The golden time to drink coconut water
There is no fixed time that is proven to be best to drink coconut water, but according to nutritionist Jonathan Purtell (RDN, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York, USA), the most reasonable time is after the body loses water due to exercise, sweating a lot or being sick.
Coconut water is a natural source of potassium and magnesium, which help maintain electrolyte balance and prevent fatigue, says Purtell. Drinking coconut water regularly can improve recovery after exercise or illness.
Experts recommend that if you drink it after exercise, you should drink it for 30 minutes to help the body absorb the best amount of electrolytes. However, coconut water cannot completely replace sports drinks because the sodium and natural sugar content in coconut water is lower, causing slower energy recovery.
How much is enough to drink?
A glass of 240ml coconut water contains about 11g of natural sugar, 600mg of potassium and a small amount of sodium. For healthy people, drinking 1 glass/day helps rehydrate and support the cardiovascular system.
A study published in the Journal of hypertension showed that people who drank about 150ml of coconut water per day had more stable blood pressure than those who did not drink it.
However, people with diabetes or kidney disease need to be careful. The high potassium content in coconut water can be dangerous if the body does not excrete it well. In case of drinking too much, as a man was recorded in the study to drink 8 cups (each cup 340ml) per day, it can lead to increased potassium in the blood, causing fatigue, nausea and even loss of consciousness.
Coconut water is a mineral, low-calorie drink that helps hydrate, improve blood pressure and reduce oxidative stress. In particular, for people who are regularly active outdoors or work in hot environments, coconut water helps reduce the risk of dehydration and cramps.
There is no need to drink too much coconut water to be healthy, Purtell emphasizes. It is important to maintain overall water intake per day, around 15 glasses for men and 11 glasses for women, including water and water-containing foods."
In general, drinking coconut water in moderation and at the right time is a natural and healthy way to maintain energy, balance electrolytes and protect cardiovascular health.
