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Actor Deepika Padukone's favourite drink is coconut water |
Indians have always revered the coconut tree. Every part of it is useful! Along with being super healthy, it's a coolant as well. Perhaps, that is why people suffering from jaundice, are advised to sip on coconut water.
The humble coconut water has hogged the limelight again, for its efficacy against diseases like Chikungunya. Even the World Health Organisation has recognised its benefits and strongly recommends it.
Often considered a natural sports drink that raises the levels of energy, nariyal pani has high content of potassium, magnesium, vitamin C and traces of copper, phosphorus and sulphur.
In addition, researchers in India have discovered that coconut water may help reduce symptoms of heart disease. It also helps detoxify the liver, and people who drink coconut water, usually have lower cholesterol levels. It also helps treat PMS!
Another research states that coconut water is a universal donor, as it is identical to the human blood plasma. It is an excellent substitute, because it is sterile, does not produce heat or destroy red blood cells.
Benefits of coconut water
>Coconut water helps prevent dehydration and relieves exhaustion by replenishing natural salts lost by the body.
>It is widely used in tropical countries for oral rehydration, needed during diarrhoeal attacks.
>It has been used as a health and beauty aide in tropical regions for centuries.
>It is low in fat and calories, has no cholesterol, and has a natural balance of sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium.
>According to Ayurveda, coconuts help prevent intestinal gas, constipation, flush out toxins and increase the digestive tract's ability to absorb nutrients.
>The cooling benefits of coconut water relieve burning sensations and hot flashes, and is useful for menopausal women.
>Since it regulates functioning of the intestine, it helps you get smoother skin.
What do the doctors say?
It is beneficial for patients who require replacement of potassium in their body. Potassium is lost from the body through diseases like diarrhoea. For such patients, coconut water is recommended over medicine.
Alan Almeida, Consulting Nephrologist, Hinduja Hospital
Coconut water is good for hydrating the skin. Hydrated skin is soft, supple, healthy and glowing. If you drink it regularly, and apply moisturiser and sunscreen, you can prevent wrinkles.
Dr Malavika Kohli, Consultant Dermatologist, Jaslok and Breach Candy Hospital
If you consume it without the malai, it has negligible calorific value. It has 0% fat and has lots of vitamins and minerals like phosphorus, potassium. It helps in calcium absorption. People with kidney stones should avoid it,though.
Anjali Peswani Nutritionist
It's best if you have coconut kernel as well as the water. Coconuts are not likely to get infected, or exposed to infection, unlike fruits and juices. It is a safe drink.
Duru Shah, Medical Director, Gynec World
What does the nariyal paniwala say?
I sell around 50 coconuts a day, and each one is priced at Rs 20. Coconut water is good for health, and so patients are advised need to drink it. It keeps the body cleansed, removes toxins and helps heal wounds faster.
Vijay Mishra, coconut seller at KEM Hospital
Celebs who love coconut water
>Yana Gupta reveals coconut water and coconut paste is the secret behind her sex appeal. She drinks coconut water more religiously than normal water.
>Kareena Kapoor has a glass of coconut water every morning.
>Ameesha Patel and TV actor Juhi Parmar are also big fans.
Make way for coconut water therapy
Two Malaysian-Indian doctors have claimed that coconut water is the answer to the dreaded Chikungunya, and many other diseases. They say although it doesn't cure the disease, it helps patients recover faster. They have recommended it for ailments like cholera, dysentery and typhoid.
