Super Food: Benefits of coconut water

Lowering blood pressure – a recent study showed that when human subjects drank 4mL of coconut water per 100g of body weight for two weeks, there was a reduction in blood pressure for 74% of them. This reduction was up to 24 points for systolic pressure, and up to 15 points for diastolic pressure; a significant change.


Lowering blood sugar – even though coconut water contains some sugars, a study of diabetic rats indicated that it reduced blood sugar levels and oxidative stress.

Treating NSAID-induced ulcers – an animal study showed that coconut water is only slightly less effective than sucralfate (Carafate) in treating NSAID-induced (NSAID – Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug) ulcers. Sucralfate reduced the ulcer area by 56%, while coconut water reduced the ulcerated area by 39%, a difference of only 17%. It has also been suggested that coconut water may have a protective effect as well, preventing the formation of ulcers if used regularly.

Lowering cholesterol – a study comparing coconut water to lovastatin (Mevacor) resulted in similar lowering of total serum cholesterol, VLDL and LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides, as well as an increase in HDL (good) cholesterol; without the dangerous side-effects associated with statin drugs.

Anti-bacterial properties – research has identified three novel anti-bacterial peptides which inhibited both gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial growth. With so many bacteria becoming resistant to currently available antibiotic medications, new antibacterial substances are desperately needed, and this could lead to new and better treatments for infection.

Anti-Alzheimer’s activity – in an animal model of experimentally induced menopausal changes, coconut water appeared to prevent the reduction of brain estrogen levels and the accumulation of Alzheimer’s associated plaque in their brains.

Re-hydration after exercise-induced dehydration – a study comparing water, a commercial sports drink, plain coconut water, and coconut water with sodium added showed that the sodium-enriched coconut water was just as good as the sports drink for re-hydrating the body after exercise, and that the coconut water caused less nausea and stomach upset.

Treating dehydration associated with gastroenteritis

Hangover recovery – the electrolytes and glucose present in coconut water make it an effective natural hangover remedy, while cleansing away nasty toxins and replenishing required nutrients to help you feel a little more human after a big night out.