The benefits of young coconut water are not only for quenching thirst, but also good for body health. The content of electrolytes, nutrients, and other compounds in young coconut water is considered to be able to bring various benefits to the body, ranging from preventing dehydration to making skin youthful.
Unlike old coconut, young coconut has more water. This drink also contains electrolytes, such as potassium, sodium, and manganese. In addition, young coconut water is also rich in phenols and flavonoids which are antioxidants.
Other ingredients that are beneficial for body health include carbohydrates, fiber, calcium, protein, vitamin C, potassium, and phosphorus. The content is what brings the various benefits of young coconut water for health.
Various Benefits of Young Coconut Water
The following are the various benefits of young coconut water for health:
- Hydrates the body
One of the benefits of young coconut water is hydration of the body. Besides containing a lot of water, young coconut also has a lot of electrolytes, especially sodium and potassium. The function of electrolytes is to support the activity of cells and tissues of the body and to keep the body’s fluid levels balanced.
Therefore, young coconut water is often given to people who are vomiting or at risk of dehydration. On the other hand, young coconut water is also healthier than isotonic drinks which usually contain added sugar and flavours.
- Prevent osteoporosis
The abundant calcium content in young coconut water is also good for preventing osteoporosis. The reason is, calcium is a nutrient needed to strengthen bones. If their needs are not met, the risk of bone loss or osteoporosis can increase.
- Lower blood pressure
Young coconut water is also useful for lowering blood pressure. This benefit can be obtained because of the potassium content in it which can reduce muscle tension in the walls of blood vessels, so that blood pressure can remain stable.
- Prevent heart disease
Because it can lower blood pressure, young coconut water can also prevent heart disease. The reason is, high blood pressure can increase the risk of heart disease. Young coconut water also contains antioxidants that can maintain the health and function of heart cells.
- Lower blood sugar levels
The benefits of young coconut water can also lower blood sugar levels, so it is good for consumption by people with type 2 diabetes and prediabetes. This is because the content of magnesium, potassium and L-arginine in young coconut water can increase insulin action and lower blood sugar.
- Prevent kidney stones
In a study stated that the benefits of young coconut water can remove substances that trigger kidney stones with urine. Even so, sufferers of chronic kidney failure and are currently being treated for kidney stones should consult a doctor first before consuming young coconut water.
This is because the high electrolyte content in young coconut water can further burden the performance of the kidneys, especially in patients with the diseases mentioned above. This can also exacerbate kidney disease, including chronic kidney failure.
- Prevent acne
Another benefit of young coconut water is preventing acne thanks to its antibacterial compounds. Although it has not been proven through further research, the use of young coconut water on the skin is thought to prevent acne.
- Prevent cancer
Young coconut water is also thought to be able to prevent cancer, because the antioxidant content in it can counteract the dangers of free radicals, one of which is damage to body cells. Damaged cells can die or even grow without control, thus forming cancer cells.
In addition to its various properties, some of the benefits of young coconut water above are still carried out on animals. Therefore, further research is still needed to prove it.
The benefits of young coconut water are good for health. However, if you have a health condition that requires you to limit your intake of potassium and sodium, you should avoid drinking too much young coconut water.