Coconut water is as refreshing as it is popular. Plus, it has lots of surprising health benefits! Filled with several important vitamins and minerals, coconut water supports overall health. Down a glass of it to get rid of a hangover fast or to maintain a healthier heart in the long run – there’s no losing with this drink!

Check out some of the most touted health benefits of coconut water:

1. It gives you plenty of nutrients

So what’s the deal with coconut water? For starters, it’s low in calories but high in nutrients needed for overall health. These are some of the nutrients present in an 8.5 ounce serving of coconut water:

• Potassium: 600 milligrams (mg)
• Folate: 7.2 micrograms (mcg)
• Selenium: 2.4 mcg
• Magnesium: 60 mg
• Phosphorus: 48 mg
• Vitamin C: 5.8 mg
• Choline: 2.6 mg

2. It helps you recover after exercising

Drink coconut water after a workout to recover faster. Coconut water is rich in electrolytes, such as potassium, sodium and magnesium, that help your body rehydrate. You lose these electrolytes when you sweat.

In addition, electrolytes help regulate fluid balance inside your body and ensure proper muscle function. They stimulate muscle contractions, including those that keep your heart beating steadily.

3. It may reduce your blood pressure

Coconut water can also help lower blood pressure, an important indicator of heart health. This is likely related to coconut water’s high levels of potassium, which helps relax the walls of your blood vessels.

In fact, research has shown that low potassium levels can result in an increase in blood pressure. If your blood pressure is too high, it puts extra strain on your blood vessels and heart. You may eventually develop heart disease or experience complications like stroke if you continue to have high blood pressure levels.

4. It promotes good digestion

Chugging eight glasses of water every day keeps your digestive system running smoothly. But you can still take things to the next level by drinking coconut water, which contains both fiber and magnesium.

Fiber is important for good digestion because it helps move food (and waste) through your system. This is why you’re less likely to feel bloated or experience constipation when you consume fiber-rich foods and drinks.

5. It helps you recover from an illness

Your body can lose tremendous amounts of fluid even when you’re not exercising. This is especially true if you feel under the weather. Because the human body is mostly made up of water, it’s important to stay hydrated if you want your body to heal itself faster when you’re sick. You can do so by drinking coconut water.

6. It helps maintain healthy skin

No amount of skincare products can give you clear, radiant skin if you’re dehydrated. For healthier skin, drink hydrating coconut water regularly.

Coconut water also contains vitamin C, which stimulates the production of collagen. Collagen helps to hydrate and strengthen your skin.

7. It’s a great alternative to sugary drinks

Coconut water is a great alternative to soda and other sweetened drinks. It has a light coconut flavor that gives enough taste without a bunch of added sugar and artificial colors and flavors. This makes coconut water ideal for prediabetics and diabetics or for people looking to reduce their consumption of sodas and similar drinks.

8. It may help prevent obesity

Coconut water is low in calories and rich in fiber. This combo makes it ideal for weight loss and weight control. Fiber keeps you full for longer periods. This has the effect of preventing you from snacking between meals and overeating. Its low calorie content also means you can drink lots of coconut water and not worry about gaining weight.

9. It helps get rid of a hangover

Drinking heavily can leave you dehydrated and reeling from the troublesome effects of a hangover. Thankfully, coconut water is a promising hangover remedy.

Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it makes you urinate more frequently. This results in you losing more fluids and electrolytes than usual. But since coconut water is rich in both water and electrolytes, it’s ideal for rehydrating after a night out.

Coconut water is a refreshing, sippable superfood with a few impressive health benefits up its sleeve. Make the most of coconut water’s nutritional benefits by adding this wonder drink to your diet.

Sources:

GoodHousekeeping.com

NutritionData.Self.com

EcoWatch.com

MedicalNewsToday.com