What Happens to Your Body When You Drink Coconut Water
Are you team coconut water? "I've never tried it" is also a fair answer—no judgment here!
As it turns out, aside from making a great addition to smoothies and yes, even cocktails, coconut water offers quite a range of health benefits. From helping manage blood pressure levels to getting you out of bed the morning after a night of drinking, coconut water may just become one of your new favorite beverages this year.
Here are five things that could happen when you start drinking coconut water regularly. And then, don't miss The 7 Healthiest Foods to Eat Right Now.
It may improve blood glucose levels.
If you have prediabetes or are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes, it may be beneficial to drink coconut water on daily basis—in addition to reducing your carb intake and incorporating more vegetables and lean protein into your diet. Several studies have shown that coconut water may play a role in lowering blood glucose (sugar) levels in animals with diabetes.
Of course, human studies would be needed to confirm these findings. Still, it's a good source of magnesium, which may increase insulin sensitivity and, as a result, allow blood glucose levels to drop.
It can prevent kidney stones.
Kidney stones can be quite painful and are often a result of not drinking enough fluids. The little stones can form when there is too much calcium, oxalate, and uric acid (as well other compounds) in your urine. When these substances combine, they crystalize, and can turn into stones if you're not drinking enough fluids that help prevent the crystals from adhering together.
However, researchers from one study (that involved rats with kidney stones) found that coconut water may help with reducing free radical production that can occur when urine has high levels of oxalate.
It may help you recover from a hangover.
After a night of plentiful glasses of wine, whiskey, beer—whatever your drink of choice is—you're going to want to make it a point to drink water and hydrate so you can flush those toxins out. Turns out coconut water may help expedite that recovery process even more so than regular water. It contains a high concentration of electrolytes and minerals, namely potassium, which can help rehydrate and replenish your body with the nutrients it needs to heal.
It can help lower blood pressure levels.
Those living with hypertension or at risk of high blood pressure may benefit from drinking coconut water. One study revealed that 71% of participants with high blood pressure improved their systolic blood pressure (aka the higher number on the blood pressure reading) after drinking coconut water.
Now, don't miss these Dangerous Side Effects of Having High Blood Pressure.
It could boost recovery post-workout.
Similar to how coconut water can help restore your vital minerals and electrolytes after drinking alcohol, it can also help replenish your body after a long workout. We're looking at you long-distance runners and soccer players who just played back-to-back games.
Rich in potassium, magnesium, sodium, and calcium, coconut water is an excellent way to hydrate after exercising for over an hour. In fact, two studies even suggest that it may be more effective at restoring hydration post-working out than most sports beverages.
For more, be sure to check out the 6 Best Ways to Stay Hydrated Without Drinking Tons of Water.
