Working out makes you feel so energized. What more could I desire than the surge of adrenaline and the satisfaction of burning those calories? But there are certain days when I can’t wait to go home and sip the freshly extracted coconut water that my mother has on hand to revitalize me.
You read that right: coconut water! Now, I realize you’re probably wondering whether I’m insane. We’ve heard of several drinks that people intake after a strenuous workout, but this is a first. However, consuming coconut water after working out offers several advantages, believe it or not.
Coconuts are naturally cultivated on coconut palms in hot regions. Coconut water is naturally revitalizing and has a smooth, earthy taste. It includes sugar and electrolytes, which are readily digestible carbs.
Coconut water is a clear liquor in the heart of the fruit which is extracted from young, green coconuts (that’s not to be mistaken with high-fat coconut milk or oil).
As the coconut grows, this liquid hardens and becomes the coconut flesh. Younger coconuts have weaker outer shells, making it easier to reach the coconut water, and the more young the liquid is, the more flavorful it is.
When taken as a component of a well-balanced diet, drinking coconut water can provide some truly impressive health advantages. Coconut water is extremely high in vitamins, minerals, and other elements that your body needs.
Coconut water is quite popular throughout South and Central America, as well as the Pacific Islands and other tropical places.
Fresh coconut water is served at once from the fruit via way of means of piercing a tiny hollow through the roof and putting a straw.
Coconut water has grown in popularity in the United States over the last decade, with numerous popular varieties.
Professional tennis player John Isner attributes his historic 11-hour marathon Wimbledon tennis victory to coconut water.
In severe heat circumstances, he drinks a mixture of coconut water and water the evening prior to a match; he frequently combines a concoction of coconut water and salt for on-spot hydration, and he blends it along with protein powder for post-match recuperation.
Coconut water is popularly referred to as “nature’s energy drink.” But, what makes coconut water so special? So without wasting any time let’s start this post.
The Magical Benefits of Drinking Coconut Water After Workout
1. COCONUT WATER KEEPS YOU HYDRATED
To begin with, according to studies, coconut water can keep you hydrated and aid the restoration of fluids after a workout just as effectively as a regular sports beverage. Coconut water has broad appeal as a hydration solution since it is pasteurized, vegan, and gluten-free.
2. COCONUT WATER CONTAINS ELECTROLYTES
The electrolytes in coconut water make it a good complement for typical sports beverages like Gatorade. Electrolytes are elements that the body requires to operate correctly.
Electrolytes are particles having a positive or negative charge that are employed in a variety of operations. Electrolytes are required for a variety of processes, including maintaining proper pH level, tissue construction, muscle contraction, nervous system communications, clotting of the blood, etc.
3. IT’S A COMPLETELY NATURAL ATHLETIC DRINK
Many individuals prefer coconut water as a more natural drink that enhances athletic performance since it contains no added sugars, food colorants, or artificial sweeteners.
4. COCONUT WATER IS HIGH IN NATURAL SUGARS
Coconut water is high in natural sugars since it is a pure liquid extracted from the heart of a fruit. According to one Brazilian research, nearly half of it is glucose.
5. COCONUT WATER HAS A LOW-CALORIE COUNT
It has a low-calorie count. Coconut water, with just 45 calories in a cup, is an excellent alternative to high-calorie beverages such as sodas or juices.
6. THE WONDERS OF POTASSIUM
Coconut water contains more than ten times the potassium of mainstream sports drinks. Coconut water has 405 milligrams of potassium per cup, which can help you avoid cramping.
Also, the potassium maintains the fluid and electrolyte balance during the exercise. Due to the presence of more potassium than sodium in the coconut water, the potassium can help in balancing out sodium’s effect on blood pressure and therefore can even lower it.
7. HELPS THE BONES HEAL
Calcium, which is found in coconut water, is essential for much more than merely teeth and bones. It enables muscular contractions and its appropriate functioning.
When you work out, your muscles tug on your bones, somewhat breaking them down. When your body heals, calcium is used by your bones to strengthen and heal.
8. AIDS IN ENERGY GENERATION, SUPPORTS ORGAN FUNCTIONING
Its magnesium component aids in the movement of calcium and potassium into muscle tissues, assisting in their contractions and relaxations.
Also, it aids in energy generation and supports organ functioning. An intense workout can exhaust your magnesium stores, making you susceptible to cramping, twitchy muscles, and spasms.
9. PREVENTS DAMAGE CAUSED BY FREE RADICALS
In addition to its properties of hydration, coconut water includes antioxidant properties which aid in the neutralization of oxidative damage and free radicals produced by exercise.
10. HELPS HEAL THE BODY AND DEAL WITH STRESS AFTER A STRENUOUS WORKOUT
The health advantages of coconut water extend to providing a natural supply of vital amino acids, which is a fantastic alternative to traditional sources such as chicken, meat, and dairy products.
Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and are necessary for tissue healing. Coconut water seems to have more arginine, cysteine, alanine, and serine than cow’s milk. Arginine helps your body deal with stress caused after a strenuous workout session.
11. ENHANCES METABOLISM AND AIDS IN WEIGHT REDUCTION
Coconut water includes lauric acid, which helps to jumpstart your metabolism, enhance your immunity, and also aid in weight reduction.
12. COCONUT WATER HELPS BURN MORE FAT
Coconut water is gentle on the stomach. It is robust in bioactive enzymes, which are proven to aid digestion and increase metabolism.
The faster your metabolism, the far more fat you burn. The main draw is that, although having a relatively reduced carbohydrate composition, coconut water provides you a sensation of fullness.
Consuming coconut water at least three to four times per day could help in shedding those extra pounds you’ve been struggling to get rid of.
13. IT’S A HEALTHY REFRESHER
Coconut water is fat-free, and cholesterol-free, and is composed of 94% water.
14 . COCONUT WATER HELPS MAINTAIN BODY TEMPERATURE
Coconut water assists in keeping the body cool and at the proper temperature.
15. IT CONTAINS VARIOUS BENEFICIAL VITAMINS
Coconut water is an excellent post-workout drink because it contains vitamins that assist in rehabilitation, such as B and C vitamins. Folate (Vitamin B9) aids in the formation of new cells; and Vitamin B6 aids in muscle development by creating amino acids. Vitamin C strengthens your immunity.
Some additional benefits of coconut water include:
1. COCONUT WATER IS BELIEVED TO HAVE ANTI-CANCER EFFECTS
Coconut water contains cytokinins as well. These chemicals are thought to have anti-cancer effects.
2. IT HELPS DETOXIFY YOUR SYSTEM
As part of a well-balanced diet, drinking coconut water can provide some comfort and help cleanse your system. According to a 2018 study, coconut water boosted the elimination of potassium, chloride, and citrate in urine.
3. IT HELPS LOWER BLOOD CHOLESTEROL LEVELS
Consuming coconut water can help decrease blood cholesterol levels. And, as we all know, it is the harmful LDL cholesterol that is to blame for the majority of heart attacks and strokes.
Coconut water helps to keep HDL, or “good” cholesterol, levels stable whilst combating a rise in LDL, or “bad” cholesterol.
Consumption of coconut water has also been derived from studies to have the same impact as lovastatin, a medicine that prevents the accumulation of cholesterol in the arteries.
4. COCONUT WATER REDUCES BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS
It can reduce blood sugar levels. L-arginine, a molecule abundant in coconut water, is recognized for its anti-diabetic qualities and is thus particularly beneficial to diabetic patients.
Furthermore, coconut water combats the oxidative stress that diabetics encounter. Also, it lowers hemoglobin A1c levels, which raise diabetes risk when they are elevated.
You can make coconut water a mainstay in your diabetic diet because it is rich in dietary fiber and low in carbohydrates.
5. COCONUT WATER HELPS LOWER BLOOD PRESSURE LEVELS
It could help lower blood pressure levels. Since coconut water contains more potassium in comparison to sodium, it helps to cancel out the salt’s influence on blood pressure and perhaps helps reduce hypertension.
6. IT FIGHTS AGAINST ACNE:
Because of its antibacterial characteristics, coconut water may also help in the fight against acne.
7. KEEPS SKIN HYDRATED AND PREVENTS SKIN CONDITIONS
It also aids in the treatment of conditions such as psoriasis. Dehydration hinders the body from removing toxins via the skin, which can lead to psoriasis; however, because coconut water reduces dehydration, it also inhibits psoriasis passively.
8. COCONUT WATER CAN BE USED AS AN ALL NATURAL GENTLE MAKEUP REMOVER
It’s an extremely efficient and mild makeup remover that’s ideal for those who find conventional makeup removers too irritating on their face.
9. COCONUT WATER MAKES YOU LOOK YOUNGER
Consuming coconut water regularly will also benefit your skin. Coconut water contains a high concentration of vitamins, which can enhance the suppleness of your skin. Furthermore, its strong antioxidant concentration will help to slow the aging process.
10. HELPS WITH DIARRHEA
Aside from being a natural diuretic, coconut water’s dietary fiber has laxative effects making it an excellent remedy for diarrhea.
11. HELPS WITH CONSTIPATION
Constipation may be avoided by drinking coconut water. It has magnesium in it. This mineral aids digestion and maintains gut health.
12. AVOIDS BLOATING
Coconut water can help you avoid bloating caused by sodium.
13. HELPS WITH HANGOVERS
Although research is inconclusive, it is widely believed that coconut water refills the potassium you deplete when you ingest too much alcohol, hence assisting you in overcoming the dreadful hangovers the following mornings.
14. CONTAINS BENEFICIAL FATTY ACIDS
It also contains 4.8 milligrams of omega-6 fats, which is a modest amount of beneficial omega fatty acids.
15. PREVENTS CHRONIC INFLAMMATION
Consuming coconut water aids in the prevention of chronic inflammation.250 milliliter of coconut water includes 3 g of fiber, 9 g of carbohydrates, 2 g of protein, 17% of the RDI manganese, 15% of the RDI magnesium, 11% of the RDI sodium, 6% of the RDI calcium, 17% of the RDI potassium, and 10% of the RDI vitamin C.
16. HELPS PREVENT KIDNEY STONES
It may aid in the prevention of kidney stones. Even regular water is an excellent option, but studies indicate that coconut water could be even better.
17. HELP’S PREVENT URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS
Coconut water is a diuretic, therefore it may help prevent urinary tract infections. It may be beneficial to flush out toxins through urine. It helps you get rid of urinary tract infections by stimulating frequent urination.
18. MAKES YOU FEEL BETTER
Coconut water can alleviate exhaustion and anxiety. There are times when you feel lethargic and don’t want to do anything due to fatigue or stress.
A cup of coconut water might help you feel calm and settle your thoughts. Coconut water is a flexible beverage that may be used as a healthy and delicious drink itself or as a nourishing component in a variety of recipes.
19. HELPS WITH HAIR NOURISHMENT
Coconut water’s high nutritional value not only benefits your body inside but is also extremely helpful to your hair.
It is extremely nourishing, and the electrolyte and vitamin content of coconut water is beneficial to biological processes within the body. This, nevertheless, also relates to your tresses.
20. HELP’S GET RID OF DRY ITCHY SCALPS
In addition to making your hair appear nourished and glossy, coconut water may also aid with dry, itchy scalps.
21. HELPS INCREASE HAIR GROWTH
Rinsing and massaging the head with coconut water may help improve blood flow to the region, resulting in increased hair growth.
22. COCONUT WATER HELPS GET RID OF DANDRUFF
Using coconut water on your scalp could even help you get rid of dandruff.
23. PROVIDES A DAILY DOSE OF MANGANESE
Manganese is abundant in coconut water. Manganese, a trace element that must be supplied from food, plays various key roles in the body.
It is involved in carbohydrate, protein, and cholesterol metabolism, and it is required for osteogenesis and healthy immunological response. A cup of coconut water has 15% of the daily value for manganese.
24. HELPS WITH STRESS RELIEF, SLEEP QUALITY.
Magnesium found in coconut water may also aid with stress relief and sleep quality.
Final Thoughts:
On the whole, we saw many benefits of coconut water which included its high level of antioxidants and nutrients. It can be a great way to rehydrate yourself after a hard, sweaty workout.
I suggest you to better Swap the coconut water for a traditional sports drink and skip the added sugar, preservatives, dyes, and other synthetic ingredients.
After reading this article you will realize that of course there is no surprise that coconut water is a good post-workout beverage.
Many of you might intake other sports drinks, so let me tell you that, similarly to Gatorade and other popular sports drinks, coconut water contains high levels of electrolytes such as potassium and magnesium.
According to one research, it is estimated that coconut water is just as beneficial and efficient for post-workout recovery as both sports drinks and water. So do not forget to drink coconut water post your daily workout!
