Coconut water: Everything you need to know about the healthy summer drink and the right time to consume it

Coconut water is no less than nectar. It is one of the best drinks to fight the summer heat as it provides you with instant energy and helps maintain the electrolyte balance in the body. The drink is great for weight watchers, as it's low in calories and has no added sugar unlike the traditional nimbu pani or shikanji.
Coconut water has natural enzymes and minerals like potassium that make it a super healthy drink.Here are 5 reasons why you must consume coconut water and the right time to consume it.
Rich in nutrients
Coconut juice is the centre of the young, green coconut. Coconut contains 94 per cent water and very little fat. 250 ml of coconut water contains 9 grams of carbs, 3 grams of fibre, 2 grams of protein, 10 per cent of RDI vitamin C, 15 per cent of RDI magnesium, 17 per cent of RDI Manganese, 17 per cent of RDI Potassium, 11 per cent of RDI sodium and 6 per cent of RDI calcium.
Contains antioxidants
When there are too many free radicals in your body, oxidative stress levels rise, which can damage your cells and increase the risk of diseases.
Research conducted on animals has found that coconut water contains antioxidants, which can modify free radicals so that they are no longer harmful.
Another study found that rats with liver damage showed improvement in oxidative stress when treated with coconut water as compared to rats who received no treatment at all.
Not just this, coconut water consumption also decreased the blood pressure, triglyceride and insulin levels in rats treated with it.

May benefit against diabetes
Studies have shown that coconut water can lower blood sugar level. A study on rats found that rats given coconut water have lower levels of haemoglobin A1c, indicating good long-term blood sugar control.
Other studies have found that providing coconut water to rats with diabetes improved their blood sugar levels and reduced oxidative stress.
However, more studies are needed to confirm the findings.
Coconut water is a good source of magnesium, which can increase insulin sensitivity and decrease reduce blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes and prediabetics.
It may help prevent kidney stones
Drinking enough fluids help in the prevention of kidney stones. Even plain water is a good choice, but studies suggest that coconut water m cbay be even better.
Kidney stones form when calcium, oxalate and other compounds combine to form crystals in the urine. These can form stones. However, some people are more susceptible to developing stones than others.
In a study done on rats who had kidney stones, coconut water prevented crystals from sticking to the kidneys and other parts of the urinary tract. It also helps reduce the number of crystals formed in the urine.
More studies are needed in this area to clear the effect of coconut water on kidney stones.

Can support heart health
Drinking coconut water can reduce the risk of heart disease. In a study, rats who consumed coconut water had reductions in blood cholesterol and triglycerides. They also experienced a significant decrease in liver fat.
Though humans might need to consume a lot of coconut water to get the same benefits.
The right time to consume coconut water
Unlike many other drinks, there is no best time to have coconut water. You can enjoy it at any time of the day or even at night.
Drinking it early in the morning is a good choice as coconut water has lauric acid, which boosts immunity and helps in kick-starting your metabolism and promoting weight loss.
Pregnant women are advised to have coconut water to fight dehydration and constipation. It also helps in relieving morning sickness, heartburn, which are common during pregnancy.
You can also have coconut water pre and post-workout to keep yourself hydrated, before going to bed or for curing a hangover.