YES, Coconut water can be consumed by diabetic patients. But, do not touch it without knowing this!
we people never search for healthy fast food or less carbs snacks. We eat crispy fries or the latest viral food trend, prioritizing taste and convenience over long-term health. But when it comes to healthy food, we do research a lot.
Diabetic patients tend to add more natural organic cane sugar thinking it is healthy. Blood sugar levels increase even if it is natural or organic. Sugar is just a chemical structure. Good remains good only when it is consumed within limits.
But stop, do not jump to conclusions. Coconut pani is not just water, it has carbs and minerals in it.
Choose your coconut wisely
The best coconut water for diabetics is the one with low carbohydrates.
Yellow or orange tender coconuts have less flesh, making them a more suitable choice for diabetics than green ones. However, if only green coconuts are available, don’t hesitate to choose them.
After all, even green coconut water has significantly fewer carbohydrates than soda, which often contains added artificial sweeteners.
How much to drink?
Drink 250ml of its liquid which is one juice tumbler once a day. Too much of anything is only good for coconut vendors.
It’s even better when you divide this 250ml into two drinks. Hanging out with another diabetic patient helps you in several ways.
Avoid eating coconut meat as it has saturated fat in it. Just pass those pieces to your friends or family members. Let the love spike, not your blood sugar level.
People with chronic kidney disease, gestational diabetes, and rheumatism should not drink coconut water.
Drink tender coconut water whose age is less than 6 months. However, it could be impolite to ask for its age.
Here are some real tricks that work. I am not sure about other tricks but the last trick would definitely work.
- The top region of tender coconut will look young in younger coconuts.
- The coconuts that are spherical will have comparatively more water in them.
- Just ask the coconut vendor for young water-rich tender coconut, as younger coconuts have less coconut meat in them.
This image could help you recognize the tender coconut age by its appearance.
Diabetes is not a disease but a disorder
Unlike cold or cough, Diabetes is not a disease.
Diabetes is a disorder, caused when your internal hormone (Insulin) level alters or your body responds differently to those hormones.
In today’s scenario, people are more prone to metabolic disorders than infectious disorders. Thanks to all vaccines.
Studies suggest that the “risk of metabolic syndrome increases steadily with age and the risk is quite high among people belonging to higher wealth quintiles.
Understanding diabetes is important for managing it.
Coconut water and pregnancy
Coconut water is rich in antioxidants and electrolytes. Pregnant women experience nausea and vomiting during their first trimester. These antioxidants and electrolyte-restoring property reduces morning sickness symptoms.
The best time to drink coconut water is in the early morning to manage morning sickness.
Pregnant women often experiences constipation and tiredness due to dehydration. Consuming coconut water of one tender coconut keeps both in check.
If the mother is suffering from gestational diabetes drink coconut water as mentioned above for diabetics.
Make sure the coconut water is organic if consumed regularly. Avoid store-bought packed coconut water as it may contain artificial sweeteners.
Do not consume more than two or replace regular water with coconut water. Excess consumption of coconut water will alter the electrolyte balance of your body.
Tender coconut water is the endosperm of the nut that helps the growth of its baby (coconut sapling). Hence, it naturally helps you nourish your baby too.
If you are allergic to nuts, WAIT! Consult your dietician or gynecologist before consuming coconut water.
Coconut water for blood pressure
High blood pressure or hypertension is the major cause of premature deaths worldwide.
Coconut water indeed reduces blood pressure due to its high potassium content. But wait if you are under medications to keep your blood pressure under control. Drinking coconut water in large amounts would further reduce your blood pressure and may cause low blood pressure.
Also, if you are planning to maintain blood pressure only with coconut water without consulting a doctor. You are knowingly putting yourself at risk of heart attack or stroke.
Consume coconut water as a supplement to maintain blood pressure combined with medication. Remember, moderation is the key. Do not drink more than 300ml per day.
DO NOT drink coconut water two weeks before surgery as this may alter blood sugar and blood pressure levels.
Coconut water for Ulcer
Coconut water has antioxidants and antiulcer properties.
Based on scientific data coconut milk has shown cytoprotective action similar to sucralfate (Antiulcer medication).
Believe it or not, I have been suffering from gastritis for the past 3 years. Nothing helped me like coconut water on an empty stomach did.
The brain is related to the gut and I suffer from nausea and vomiting, especially during anxiety-ridden days like exams. Now, my anxious gut can be managed by sipping cool coconut water in the quiet of the early morning. Coconut milk also can be used to enhance gut health.
Coconut water for weight loss
Unlike water, coconut water has calories. But, it has fewer calories than any other soft drink.
It improves metabolism and hydrates you well which is more important in the weight loss process.
Drinking coconut water after a workout replenishes lost fluid and minerals.
Nutritional content of coconut water
Nutritional values may alter on different varieties of tender coconut and its growing conditions like temperature, and humidity, etc., Here are approximate nutritional values of medium-sized tender coconut water containing 300 ml liquid. (425 gm)
| NAME | AMOUNT |
| Water | 404 gm |
| Energy | 80 kcal |
| Protein | 3 gm |
| Fat | 0 |
| Carbohydrates | 16 |
| Sugar | 41 gm |
| Calcium | 102 mg |
| Iron | 1.23 mg |
| Magnesium | 106 mg |
| Potassium | 1.06 gm |
| Sodium | 446 mg |
| Vitamin C | 10.2 mg |
Coconut water during cold, fever
Ayurveda suggests some foods may cause dosa imbalance based on body type. From an Ayurvedic perspective, certain conditions like asthma and colds are believed to be caused by imbalances in doshas. Individuals with high kapha dosa are prone to these types of diseases.
Individuals with increased kapha can enjoy this tropical fruit between 11 am and 1 pm when pita dosa is at its peak.
However, people with increased pita dosa can benefit from coconut water.