Should you drink coconut water instead of plain water?

According to Traditional Medicine Practitioner Bui Dac Sang, from the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology and the Hanoi Traditional Medicine Association, fresh coconut water is a natural, safe, and popular refreshing drink.

Coconut water is low in calories and fat but rich in vitamins, minerals, and many other nutrients such as lauric acid, chloride, iron, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and sodium. In particular, coconut water is very rich in potassium, so drinking it on hot summer days is a great way to rehydrate your body. Coconut water helps balance electrolytes, boost energy, regulate blood pressure, improve skin health, and is excellent for weight loss.

But should you drink coconut water instead of plain water? According to Traditional Medicine Practitioner Bui Dac Sang, drinking coconut water instead of plain water is not recommended because coconut water is very rich in potassium, and drinking too much can lower blood pressure and cause electrolyte imbalance. People with high potassium levels in their blood or kidney disease should not drink coconut water.

Furthermore, coconut water is high in carbohydrates, and consuming too much of it can worsen digestive symptoms in people with irritable bowel syndrome.

Dr. Nguyen Trong Hung, Head of the Adult Nutrition Examination and Counseling Department at the National Institute of Nutrition, shared in Tuoi Tre newspaper that coconut water should not be used as a substitute for regular water. While coconut water offers many health benefits, it should not be consumed excessively or for extended periods, as it can disrupt electrolyte balance and impair muscle function.

To ensure a diverse range of nutrients for your body, you should eat plenty of fruits, especially citrus fruits and those with high water content. However, if you frequently drink coconut water, you must reduce your intake of other fruits daily to avoid exceeding the recommended daily intake. Drinking too much coconut water and eating too much fruit can easily lead to excess energy and simple sugars.

Young coconut water is better than mature coconut water because it contains less sugar, which doesn't significantly affect blood sugar levels and doesn't cause weight gain. For adults, coconut water should only be considered a refreshing drink, and it's not recommended to drink more than 1-2 coconuts per day.

Khanh An (compiled)

Source