Why You Should Add Coconut Water to Your Diet

Why You Should Add Coconut Water to Your Diet

Coconut water is no new entrant to the arena of healthy drinks we should be consuming more of – in fact, most of us have heard plenty about the benefits of this tropical refreshment. But still those benefits are understated, with too few of us incorporating coconut water into our diets and getting a daily dose. If you’re looking to add a little something to your diet, and boost your overall wellbeing without sacrificing on taste, here’s what you need to know and why you need to get on the coconut bandwagon – pronto.

It helps with fat loss

Not to be confused with the fattier coconut milk, coconut water has very low fat content and you can therefore allow yourself a generous intake without fear of the pounds piling on. What’s more, the rich taste of coconut water means it can help to suppress the appetite and make you feel fuller sooner – so you’re less likely to keep snacking on fattier, less healthy foods.

It’s hydrating

Coconut water is packed with electrolytes, in particular potassium, which are great at helping your body to rehydrate after exercise. Natural coconut water also contains less sugar than the sports or energy drinks you might be used to reaching for instead. In fact, coconut water is said to boast an electrolyte balance and plasma content that is similar to that of human blood, hence it does such a good job of replenishing the body’s fluids.

The benefits of coconut water in rehydrating mean it’s also a good one to have on standby if you are suffering the after-effects of too much alcohol. Dehydration is what causes that painful hangover, and the electrolytes in coconut water can help to refuel your body and clear your head – the same applies if you’ve been unwell and have been vomiting.

It can beat stress

If you’re feeling the mild blues, then coconut water could help you regain your positive spirit. It is loaded with derivatives of vitamin B – the list is long, including B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7 and B9. Among them, riboflavin, thiamine and pantothenic acid are believed to help beat stress, reduce anxiety and kick depression. And who can deny that even just the tropical taste of coconut water transporting you, at least mentally, to a paradise beach setting will put a smile on your face?

It’s great for your skin

Whether you drink it or use it as an external moisturiser – one that’s good all year round, and great for those with oily skin – coconut water can leave your skin bright and clear. By improving your body’s blood circulation and therefore boosting the flow of oxygen to the skin cells, coconut water banishes that dull and dry, wintry complexion and leaves you looking healthy and glowing. Plus, the presence in coconut water of cytokinins – substances that encourage cell division – helps you slow down the skin ageing process without resorting to chemical-laden cosmetics.

But choose the right coconut water

The last thing you want is to aim to boost your wellbeing by drinking natural coconut water, but then ruin it all by picking the wrong one. Yet as healthy and nutritious as classic coconut water is, the market is also awash with commercialized versions that have become variants on other energy drinks – loaded with added flavorings and extra sugar. These imposters are likely the root cause of some of the skepticism that is occasionally leveled at coconut water, including writing it off as a fad. But by opting for simple, unadulterated coconut water – and the best way to be sure of that is to buy the whole coconut and machete it open yourself – you can be sure you’re getting the real deal, all of the goodness and none of the nasties.

Want to give your health an extra boost? Talk to us about incorporating nutritious food and drink into your wellbeing plan.