According to Healthline and Cleveland Clinic, coconut water is considered one of the natural health drinks thanks to its potassium, magnesium and antioxidant content. However, experts say that although it is a healthy drink, coconut water still has groups of people who should be cautious when using it.
Coconut water contains a fairly high amount of potassium. According to Medical News Today, a glass of coconut water can provide up to 600 mg of potassium, which helps stabilize the heart rate and helps lower blood pressure. However, this factor becomes a risk for people with kidney disease. In people with impaired kidney function, the body has difficulty excreting potassium, leading to increased blood potassium - a condition that can cause heart rhythm disturbances. Therefore, experts recommend that kidney patients consult a doctor before drinking coconut water regularly.
The second group of people to limit is people with low blood pressure or taking blood pressure lowering medication. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the potassium content in coconut water can further lower blood pressure, causing dizziness, fatigue or sudden drops in blood pressure. In addition, people with electrolyte disorders should also avoid it because coconut water can cause an imbalance in blood mineral levels.
People with diabetes should also pay attention. Although the natural sugar content in coconut water is lower than many fruit juices, Healthline believes that drinking a lot can still increase blood sugar, especially when choosing bottled water with added sugar. It is best for people with diabetes to only drink 100-150 ml/day and prioritize fresh coconut water.
For athletes or high-intensity practitioners, coconut water is a good choice for electrolyte replacement. However, Medical News Today warns that drinking too much can cause stomach pain and diarrhea due to the FODMAPs content. In addition, people with colds, fever or abdominal cold should also limit it because coconut water is welded and can easily cause digestive discomfort.
The information in the article is for reference only, not a replacement for medical diagnosis or treatment. You should talk directly to your doctor for accurate advice that is suitable for your health condition.
