Coconuts are full of nutrients that help stave off a number of health issues. If you are traveling abroad to an exotic location where coconuts are abundant, make sure you take advantage of this fruit’s healthy benefits. Coconuts are not only delicious, but they are good for you too.
Rehydrate
For starters, coconut water is one of the best ways to rehydrate your body after a day in the sun as it is a natural isotonic beverage that helps carry other nutrients and oxygen to your cells. In fact, in times of famine and war, coconut water has been used as an intravenous fluid and saved many lives because it’s electrolyte (ionic mineral) content is so similar to human plasma. It’s the only natural substance that can be safely injected into the human blood stream! However, drinking it is much more fun than injecting it.
Get Your Potassium
Coconut water also contains many nutrients including vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, amino acids and enzymes. Coconut water is a good source of the major minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium. It is particularly rich in potassium. In fact, a cup of coconut water contains more potassium than a banana and has less sodium than a sports drink, with no added sugar! Coconut water also contains a variety of trace elements such as zinc, selenium, iodine, sulfur, manganese, boron and molybdenum which are derived from volcanic soils and seawater, where the palms grow.
Reduce High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is one of the primary risk factors associated with heart disease and stroke. Potassium and magnesium are known to help reduce high blood pressure, and in human studies, coconut water has been shown to be effective in
reducing high blood pressure and increase circulation. In fact, the evidence is so convincing that the FDA allows coconut water to carry the claim that it “may reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke.”
You can buy bottled coconut water but nothing is as healthy for you as the real thing, just like getting vitamins from food is the best way to get your vitamins. If you don’t happen to live in a tropical location where coconuts grow naturally, pick one up at your local health food store and enjoy the health benefits of coconuts.
If you are traveling out of the country, make sure you have adaquate international health insurance coverage. You never know what can happen when you are miles from home indulging in all those yummy, healthy coconut drinks.