Coconut Water vs. Sports Drinks: Which is Better for Hydration

Categories: HEALTH

Health benefits of coconut water

The crystal-clear liquid found inside green coconuts is used to make coconut water, which has electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals. Coconut milk, which is created from the water and meat of mature coconuts, can easily be confused with coconut water.

Only water makes up about 95% of coconut water from trusted sources. Dehydration can thus be avoided or treated thanks to it.

Coconut water has long been used in diets and medical procedures in tropical areas. For instance, some practitioners of conventional Ayurvedic medicine utilise coconut water to aid in semen production, urination, and digestion.

The research underlying some of the health advantages of coconut water are discussed here.

i. Using it to promote weight loss: One cup of pure coconut water has 45 calories, which makes it a healthier alternative to beverages with higher sugar content. Using this substitution could aid in weight loss and support efforts to maintain a healthy weight. Increased consumption of coconut water in the diet may improve hydration and aid in weight loss if a person prefers it to plain water.

ii. Benefits for blood sugar: Switching to unsweetened coconut water from sugary beverages may help diabetics manage their blood sugar levels. Unsweetened coconut water does, however, contain natural sugars, thus use may need to be restricted.

Researchers discovered that coconut water improved blood sugar management and decreased overall blood sugar levels in a 2015 Source that used a rat model of diabetes.

iii. Antioxidants: Antioxidants included in coconut water work to counteract oxidative stress and free radicals. While many researchers have examined the antioxidants in coconut water throughout the years, only a small number have involved human subjects.

The high intensity antioxidants in coconut water were found to help lower cholesterol indicators in rats, according to one of the more recent research, which was published in 2016.

iv. Nutrients: In addition to potassium, coconut water also includes calcium and magnesium.

For comparison, a medium banana has 420 mg of potassium while one cup of coconut water has roughly 600 mg. Coconut water might be a fantastic option for those trying to enhance their potassium intake.

Potassium aids in maintaining balanced fluid and electrolyte levels, particularly during exercise. Additionally, because coconut water contains more potassium than sodium, the potassium may help counteract the effects of the sodium on blood pressure, and it may even lower blood pressure.

In addition to supporting the health and strength of bones and teeth, calcium also aids appropriate muscle contraction. A cup of coconut water has 56 mg of calcium in it, which is 4% of the DV.

Magnesium aids in the movement of calcium and potassium into the muscles, as well as in the production of energy and organ function. Magnesium content in one cup of coconut water is around 60 mg, or 14% of the DV.

However, since calcium and magnesium are not concentrated in coconut water, the body must also absorb these elements from other sources.

v. Heart health benefits: Coconut water might aid in heart health promotion. The potassium in it might lower blood pressure. Furthermore, a previous investigation discovered that coconut water may help lower the chance of acquiring heart disease. Even though coconut water can be a part of a heart-healthy diet, one should nonetheless abide by their doctor's dietary advice.

vi. Electrolytes: Minerals called electrolytes can carry electricity when combined with water. They assist in regulating a number of your body's most vital processes, such as hydration, pH balance, muscular contraction, and nerve communication. The body primarily needs sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, chloride, and bicarbonate as electrolytes to perform these essential tasks.

Your blood and other physiological fluids are kept within a very small range of electrolyte concentration. Serious health issues may develop if your electrolyte levels get too high or too low.

Sweat and other waste products naturally cause daily electrolyte and fluid losses. As a result, it's critical to constantly replenish them with a diet high in minerals. Yet some actions or circumstances, like strenuous exercise or episodes of diarrhoea or vomiting, might increase the amount of electrolytes you lose, necessitating the addition of an electrolyte drink to your daily regimen.

vii. Coconut water and the health of your skin: Consuming coconut water or applying it topically to your skin may leave you feeling moisturised. A 2015 study also showed that coconut water consumption protected rats from free radical injury. If this is true for humans, the beverage may help slow the effects of aging, though additional research is needed to confirm this.

Electrolytes and nutrients may be found in coconut water naturally, making it a tasty and nutritious way to stay hydrated.

Is coconut water incredibly hydrating?

The liquid inside of coconuts is called coconut water. It differs from coconut milk, which is a concoction of grated coconut and coconut water.

Thus, a sort of juice is coconut water. Unflavored coconut water has fewer calories and sugar than other drinks.

Rehydrating with coconut water is common after exercise or when feeling mildly unwell. Indeed, coconut water contains electrolytes including sodium, potassium, and manganese. By brand, the amounts change.

There is some data to support the comparison of coconut water to sports drinks. Yet it doesn't hydrate any better than regular water.

Coconut water is regarded as a secure beverage. An 8-ounce serving of coconut water contains 45 to 60 calories. When weighing the benefits and drawbacks, simple water

Side Effects:

Don't we all like a refreshing glass of coconut water in the summer? You must be aware of the numerous advantages that coconut water offers. Coconut water is one of the greatest beverages for hydrating because of its many health advantages. Since coconut water is a good source of electrolytes, minerals, and vitamins, it is advised to drink it to stay hydrated and healthy. Also, it aids in having good skin.

Many problems, such as low blood sugar and an electrolyte imbalance, can be brought on by coconut water. In addition, it can cause a variety of stomach and digestion diseases, including bloating and discomfort in the abdomen.

Here’s taking a look at the side effects of drinking too much coconut water:

i. Electrolyte imbalance – A women's lifestyle and wellness website called Stylecrase claims that coconut water contains a lot of potassium. As a result, it has some benefits for the body. However, consuming too much of it might result in serious health issues including hyperkalemia. An individual may have persistent fatigue, weakness, and dizziness due to hyperkalemia.

ii. Low blood pressure problem – Coconut water consumption could make low blood pressure worse. So, before ingesting coconut water, people with blood pressure difficulties should talk to their doctor.

iii. High blood sugar level – Despite not being a component of sweet beverages, coconut water has a lot of calories and carbs. For those who have high blood sugar, this can be an issue. It should therefore be eaten with prudence.

Should You Replace Water With Sports Drinks?

If you watch sports at all, you've probably seen sportsmen drinking from colourful cups before, during, or after a match. These sports beverages play a significant role in international athletics and huge commerce. Even if you are not an athlete, many people think that these drinks are the secret to enhancing workout performance. Others, though, will advise you to stick with water because this is just marketing.

The bulk of your body weight is made up of water, which is also essential for healthy body function.

Your body constantly loses water through your skin and the air you breathe out, in addition to losing it through urine, sweat, and faeces. It's frequently advised to consume fluids frequently throughout the day to replenish these losses, support overall health, and improve workout performance.

The recommended daily fluid intake is 91 ounces (2.7 litres) for adult women and 125 ounces (3.7 litres) for adult males, however demands may differ.

Sports drinks primarily consist of water, but they also include other ingredients like carbs and electrolytes that are meant to enhance performance. Although they may also be present in other forms, the carbohydrates in these drinks are frequently in the form of sugars like glucose, sucrose, and fructose. Sports drinks typically contain 6-8% carbs. 8 fluid ounces of a 6% solution contain around 14 grammes of carbohydrates (240 ml).

In an effort to appeal to individuals who desire water and electrolytes without extra calories, some sports drinks are low- or zero-carb. Your body needs electrolytes, or minerals with an electrical charge, to function normally. Sodium and potassium are the two major electrolytes present in sports drinks. Gatorade, Powerade, and All Sport are a few examples of well-known sports drink brands.

The efficiency of the main sports drinks on the market probably doesn't differ significantly across the various brands that are offered. Despite the fact that there has been a lot of study on sports drinks, some people have questioned its reliability. Some people are particularly concerned about the association between the researchers conducting the studies and the major sports drink manufacturers.

Coconut Water vs. Sports Drinks: Which is better for Hydration?

Sports drinks and coconut water can both help you stay hydrated, but they differ in their ingredients and advantages.

Natural beverage called coconut water is made from young, green coconuts. It is abundant in electrolytes including potassium, sodium, magnesium, and calcium, which support fluid replacement after physical activity or exercise. Natural sugars included in coconut water also serve as the body's source of energy. It has no artificial flavours, colours, or preservatives and has a low calorie count.

Sports drinks, on the other hand, are meant to replace the fluids and electrolytes that are lost during physical activity, but they frequently have extra sugars and artificial tastes. In order to provide energy during activity, sports drinks often include a combination of water, electrolytes, and carbohydrates (in the form of sugars). These might also include supplements like vitamins, caffeine, and others.

Both coconut water and sports drinks can be useful for hydration. Due to its low calorie count and absence of artificial additives, coconut water is a natural and healthier alternative. It also contains a lot of potassium, which helps to control blood pressure and lowers the chance of developing heart disease. As a quick source of energy and a way to avoid dehydration, sports drinks, on the other hand, may be advantageous for athletes who engage in intensive or lengthy exercise.

The decision between coconut water and sports drinks ultimately comes down to personal preferences and requirements. Coconut water is a terrific alternative if you're seeking for a natural and healthy option. A sports drink might be a better choice if you are engaging in vigorous exercise and require a quick supply of energy.