Is Coconut Water Bad For You?
Short answer
Coconut water is a great, heart healthy beverage and is accompanied by many health benefits.
Recommended Alternative
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Coconut water is a great source of nutrients, an excellent alternative to sugary sports drinks, and even has some stunning medical applications. Coconut water comes from the interior cavity of a young, tender coconut (known by its green coloring). Research is still being conducted on all the benefits of drinking coconut water, but from what we do know, things look promising.
Coconut water aids in weight loss. It does this in a variety of ways, actually. For one thing, it is low in fat and works as an appetite suppressant. It also replenishes electrolytes, thus giving the body energy required to be active. Essential sources of electrolytes found in coconut water include calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and sodium. Other minerals found in coconut water that aid various (but important) functions in the human body are zinc, selenium, iodine, sulfur, manganese, boron, and molybdenum. For example, zinc promotes wound healing, and selenium plays a major role in maintaining a healthy metabolism.
Coconut water also contains a high amount of fiber. Fiber is known to aid in digestion, help prevent constipation, and reduce the occurrence of acid reflux.
Coconut water is even a natural diuretic and has been used to prevent / treat urinary tract infections and kidney stones. A study done in the Philippines showed that drinking coconut water at least three times per week could reduce the size of a kidney stone and cut the need for surgery.
Coconut water isn't only beneficial when used as a drink. Applied topically, it works to help keep skin healthy. Perhaps the most incredible benefit of coconut water is that it has a chemical composition close to that of human plasma. What this means is that in the case of extreme emergency, coconut water can be given intravenously to rehydrate the body.
Benefits
- boosts energy
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promotes digestion
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can be used intravenously
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great source of electrolytes
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aids weight loss
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treats hangovers
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hydrating
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decreases blood pressure
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prevents uti
Our Wellness Pick
(what is this?)
Harmless Harvest Coconut Water
- Natural electrolytes
- No added sugar
- Organic hydration
- Fair for Life Certified
- Convenient 12-pack
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Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 12-28-2015
Last updated: 12-01-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 12-28-2015
Last updated: 12-01-2023
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