Are there any benefits of coconut water for diabetes patients?

Categories: Health

Are there any benefits of coconut water for diabetes patients?

Introduction

For people with diabetes, the body either does not produce enough insulin or is unable to use it effectively, leaving too much glucose in the bloodstream and resulting in high random blood sugar levels. Over time, this can lead to chronic health issues such as heart and kidney disease. So, for those living with diabetes, it is good to note the food that can help control random blood sugar levels. And one of those foods is coconut water.

It is because the glycaemic index (GI) of coconut water is 3. Essentially, GI is a rating system for foods containing carbohydrates and indicates how fast a type of food affects glucose levels. So, the lower the GI, the better it is for someone with diabetes, as it will not lead to a spike in random blood sugar levels. In fact, a 2021 study published in PubMed Central that looked at the effects of coconut water on blood sugar levels and retina of rats with diabetes found that it had the potential to reduce blood sugar and diabetic retinal damage.

In short, the straight answer to the question, “Is coconut water good for diabetes patients?” is a yes.

Precautions

Although coconut water is suitable for those with diabetes, we must limit intake to 1–2 cups (240–480 mL) per day because 200 mL of coconut water contains around 101 mg of sodium. A high-sodium diet can potentially increase blood pressure levels, leading to kidney damage and cardiovascular disease. Hypertension, kidney damage, and cardiovascular disease are also risks in those with diabetes.

Coconut water is also rich in potassium, again not suitable for those with chronic kidney disease or heart conditions. An excessive amount of potassium can lead to hyperkalemia or dangerously high potassium levels in the blood.

Are there any benefits of coconut water for diabetes patients?

Meta title: Low in sugar and calories: Coconut water for diabetes patients

Meta description: Coconut water is hydrating, has less sugar and calories and is a good source of electrolytes. But is coconut water good for someone with diabetes? Yes, and here’s why!

Introduction

Cool, clear, nutty, sweet, and positively electrifying, there is no better way to describe coconut water. This wonderfully natural drink is fat-free too! It is low in sugars and calories and high in electrolytes and vitamins, which is just what you would want from a drink. No wonder it is dubbed the “fluid of life” and “nature’s sports beverage”. But… are there benefits of coconut water for diabetes patients? Here’s the scoop…

In short, the straight answer to the question, “Is coconut water good for diabetes patients?” is a yes.

Precautions

Another word of caution when it comes to coconut water… drink it straight from the coconut! If not, then read the label on the bottled water carefully. Some companies that market coconut water add ingredients like sugar, artificial flavouring, and fruit juices, which can cause a spike in random blood sugar levels for those living with diabetes. To illustrate, 240 mL of natural unsweetened coconut water is 44 calories and contains 10.5 g of carbohydrate and 9.5 g of sugar. Sweetened coconut water has double everything. So, stick to natural coconut water.

Unsweetened coconut water is a better choice for those living with diabetes than many other sugary beverages, including sweetened soda. In fact, unsweetened coconut water is great for anyone who wants to lower sugar intake.

What are the other health benefits of coconut water for diabetes patients?

Coconut water is rich in sodium, magnesium, and potassium; therefore, it replenishes the electrolytes in the body, especially after intense exercise or dehydration. These minerals, in moderation, help to keep blood pressure in check as well as increase energy.
Coconut water is 94% water and virtually fat-free. Therefore, it aids in weight management, which a person with diabetes needs to focus on.
Coconut water contains antioxidants, which help to fight free radicals that increase the risk of diseases such as cancer.

Coconut water recipes in just a few seconds!

Here are some ways to energise your coconut water without increasing its GI: Add a few cubes of ice, a squeeze of lime, and a few sprigs of mint to your coconut water and blend. Yum, and refreshing. Add coconut water to a cold brew and enjoy the bitter-sweet energy boost.

Conclusion

Coconut water is a hydrating, delicious, electrolyte-filled, nutrient-dense, fat-free, refreshing beverage with low GI. It is a wonderful and beneficial drink for someone with diabetes, as long as you choose the natural unsweetened variety and limit intake to 1–2 cups or 240–280 mL per day. If drunk in moderation, it regulates glucose levels and improves kidney and heart health. Hence, there are many benefits of coconut water for diabetes patients.

What are the other health benefits of coconut water for diabetes patients?

Coconut water is rich in sodium, magnesium, and potassium; therefore, it replenishes the electrolytes in the body, especially after intense exercise or dehydration. These minerals, in moderation, help to keep blood pressure in check as well as increase energy.
Coconut water is 94% water and virtually fat-free. Therefore, it aids in weight management, which a person with diabetes needs to focus on.
Coconut water contains antioxidants, which help to fight free radicals that increase the risk of diseases such as cancer.