Since coconut water occurs naturally, I have always wondered, “is coconut water acidic or alkaline in nature?”.
Coconut is a very unique fruit that has always fascinated me. Every time I see a coconut fruit, I am filled with curiosity.
- How did coconut water come to be?
- Is coconut water alkaline?
- How nutritious are coconut fruits?
- What are their health benefits?
- What will happen if I drink coconut water every day?
If you are also interested and would like to know the answers to these questions, then keep on reading.
If you are anxious to know if coconut water is alkaline or acidic, then you’re just in the right place. Coconut water is slightly acidic with a pH level of 4.7 to 5.7.
Coconut Water – What Is It Made Of?
Understanding the constituents of coconut water is the first step to figuring out if Coconut water is alkaline or acidic.
The clean and edible coconut water is said to be composed mainly of water and sugar, but there are other known components, such as.
- Carbs
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Phosphorus, and
- Calcium
- Electrolytes
These electrolytes contained in coconut water can be regarded as alkaline, and as such, has some influence on whether coconut water is acidic or not.
Tip: Taking too much coconut water does have a negative effect on your body as the excess alkaline in your body can cause muscle spasms and nausea.
Is Coconut Water Acidic Or Alkaline?
Coconut water is slightly acidic in nature. It has a pH level of 4.7 to 5.7.
Despite its acidic nature, when ingested, coconut water exhibits an alkalizing effect.
And this helps in controlling acid reflux and digestion.
It also has some medicinal value as it is often used to treat indigestion, cough, fatigue, and high blood pressure.
Benefits Of Drinking Coconut Water
Low-Calorie Hydration
One reason why coconut water is beneficial to the body is that it is an excellent source of low-calorie hydration.
A glass of coconut water contains just around 49 calories.
This is a good substitute for carbonated drinks such as juice and sodas, which are high in sugar and calories.
For those who find plain water bland and unappetizing, they can easily switch to coconut water for hydration.
It is not only nutritious but also has a sweet taste.
Source Of Nutrients And Electrolytes
Coconut water contains a good number of nutrients and electrolytes needed by the body.
Potassium and sodium present in coconut water help to balance fluid and electrolyte levels in the body after exercise.
They also help in preventing low blood pressure.
Coconut water also contains calcium and magnesium, which are necessary for healthy and stronger bone growth.
The heart, nerves, and muscles also require calcium and magnesium to grow well.
All these nutrients are present in coconut water, making it a great substitute for water and other beverages.
It Aids In Healthy Digestion
Coconut water, just like plain water, supports and aids the healthy digestion of food.
Drinking coconut water after every meal will help food digest faster.
The fiber present in coconut water helps to relieve and prevent constipation. It also aids in the smooth movement of waste through the body.
Also, the magnesium present in coconut water helps relax the muscles, thereby helping to relieve constipation.
Blood Sugar Benefits
By substituting sugary beverages with coconut water, diabetes patients would have more control over their blood sugar levels.
Carbonated drinks and sugary beverages contain a lot of artificial sugar. And when consumed in excess, it increases the chances of becoming diabetic.
Coconut water in itself contains a little bit of natural sugar, which gives it a sweet taste.
Note: If you are diabetic, moderate your daily intake of coconut water.
Help In Clear Skin
It is a known fact that drinking water regularly helps in promoting healthy and clear skin.
Coconut water contains vitamin C, which aids in collagen production in the skin.
Collagen helps to cover wrinkles and fine lines on the face.
So, drinking coconut water can help you develop clearer and healthier skin over time.
Kidney Stones Prevention
One of the ways of preventing kidney stones is by drinking a lot of water.
Kidney stones are formed when calcium and other compounds fuse and form tiny crystals in your urine.
In a study carried out in 2018, researchers discovered that giving people without kidney stones coconut water made them pass out urine with high concentrations of potassium, citrate, and chloride.
These compounds are responsible for forming tiny crystals that metamorphose into kidney stones.
This shows that continuous intake of coconut water might be instrumental in flushing the body system of impurities that might lead to kidney stones.
Disadvantages Of Drinking Coconut Water In Excess
It Has Diuretic Effect
One of the disadvantages of consuming too much coconut water is that it has a diuretic effect.
Diuretic medicines are used to help remove excess water and sodium from the body.
When you consume excess coconut water, you might find yourself going to the loo frequently to ease your discomfort.
This is caused by the excess buildup of sodium from the coconut water.
This excess sodium helps draw water from your bloodstream and into your bladder, making you visit the loo frequently.
Electrolyte Imbalance
Consuming too much coconut water can lead to an electrolyte imbalance in the body.
Coconut water contains a high amount of potassium. When potassium becomes excessive in the body, it can lead to hyperkalemia.
Might Increase Blood Sugar Level
Excessive consumption of coconut water per day can increase the sugar level of diabetic patients, despite its low sugar content.
Coconut water might not contain too much sugar, but it does also contain calories and carbohydrates.
Individuals having high blood sugar levels should moderate their intake of coconut water.
Perhaps, one cup per day should be enough.
Tip: Diabetic patients should always go for the immature coconut instead of the mature one.
Not Good For People With Allergies
When coconut water is consumed in excess by people with allergies, it can easily turn into a disaster.
Most people are allergic to certain fruits, odors, and even foods.
Coconut is a tree nut, and its water has a nutty taste.
So, people having nut allergies should avoid drinking coconut water to prevent triggering their allergies.
Also, people with calcium intolerance or allergies should avoid coconut water.
Coconut Water or Regular Water
Although coconut water is highly nutritious, it is, however, recommended that you take it in moderation and it does not act as a suitable replacement for regular water.
This is because, the excess potassium found in coconut water can shut down the functions of the kidney, leading to kidney failure.
Coconut Milk or Coconut Water
When compared to coconut milk, coconut water is a lot healthier as over 90% of coconut water contains water.
Coconut milk, on the other hand, is filled with fat and contains less water than coconut water.
If taken in excess, you might increase the acidity level in your body, leading to indigestion or even bloating.
Note: The entire composition of water in coconut milk is about 50%.
Conclusion
I believe the question “is coconut water acidic or alkaline?” has been answered above. But for those who may have forgotten, coconut water is slightly acidic.
It has a pH level of 4.7 to 5.7.
It should be noted that coconut water is best consumed fresh. The best time to drink its water would be immediately after cutting it open.
Keeping coconut water over time will make it lose some of its nutrients.
And finally, if you notice any side effects from the continuous use of coconut water, kindly stop and seek medical advice.