10 Reasons Why Coconut Water Is Good For You

How many times have you heard the phrase drink coconut water? If you’re like me, it seems like every time I turn on the TV or check Facebook there’s another person telling me to drink this magical concoction of coconut water if I want to be healthy and slim. But is it really all that great? We’ve gathered 10 of the top reasons why coconut water can be good for you, so sit back, relax, and read about the health benefits of coconut water!

Coconut water helps you lose weight

One of coconut water’s most prominent benefits is its ability to increase metabolism, which can help you lose weight. Unlike many high-sugar beverages that are marketed as weight loss solutions, coconut water is a low-calorie option that’s high in potassium and electrolytes. And thanks to an ample dose of B vitamins, coconut water can help your body convert food into energy more efficiently—which means your body burns fat faster.

Coconut water hydrates better than any other drink

As any nutritionist will tell you, water is essential to our health. It’s vital for transporting nutrients throughout our bodies and maintaining a healthy hydration level. Most people don’t drink enough water each day, though—and drinking regular H2O can get a little boring after a while. A cup of coconut water can provide your body with extra hydration without adding calories or chemicals to your diet.

Coconut water is good for your heart

While not a magic bullet for heart health, coconut water can help lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels in your blood. It’s also packed with potassium, which is essential for regulating your body’s fluid balance. All that extra water will do wonders for an upset stomach, too! And while we’re on that subject... Coconut water can hydrate you better than sports drinks: Most of us know about how sports drinks are essentially sugar-water masked as performance enhancers.

Coconut water regulates blood pressure

Two separate studies (1, 2) found that people who drank coconut water regularly saw their blood pressure drop significantly over time. Studies aren’t clear on how long it takes for coconut water to lower blood pressure, but because coconut water is full of potassium and natural sugars, it’s likely an effect you’ll see within days or weeks.

Coconut water reduces chronic fatigue

The low-sodium, high-electrolyte content of coconut water can help you reduce your chronic fatigue. If you’re suffering from chronic fatigue symptoms, try drinking at least 2 liters of coconut water every day. This will help your body regain its electrolyte balance and increase your energy levels significantly. The anti-aging properties of coconut water will also contribute to keeping you energetic for longer periods of time in between meals.

Coconut water improves digestion

There’s a reason why more and more athletes are consuming coconut water—it helps your digestion process. Often referred to as nature’s sports drink, coconut water has been shown to help improve athletic performance by reducing muscle fatigue, increasing blood flow and providing critical electrolytes.

Coconut water helps you detoxify naturally

Your body is exposed to toxins on a daily basis. These can come from a number of sources, including air pollution, cosmetics and personal care products (shampoos, soaps and skin creams), certain foods (canned goods) and even something as simple as water. Consuming coconut water helps your body rid itself of these contaminants naturally. As you age, your body’s ability to rid itself of toxins decreases because it produces less uric acid in your liver.

Coconut water can help treat cancer

A study published in 2005 found that young coconut water has potential anti-tumor activity, including against breast cancer. The results of a 2007 study suggest that coconut water also contains substances with immune-stimulating properties, which makes it useful in boosting our defenses against viruses and bacteria.

Coconut water aids in digestion and elimination

The health benefits of coconut water include regulating your digestive system and helping to eliminate waste products more quickly. According to Ayurvedic medicine, drinking two cups of coconut water per day can stimulate your liver, improve digestion and help you lose weight. Because it’s a natural diuretic that doesn’t cause bloating or gas like coffee or tea, drinking coconut water is ideal for those who suffer from gout or other forms of arthritis.

Coconut water keeps your bones strong and healthy

This tasty treat is loaded with calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus, all of which help build strong bones. Coconuts are often called nature’s perfect food because they contain everything you need for a healthy body. A study at Loma Linda University found that middle-aged women who drank coconut water daily experienced a rise in bone density and had less bone loss than those who did not consume it.