Coconut water has become popular over the years due to its hydration capabilities. In fact, if you read the labels on most all-natural sports drinks, you will probably find coconut water in the ingredients list. Recently however, the benefits of coconut water have reached beyond simple hydration.
In fact, coconut water is now being hailed as a weight loss and detox aid. While all of the health benefits of coconut water have yet to be well-researched, the effect the all-natural drink has on weight loss and detoxification appears to be legitimate.
What Is Coconut Water?
Coconut water is the water that is found inside of a fresh coconut. When you purchase a high quality brand of coconut water, the water will be untouched and in its natural form. This untouched, high quality coconut water is where all of the health benefits can be found. Manufacturing and processing of coconut water can diminsh its benefits, so it is important to purchase a reputable brand that contains 100 percent coconut water only.
How Does Coconut Water Aid Weight Loss?
One of coconut water’s main health claims is its effect on weight loss and hydration. Coconut water has been found to be very hydrating due to its nutrients and electrolytes, so much so that in emergency situations, coconut water has been used as IV fluid. This is where the weight loss benefits come into play.
When the body is properly hydrated, it is less likely that it will store fat in order to keep your body temperature up. When your body is dehydrated your body temperature drops. This results in the metabolism slowing down, thus affecting the amount of calories you burn throughout the day.
Coconut water is also a terrific replacement for high sugar sports drinks. In fact, coconut water has been deemed “nature’s sports drink.” Most people drink some sort of sports drink during or after a workout.
While these drinks can sometimes be beneficial, a lot of them contain added sugars that your body simply does not need. Coconut water is 100 percent natural and a great replacement for these sports drinks. In this way, coconut water helps to save you unwanted calories and sugar, while still replenshing your body with the hydration it needs.
How Does Coconut Water Detox?
Over time, the body can become run down and sluggish due to toxin build up. A detox is a great way to flush toxins out of the body and give your system a sort of reboot. Most people use juices or a water concoction that utilizes spices when they detox, but coconut water might be the best option because of its vitamin and mineral content.
Coconut water is also naturally high in electrolytes, which are essential for the proper function of nerves, heart and other muscles.
Coconut water also contributes as a detox aid due to its diuretic abilities. This means that coconut water increases urine flow, which can help to flush toxins from the body. The high fiber content found in coconut water can also aids in removing harmful toxins.
Other reasons to use coconut water during a detox:
- Naturally high in essential nutrients
- High in potassium, calcium and magnesium
- Contains trace minerals
- Low in calories and sugar
- Thirst quenching and energizing
Fasting and detoxing can be incredibly taxing on the body, but when you fast with coconut water you remain well-nourished and do not experience the same symtoms as someone doing a water fast. These symptoms include tiredness, lethargy, and loss of strength.
Other Notable Benefits of Coconut Water:
- High in free radical fighting antioxidants
- Lowered blood pressure
- Boosted energy
- Lowered cholesterol
- Reduced muscle tension
Hydrating Coconut Water Smoothie
Serves 1
Ingredients:
- 1 cup coconut water
- 1 banana, frozen
- 1 cup fresh strawberries
- 1/2 cup kale, stems removed
- 1 tablespoon flaxseeds
- 1 teaspoon raw honey
Directions:
- Place all ingredients into a high speed blender.
- Blend on high until smooth.
- Enjoy!
Coconut Water Smoothie
While all of coconut water’s health benefits may not be 100 percent backed by science and research just yet, it’s effects on hydration are well studied. Proper hydration is vital for the body in numerous ways, but it is its effect on weight loss and detoxification of the body that are most praised.
Keeping the body properly hydrated insures that body temperature doesn’t dip too low, which will adversly effect metabolism. Drinking coconut water not only replenshishes electrolytes and helps to hydrate, but also supplies the body with vitamins and minerals.
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