Should I drink coconut water instead of filtered water?

Physician Bui Dac Sang, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi Oriental Medicine Association shared with VnExpress Newspaper that fresh coconut water is a natural, safe and popular thirst-quenching drink.

Coconut water is low in calories and fat but rich in vitamins, minerals and many other nutrients such as lauric acid, chloride, iron, potassium, magnesium, calcium, sodium... In particular, coconut water is rich in potassium, so adding coconut water on hot summer days is a way to rehydrate the body. Coconut water helps balance electrolytes, increase energy, regulate blood pressure, beautify the skin and support weight loss very well.

But should you drink coconut water instead of water? According to Traditional Medicine Practitioner Bui Dac Sang, drinking coconut water instead of water is not recommended because coconut water is rich in potassium, if you drink too much it can cause low blood pressure and electrolyte imbalance. People with high potassium levels in the blood or kidney disease should not drink coconut water.

Not only that, coconut water also contains a lot of carbohydrates, if consumed too much can aggravate digestive symptoms in people with irritable bowel syndrome.

Dr. Nguyen Trong Hung - Head of the Department of Examination and Nutrition Consultation for Adults - National Institute of Nutrition shared on Tuoi Tre newspaper, also gave the opinion that coconut water should not be used instead of filtered water. Coconut water has many health benefits but should not be drunk too much and should not be drunk for a long time because it can cause electrolyte disturbances and affect muscle function.

To supplement a variety of nutrients for the body, you should eat a lot of fruits, especially citrus fruits and fruits with high water content. However, if you like to drink coconut water regularly, you should reduce the amount of other fruits you eat during the day so as not to exceed the recommended fruit intake. If you drink a lot of coconut water and eat a lot of fruit, it can easily lead to excess energy and excess simple sugars.

Young coconut water is better than old coconut water because it contains less sugar, does not affect blood sugar much and does not cause weight gain. For adults, coconut water should only be considered a beverage but should not drink more than 1-2 coconuts/day.

Khanh An (synthesis)

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/co-nen-uong-nuoc-dua-thay-nuoc-loc-ar865071.html