From the many stalls we frequent around the Queen’s Park Savannah with family and friends, to the bottle of coconut water used to chase our rums at a house gathering, this refreshing drink is as vital to Trinidad culture as regular water.
Trinidadians and tourists alike all enjoy the sweet taste of coconut water. While some indulge purely for the taste of the beverage, others are more interested in whether the jelly is soft or hard. There is nothing more satisfying than digging into the right texture of jelly with a spoon that the coconut man carves from the nut itself, after having this refreshing drink.
There is a lot more to this simple thirst-quencher however. In addition to having coconut water simply for pure refreshment, there are several benefits derived from this drink that you may not have even been aware of.
Here are the top 3 health benefits of coconut water:
1. Aids in Weight Loss Efforts
The fat content in coconut water is extremely low, and therefore makes the drink ideal for weight loss. In fact, this light and refreshing drink contains various bioactive enzymes that aid digestion and boost fat metabolism.
Coconut water is rich in potassium, which helps balance out sodium. Excess sodium in the body tends to cause water retention, contributing to water weight. Therefore, coconut water helps flush out excess water as well as toxins from your body. Additionally, it also suppresses the appetite and makes you feel full because of its rich nature.
2. Rehydrates the body
Coconut water is an excellent thirst quencher and can be even more effective on the body than sports and energy drinks as a result of its electrolyte composition. Coconut water can also be used to rehydrate the body in cases of dehydration and fluid loss due to diarrhea, vomiting or excessive sweating.
3. Lowers Blood Pressure
Since coconut water contains adequate levels of potassium, vitamin C and magnesium, it is great for controlling high blood pressure. It is recommended that coconut water be consumed at the start of each day to balance the body’s electrolytes.
