Is drinking coconut water safe for diabetics?

There’s no doubt that coconut water is regarded as the most satiating drink. It is fresh, tasty, full of nutrients, and naturally sweet. The best thing about coconut water is that it helps in balancing the electrolyte in the body, which is lost during exercise or other physical activities. Coconut water is a popular drink among health-conscious people. It is packed with multiple essential nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin B1, potassium, sodium, copper, manganese, selenium, phosphorus, and iron. Coconut water has innumerable health benefits.

Even so, do you know why it is considered among the safest drinks for diabetics? Let’s find out. According to research published in the Journal of Medicinal Food, coconut water is very helpful in managing diabetes. In this research, a test was carried out on diabeticinduced rats to find out the effect of coconut water on blood coagulation.

It was found that coconut water along with L-arginine (an amino acid used to treat blood clots and increase blood flow) reduced the concentration of glucose in the rats and also exhibited antithrombotic activity. However, limit intake to 250ml daily to avoid glucose spikes. Choose tender green coconuts for water, avoiding the pulpy part high in fat and sugar.

WHY IS IT SUITABLE FOR DIABETICS?

More fibre: 100 g of coconut water contains 1.1 g of dietary fibre. The fibre helps to keep a track of glucose level in our body. Thus, due to high fibre and low carbs content in coconut water, it is recommended best for diabetics.

Essential nutrient: Coconut water is packed with 24 mg calcium, 25 mg magnesium, 0.29 mg iron, 2.4 mg vitamin C, 3 mcg folate, 250 mg potassium, and 105 mg sodium, the two important salts required by our body. These nutrients regulate blood glucose and help manage diabetes. Helps in weight management: Coconut water has an excellent tendency to prevent hunger without compromising on essential nutrients due to the fibre in it. Also, antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids regulate glucose and prevent excessive weight gain.

Low glycemic index: Coconut water has a low glycemic index which prevents the sudden spike of blood glucose in the body. Also, it helps prevent insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

Improves blood circulation: Coconut water provides great relief to diabetics by easing their symptoms. It helps to widen the blood vessels and treat the main symptoms of diabetes like numbness, discomforts, and blurred vision caused mainly due to poor blood circulation.