, 2016
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11 Benefits of Coconut Water That You Didn’t Know About
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Everyone is constantly raving about coconut oil, and while it definitely has some magical benefits, coconut water doesn’t seem to get enough credit – it too, has incredible health benefits.
Coconut water is packed with vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants. It contains amino acids, vitamin C, B-complex vitamins, enzymes and a variety of minerals, some of which include magnesium, calcium and zinc.
Consuming pure coconut water has been shown to increase your metabolic rate. It keeps you hydrated, making you less likely to store fat. It contains less fat than milk, fewer calories than other sports drinks and doesn’t have any cholesterol.
Clears up Your Skin
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Staying hydrated is essential for healthy, glowing skin. While water is usually the preferred choice, coconut oil may be a healthier option. The glucose in coconut water energizes your skin and is important for skin cells. The vitamin C found in coconut water helps make collagen, which gives your skin elasticity and firmness.
It’s a Great Sports Drink
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Sports drinks are effective ways to stay hydrated during your workout, but the truth is that the majority of them contain a lot of sugar and tons of calories. Coconut water contains a lot less sugar and it’s just as effective.
Treats Headaches
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Instead of turning to over the counter medication when you have a headache, trying drinking coconut water instead. The magnesium in coconut water helps promote blood circulation and increases neurotransmitter function. According to Dr. Axe, “it can help control migraine headaches by releasing pain-reducing hormones and reducing vasoconstriction, or constriction of the blood vessels that raises blood pressure.”
Helps Reduce Blood Pressure
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You can reduce your blood pressure naturally by exercising, cutting down on alcohol, meditating reducing your sodium intake and drinking coconut water. Research has shown that consuming coconut water is highly effective for lowering blood pressure in patients with hypertension.
Improves Digestion
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Eliminate your bodies waste and release unwanted toxins by consuming coconut water on a daily basis. The magnesium found in coconut water helps the muscles within your digestive system relax, relieving constipation by helping move your stool through the intestines. The L-arginine found in coconut water also helps the kidneys filter out toxins from the food and drinks you consume.
It Contains Amino Acids
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Amino acids are important for metabolic process. Some of their most important tasks include the optimal transport and optimal storage of all nutrients, aminoacid-studies.com explains. Lack of amino acids can result in numerous health issues – obesity, high cholesterol, insomnia and diabetes, just to name a few. Avoid these issues by simply drinking coconut water daily.
Relieves Your Hangover
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A night of drinking leads to the depletion of antioxidant levels. Coconut water helps replenish those antioxidants, while also providing you with electrolytes and potassium.
Rehydrates Your Body
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Coconut water is full of electrolytes, it’s the perfect solution for dehydration and hydration after exercise. It’s low in carbs and rich in potassium. According to webmd.com, a study reported that coconut water caused less stomach upset, nausea, fullness and was easier to consume in large amounts during rehydration.
It Contains Magnesium
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It helps improve digestion and relieve headaches. But it has tons of other health benefits as well. Magnesium has been associated with lowering the risk of heart disease, it enhances mood, treats insomnia, relieves tight muscles and helps with the assimilation of calcium to the bone.
May Reduce the Risk for Heart Disease
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Coconut water has shown to help decrease cholesterol triglyceride levels and LDL cholesterol, specifically the cholesterol found in the heart, Dr. Axe explains. “Researchers believe that the benefit may be related to the potassium, calcium, and magnesium content in the water, all electrolytes that play a role in helping maintain heart health.”