Drinking coconut water is a real trend. Nowadays, it is certainly not only consumed on a tropical white beach, but it is also available at the local supermarket. Many health gurus drink coconut water daily. Not only because of the refreshing taste of this drink, but also because of the health benefits they attribute to this special beverage. But is coconut water really as healthy as they think? And how does coconut water contribute to a healthy lifestyle? We found out for you!
First of all, what is coconut water?
Coconut water is the clear liquid from a young, preferably unripe coconut. The older the coconut, the less water it contains. Coconut water forms inside the coconut as the coconut absorbs water through the coconut palm and rainwater. The water is filtered during this process. Coconut water is a clear drink that has a very light coconut taste. Coconut water is not the same as coconut milk. Coconut milk is thicker and fattier and is made from the flesh of the nut.
Nutritional values in coconut water
The table below shows the nutritional values of a glass of coconut water (250 grams):
Energy | 45 kcal |
Fat | 0 grams |
– Of which saturated | 0 grams |
Carbohydrates | 11.2 grams |
– Of which sugars | 10 grams |
Fiber | 0 grams |
Protein | 0 grams |
Salt | 0.2 grams |
Is coconut water healthy and good for you?
Coconut water is composed of 95% water, but it also contains nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. A glass of coconut water replenishes potassium, magnesium, sodium, and calcium. Coconut water contains different types of vitamin B, such as B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, and B9. It is also rich in vitamin C and folic acid. Sounds like a good booster drink, right?
What are the benefits of coconut water?
Due to the large number of important nutrients, you can expect that coconut water is healthy and offers several health benefits. Below, we mention the 4 main benefits of drinking coconut water.
Benefit 1: Coconut water restores your body’s fluid balance
Coconut water contains many essential minerals such as potassium, magnesium, sodium, and calcium. These are electrolytes that can help maintain a good fluid balance. Coconut water hydrates your body better than water. This makes coconut water the perfect drink after exercising. Moreover, it contains less sugar compared to most sports drinks, making it better for your health.
Benefit 2: Coconut water is low in calories
Drink coconut water if you crave a tasty drink but still want to watch your calorie intake. If you’re trying to lose weight, coconut water is a good choice due to its low number of calories. This drink contains only 45 calories per glass.
Benefit 3: Coconut water helps lower blood pressure
Thanks to its high potassium content, coconut water contributes to healthy blood pressure. Do you suffer from high blood pressure? Then drink a glass of coconut water now and then! This reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Disclaimer: Coconut water is not a medicine! Contact a doctor if you have high blood pressure.
Benefit 4: Coconut water boosts your immune system
Research shows that coconut water contains many antioxidants. Antioxidants fight free radicals in the body and thus prevent damage to cells. If you consume a lot of antioxidants daily, your immune system will improve, and you’ll get sick less often.
What are the possible disadvantages of coconut water?
Under the motto ‘too much of anything is never good’, coconut water, besides having many health benefits, also has a few potential drawbacks:
- The potassium in coconut water can cause stomach problems. It’s fine to drink a glass a day, but don’t try to meet your daily fluid intake solely with coconut water. Regular water remains essential! 😉
- Read the label on your coconut water! Many products contain additives, such as added sugars and other flavorings. Drinking 100% pure coconut water is the healthiest choice!
How much (pure) coconut water can you drink per day?
As we mentioned earlier, it’s not recommended to replace your daily water intake entirely with coconut water. Drinking a liter of coconut water a day is not a smart choice. As long as you are aware of the sugar, fat, and carbohydrates in coconut water, one serving per day is certainly safe. If you want to replenish your minerals with coconut water, you can aim for a daily recommended amount of about 300 to 500 milliliters.
What is coconut water good or not good for?
By now, we know that coconut water is healthy. Some of the most well-known health benefits associated with coconut water are that it is good for your skin and hair, helps with weight loss, and gives your digestion a boost. Are these myths or facts? Let’s examine the most popular benefits of coconut water.
Coconut water is good for the skin
Coconut water is believed to promote radiant skin in two ways: by applying it to your skin or by drinking it.
Many cosmetics contain a coconut-based ingredient, and not without reason. If you suffer from acne or another skin condition, using coconut water (or other coconut products) can cleanse, soften, and hydrate your skin.
You could also drink coconut water for healthy skin. It helps remove waste products from the body. Vitamin C stimulates collagen production, which works wonders for the skin. Collagen keeps your skin elastic and firm. The lauric acid in coconut water has a positive effect on skin and hair.
Unfortunately, these two effects of coconut water on the skin are still insufficiently supported by scientific research. But under the motto ‘it doesn’t hurt to try,’ it’s certainly worth giving it a shot!
Coconut water can help with weight loss
This is partially true. This drink is rich in fiber, which helps you feel full faster. It also contains only 45 calories per glass. This makes it a good alternative if you want something other than water. However, more than just drinking coconut water is needed to lose weight. It’s not a magical weight-loss drink… 😉
Want to lose weight sustainably? To lose weight, you need to burn more calories than you consume. You can achieve this by adjusting your lifestyle: healthy eating and enough physical activity.
Coconut water has a positive effect on your metabolism and digestion
Due to its many nutrients, coconut water is believed to have a positive effect on metabolism, removing waste products from your digestive tract and cleaning it from the inside out. It is claimed that the sulfur-containing amino acids in coconut water bind harmful mercury. However, these benefits are currently insufficiently supported by scientific research.
Organic Coconut Water at Juicebrothers
Are you a fan of coconut water?
In our Juicebrothers stores, you can enjoy our Organic Coconut Water. This 100% pure coconut water is completely organic and contains no added sugars or preservatives. A perfect thirst-quencher packed with hydration and nutrients!
Why choose our Organic Coconut Water?
- 100% pure and organic
- No added sugars or artificial ingredients
- Hydrates better than regular water
- Packed with essential electrolytes such as potassium and magnesium
Did you know that our Organic Coconut Water can have a natural purplish color? This is due to the antioxidants naturally present in coconut water. The color is therefore a sign of purity and the presence of these healthy substances.
Visit one of our Juicebrothers stores and taste it yourself! Whether you need a boost after your workout or just crave a refreshing drink, our Organic Coconut Water is always a good choice.
Tasty smoothie recipe with coconut water
Fancy a delicious, summery smoothie with coconut water as the base? We’re sharing our favorite summer smoothie recipe with you!
Recipe: Tropical Storm Smoothie
Ingredients (for 1 smoothie)
- 250 ml coconut water
- 20 grams of raw kale
- 30 grams of avocado
- 5 ml lime juice
- 10 mint leaves
- 130 grams of frozen pineapple
Preparation
Put all the ingredients in a blender and mix until smooth. Add the liquids first. This makes blending the smoothie easier.
Serve in a nice glass and enjoy!
Summer coconut drinks
Would you rather buy a delicious drink containing coconut water instead of making one yourself with a blender? We have several smoothies and juices in our assortment that contain coconut water. Visit our stores to try them out.
Smoothies
Antioxidant
This smoothie contains a lot of red fruit (and thus many antioxidants) and is very hydrating. Perfect for a summer walk!
Ingredients: coconut water, banana, mixed berries, açai powder, goji berry powder
Dragon Slayer
Ingredients: coconut water, Vanilla Sky, banana, pitaya, mango, cardamom
Possibly the most beautiful smoothie you’ve ever seen! The bright pink color comes from dragon fruit (pitaya), which brightens everyone’s day. The perfect refreshing smoothie on a summer day!
Beginners Luck
Ingredients: coconut water, banana, spinach, kale, cucumber, mango, pineapple, alkaline water, lime
Our best-selling green smoothie. Lots of fruit, lots of veggies, and refreshing coconut water. The perfect smoothie if you want a vegetable boost without the bitter taste. This smoothie has it all. Thirst proof!
Seasonal juice: Summer Love
In the summer of 2022, we introduced a seasonal juice: Summer Love! A truly hydrating thirst-quencher for sultry summer evenings with your loved ones. Whether it’s your partner, family, best friend, or pet. Will you be our Summer Love?
Ingredients: coconut water, watermelon, strawberry, aloe vera