Top 10 reasons to add some coconut into your life

We are so lucky here on the island of Phuket to have access to fresh coconuts. Lots of them. Coconuts not only feature in many local Thai dishes but they also have numerous health benefits according to some health practitioners. Whether you are drinking yours from Makro or on the side of the street you are doing your body a huge favour, here is The Thaiger’s Top Ten benefits of drinking coconut water….

1. They are Delicious

There is nothing more satisfying than cracking open a crisp and cold young coconut and drinking it’s delicious water, especially on one of our super hot, energy sapping tropical days.

2. Can assist with your Weight Loss Program

Coconut water has so many benefits that aid weight loss that I could write a top ten reasons why it promotes weight loss on its own. Full of bioactive enzymes the water helps with your digestions and boosts fat breakdown, it is also very high in potassium, like bananas, which helps balance salt in our bodies. Low in calories it is almost as good as a trip to the gym!

3. Rehydrates Your Body

Many athletes on the island reach for a coconut water as soon as they have finished their work out, as they are full of electrolytes, it helps rehydrate the body after excessive sweating from exercising.

4. Makes you look better on the outside as well

We are raving about the benefits of drinking coconut water but don’t forget the water, oil and flesh can be used on the outside of our bodies to help maintain younger looking skin and healthy and shinny hair as well as reducing inflammation.

5. Might help Reduce that Hangover

We are blessed on our tropical island to have an abundance of fresh coconuts at our fingertips. Not only are they a low calorie and low fat beverage, but they also provide important electrolytes, such as potassium and sodium which helps fights off the fuzzy effects.

6. Blood Sugar Regulation

One of the most important things that we should strive to achieve is to regulate our blood sugar. Peaks and troughs in our diet reflect in our energy levels and weight management. Coconut water has dietary fibre as well as amino acids which may help to regulate these peaks and troughs and improve our balance of insulin. Diabetic people are encouraged to drink coconut water daily to improve circulation, therefore reducing numbness in the body (if you are diabetic you should consult your healthcare professional before altering your diet).

7. May assist with the impact of migraines

Unfortunately I am a sufferer of migraines, they are deliberating and very frustrating to try and overcome, dark rooms are the obvious choice, but add coconut water to your list of possible remedies. Not only will the water help with your dehydration but it is rich in magnesium, which studies show many people who suffer from migraines have low levels of.

8. Full of Electrolytes and Antioxidants

We have already stressed the importance of the electrolytes in coconut water for your body, but coconut water also contains high levels of antioxidants. These may help the body fight off nasty free radicals, and lowers and even prevents you from diseases.

9. Low Calorie and Low Fat Drink

Next to water, coconut water is one of the most beneficial beverages you may consume. Not only as it is low calorie and low fat, but also for its antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins and minerals all of which help boost your bodies well being.

10. Lowers Blood Pressure

In our hectic lives, balancing families, work and social lives, many of us suffer from high blood pressure. With its high levels of magnesium and potassium, coconut water is rated as one of the best natural remedies to reduce blood pressure.

PLEASE NOTE: The health benefits of coconuts, whilst widely circulated and supported by many health professionals, are not a supplement for proper medical advice and guidance when it comes to diet and assistance for problems like high or low blood pressure, migraines or the regulation of blood pressure.