High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease. While medications are often prescribed to treat high blood pressure, lifestyle changes, such as healthy eating, can also be beneficial.
Coconut water has become popular in recent years as a natural remedy for many health problems, one of which is high blood pressure. Coconut water is a nutrient-dense option for rehydration. It can benefit your health, especially your heart and kidneys.
Nutritional Value of Coconut Water
Coconut water is the clear liquid found in coconuts, as opposed to coconut milk, which is a mixture of coconut water and shredded coconut. Coconut water is low in sugar and calories, and has a slightly sweet, nutty taste.
However, electrolyte water contains electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, and magnesium, all of which help replenish lost nutrients. Electrolyte water also contains some vitamins, such as vitamin C and B vitamins. It is a good choice to drink after exercise or when you are slightly sick, although it may not be better than plain water.
The nutritional content of coconut water varies depending on the age of the coconut, but 100 grams of coconut water typically contains about:
- Water: 95 grams
- Energy: 19 kcal
- Protein: 0.7 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 3.71 grams
- Sugar: 9.6 grams
- Calcium: 24 milligrams
- Iron: 0.29 milligrams
- Magnesium: 25 milligrams
- Potassium: 250 milligrams
- Sodium: 105 milligrams
- Vitamin C: 2.4 milligrams
Benefits of Drinking Coconut Water
Coconut water offers many potential benefits due to its unique nutritional profile and natural properties. Here are some of the key benefits associated with drinking coconut water:
- Hydration: Coconut water is a great source of water to help you stay hydrated. This is especially important when exercising or when you are sick.
- Electrolyte balance: Coconut water contains electrolytes such as potassium, magnesium, and calcium. These electrolytes are essential for maintaining fluid balance and electrolyte levels in the body.
- Blood sugar control: Coconut water may help lower blood sugar levels in diabetics. This is because it contains medium-chain fatty acids, which may help increase insulin sensitivity.
- Antioxidant properties: Antioxidants found in coconut water include cytokinins, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds. These antioxidants help fight oxidative stress, which can damage cells and contribute to chronic diseases. Coconut water contains antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation, support the immune system, and protect against many health problems.
- Heart health: Coconut water can help improve heart health by lowering cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Coconut water also contains antioxidants, which help protect the heart from damage.
- Weight loss: Because coconut water is low in calories, it can help keep you full for a long time. Therefore, it can be a useful addition to a weight loss diet.
- Digestion: Coconut water is high in fiber, which can aid in digestion. It also contains lauric acid, which has antibacterial properties and can help fight harmful bacteria in the gut.
- Skin health: Coconut water contains antioxidants that help protect the skin from environmental damage. Coconut water also contains vitamins and minerals that are essential for maintaining healthy skin.
How Does Coconut Water Help Improve Blood Pressure?
1. Potassium content
Coconut water is rich in potassium, a mineral known for its ability to help regulate blood pressure. Potassium helps neutralize the effects of sodium, which can contribute to high blood pressure. Potassium in coconut water can help lower blood pressure by establishing fluid balance in the body and aiding in the relaxation of blood vessel walls.
2. Magnesium content
Another mineral that has been linked to improved heart health and blood pressure regulation is magnesium, which is found in coconut water. Magnesium helps relax the smooth muscles of the blood vessels, helping them dilate and increase blood flow. Adding coconut water to a balanced diet can help maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
3. Benefits of hydration
Staying hydrated is important for overall health, including blood pressure control. Coconut water is a delicious, natural form of water that contains electrolytes like potassium that help rehydrate and maintain optimal water levels. Adequate hydration is important for maintaining stable blood pressure.
4. Antioxidant properties
Coconut water is rich in antioxidants like cytokinins, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds. These antioxidants help fight oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which can contribute to the development and progression of hypertension. The antioxidants in coconut water may help regulate blood pressure by reducing inflammation and protecting against oxidative damage.
5. Lowers Blood Cholesterol
High blood cholesterol and high blood pressure are linked because hardening of the arteries can put stress on the heart by forcing it to work harder to pump blood. This increases blood pressure. Coconut water is thought to help people with hypertension by reducing triglyceride and cholesterol levels in the blood.
