Diabetics Drink Coconut Water, What Effect Does It Have on Blood Sugar?

Coconut water is known to have a naturally sweet taste so many diabetics avoid it to prevent blood sugar spikes. Actually, can diabetics drink coconut water? Check out the full explanation in the review below.

Can Diabetics Drink Coconut Water?

Although it has a naturally sweet taste, the sugar content in coconut water is low, namely 10.5 grams of fructose (fruit sugar).

That way, drinking coconut water is suitable for diabetics because it does not significantly affect blood sugar levels.

Coconut water also contains a number of nutrients that are good for the body such as high amounts of potassium, magnesium, manganese, vitamin C, and L-arginine, and can help increase cell sensitivity to insulin.

In addition, coconut water is known to have a glycemic index (GI) of 54. GI levels determine how much food/drink will increase blood sugar levels. As a reference, the following is the limit for GI values ​​from low to high, including:

• Low GI: 1 – 55.
• Medium GI: 56 – 69.
• High GI: 70 and above.

Based on this benchmark, it means that coconut water is a safe choice for diabetics to consume. However, consuming too much of it can cause blood sugar levels to rise quickly.

Also Read: 10 Benefits of Coconut Meat, Improve Heart to Brain Health

So, what is the safe dose if diabetics want to drink coconut water? In general, it is recommended that you have no more than one glass of water per day. However, if you experience fluctuations in blood glucose levels, it is advisable to avoid taking it.

Also, choose young green coconuts as they have less sugar than mature coconuts.

Meanwhile, people with gestational diabetes, rheumatism, and chronic kidney disease should avoid drinking coconut water.

Healthy Tips for Drinking Coconut Water for Diabetics

Here are tips for consuming coconut water safely, including:

• Diabetic patients should consume 250 ml of coconut water per day.
• Mix the lime juice into the coconut water. Another mix that can be added is aloe vera juice and chia seeds
• The best time to drink coconut water is on an empty stomach in the morning.
• Since it is a natural source of electrolytes, drinking water is recommended before or after exercise

Make sure to choose fresh coconut water from natural sources rather than packaged ones that may have added sugar and preservatives in them.

Before drinking coconut water, it would be nice to consult a doctor or nutritionist first to avoid side effects or allergies.

Also Read: Is it safe for diabetics to drink fruit juice? Know the Rules

Benefits of Coconut Water for Diabetics

After you know that coconut water is safe for consumption by people with diabetes, here are the various benefits that can be obtained, including:

1. Lowers Blood Sugar

Consuming coconut water can help control blood sugar due to its high content of potassium, manganese, magnesium, vitamin C, L-arginine. All of these substances can help increase cell sensitivity to insulin.

2. Inhibits Oxidative Stress

Coconut water has the ability to significantly inhibit oxidative stress. That way, coconut water is believed to prevent complications in the heart, nerves, and kidneys.

3. Helps Control Blood Pressure

Drinking coconut water regularly has the effect of lowering cholesterol, fatty liver, and triglycerides in the blood. Coconut water is also believed to help control blood pressure and prevent the formation of blood clots.

In the end, although some studies show a positive effect on health; The benefits of coconut water for diabetics still require larger research.

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