Is Coconut Water Healthy? Here’s What Dietitians Say

Coconut water is a staple among sports enthusiasts and fitness buffs as it is said to contain electrolytes. Health-conscious people also favor this juice over other beverages due to its claimed perks. Now registered dietitians have set the record straight in regards to coconut water’s health benefits.

Chicago-based dietitian Maggie Michaelczyk told Good Housekeeping that coconut water indeed aids post-workout recovery since it is rich in electrolytes like potassium, sodium and magnesium. As such, it can restore the body’s fluid balance easily after an intense workout and even prevent dehydration.

Other coconut water health benefits Michaelczyk swears by include the ability to promote good digestion and prevent constipation, as well as improve skin health. Coconut water has antioxidant properties that stimulate collagen production, so the skin could regain its youthful glow.

Michaelczyk also said that drinking the juice from young coconut can lead to weight loss since it has substantially lower calories than other beverages. It also hydrates the body well and keeps it feeling full for a certain period, minimizing snacking and other unhealthy eating habits.

Another registered dietitian, Kacie Vavrek of Wexner Medical Center stated that coconut water has lower sugar content compared to other juices and drinks, so it is a good option for people with diabetes. However, she noted that the sugar in this solution can still add up over time, so diabetes patients should still control their intake.

Vavrek also indicated that there are research studies that showed how coconut water can lower blood pressure in hypertensive people. According to her, the potassium content of this juice counteracts the rise in blood pressure due to increased sodium intake from certain foods.

Even though coconut water does offer certain benefits, Mayo Clinic’s Katherine Zeratsky, who is also a registered dietitian, pointed out that not all coconut water are the same. The composition of the juice changes as the coconut matures. Hence, some coconut water may not be more effective in rehydrating the body than plain drinking water.