It’s low in calories, completely free of fats and cholesterol and packs in more potassium than four bananas. Any guesses what we’re talking about?
Mother Nature’s sports drink Coconut water.
Naturally refreshing, coconut water has a sweet and nutty taste. It has carbs that can be easily digested in the form of sugar and electrolytes .
This yummy alternative to water is a, erm, hot favourite during summers. The liquid is packed with nutrients and promises a variety of health benefits. We list down seven of them for you:
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It can help you lose weight
Coconut water has an extremely low-fat content and you can drink quite a bit without worrying about weight gain. This is contrary to consumption of soft drinks, juices, tea or coffee. Since it’s a little “richer” than water, it keeps you feeling fuller for longer and can also suppress appetite.
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It is rich in nutrients
Unlike all other drinks – except maybe sports drinks – available on the market, coconut water contains the five essential electrolytes that are present in the human body. In fact, the position of minerals is better in coconut water than in orange/mousambi juice. So drink up if you want your quota of calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium and sodium. 
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It facilitates digestion
If you’ve consistently been suffering from digestion problems, drinking more fluids is recommended. Swap your cups of regular water with a couple of cups of coconut water. The fibre ensures that it averts indigestion and reduces the occurrence of acid reflux. The presence of naturally occurring bioactive enzymes aids digestion and metabolism.
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It keeps you hydrated
Coconut water has a low content of sodium and chlorides but is high in sugars and amino acids. This well-balanced fluid composition and the calorie content make it the best drink, especially when in hot and dehydrated conditions or when suffering electrolyte deficiency during diarrhea.
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It has long-term health benefits
Research has suggested that the presence of cytokinins in coconut water found may have significant anti-carcinogenic, anti-thrombotic and anti-ageing effects.
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It helps you snag gorgeous skin
In or out, coconut water is great for your skin. When ingested orally, it moisturises your skin from within and leads to the secretion of excess oil. Topical application is recommended for those with acne/blemishes as coconut water is said to clear up and even out skin tone.
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It can rid you of a hangover
The next time your party ends in the wee hours of the morning and you find yourself unable to face the angry sun, sip on coconut water. It will help settle your heaving belly and replace essential electrolytes to make you feel better, faster!
Coconut water
Calories:19, per 100 ml
Nutrition value:
Potassium: 250 mg,
Potassium: 105 mg,
Calcium: 24 mg,
Carbs: 3.71 gm
Written by Sumita Thomas
For Sumita Thomas, good nutrition advice is less about what NOT to eat and all about HOW to eat. Armed with a master’s degree in clinical nutrition and dietetics from IGNOU, Sumita has worked with multi-specialty clinics and corporate clients, planning calorie-specific menus for their cafeterias. She’s also a certified diabetes educator, has worked in cardiac nutrition and is even a TUV-certified internal auditor for food safety management systems. Maybe that’s why she ensures her advice is always scientifically sound, which makes her a perfect fit for us at HealthifyMe. Of the belief that a healthy lifestyle can be achieved with the combination of a healthy mind, body and diet, Sumita recommends setting realistic goals – one health target a day – and gradually incorporating healthy ingredients to your daily diet. Does she practice what she preaches? For sure, and ensures all those around her do too. So get set, because that now includes you!
