Recognize the Rules of Drinking Coconut Water for Diabetics

The sugar content in coconut water often makes diabetics worry when they want to consume it. So, can people with diabetes drink it? Check out the full explanation below.

Is it safe to drink coconut water for diabetics?

Coconut water is known to help replace fluid deficiencies and make the body feel refreshed and energized. For diabetics, consuming coconut water offers benefits because of its low sugar content.

Although coconut water has a sweet taste due to natural sugars, the sugar content varies depending on the amount of sugar added by the manufacturer or seller.

For diabetics or anyone looking to lower their sugar intake, opting for unsweetened coconut water is a solid choice.

Although research on coconut water and its effects on diabetes is scant. However, several animal studies have shown that there is improvement in controlling blood sugar by drinking coconut water.

In one study, rats were injected with a drug that triggers a spike in blood sugar called alloxan and given coconut water to drink for 45 days.

The results of the study revealed that the rats that were given coconut water experienced significant improvements in blood sugar, hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c), and oxidative stress.

The results of this study attribute it to the high potassium, magnesium, manganese, vitamin C, and L-arginine content of coconut water. All of these nutrients help increase insulin sensitivity.

Please note, coconut water is a very good source of potassium, manganese, and vitamin C; each of these nutrients provides 9%, 24%, and 27% of the daily nutritional adequacy value (RDA) in just 240 ml.

Also Read: Frequent Urinating, Is It Really a Sign of Diabetes?

Benefits of Coconut Water for Diabetics

Coconut water is a refreshing drink rich in nutrients and minerals. This content is very good for the body, including for people who are trying to control blood sugar.

Here are the various benefits of coconut water for diabetes patients, including:

1. Controls Blood Sugar

The high content of potassium, manganese, magnesium, vitamin C, and L-arginine in coconut water makes it believed to keep blood sugar levels stable. These compounds can help increase cell sensitivity to insulin.

2. Inhibits Oxidative Stress and Prevents Diabetes Complications

According to several studies, coconut water has the ability to significantly increase oxidative stress. That way, coconut water can help prevent dangerous complications in the heart, nerves, and kidneys.

3. Reducing the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

Drinking coconut water regularly helps lower cholesterol, liver fat and triglycerides in the blood.

In addition, coconut water also helps control blood pressure and prevent the formation of blood clots. However, in order to prove its benefits for diabetics, more research is still needed.

4. Increase body metabolism

Coconut water has been shown to be effective in limiting food cravings. This is because coconut water is a source of electrolytes that help better digestion and encourage a higher metabolism.

Apart from that, coconut water also helps break down fat cells and convert them into energy molecules.

5. Maintain Kidney and Liver Health

Coconut water is beneficial in increasing the conversion of bile in the liver. Bile acids play a role in improving lipid metabolism and reducing blood sugar levels.

As a result, liver function improves and complications from diabetes are reduced. The content of potassium salts in coconut water also helps dissolve kidney salts and even helps detoxification.

Also Read: Drinking Too Much Coconut Water Triggers a Heart Attack! Really?

Things to Look For Before Drinking Coconut Water

Although coconut water is safe for consumption by diabetics, consuming too much of it can be harmful to health. For people with diabetes, it’s best to limit your intake to 1-2 cups (240-480 ml) per day.

Here are some things that must be considered before consuming coconut water, including:

• Excessive intake of coconut water increases potassium levels which causes kidney damage.
• Possibility of increasing electrolyte imbalance causing hyperkalemia (excess potassium).
• Excessive consumption can cause flatulence.
• Avoid taking it together with drugs.
• People who are on dietary restrictions should consult a doctor before consuming coconut water.

Now,, that’s a review about whether or not consuming coconut water for diabetics. Hopefully this information is useful, Healthy Friends.

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