- Nariyal pani can lower blood glucose levels: L-arginine, a compound found in abundance in coconut water, is known for its anti-diabetic properties and is therefore very helpful for patients with diabetes. Coconut water, moreover, also battles the oxidative stress that a diabetic person experiences. It also reduces the levels of hemoglobin A1c, which increases diabetes risk when its levels are high. Since coconut water is full of fiber and is low in carbs, you can make it a staple in your diabetes meal. Be careful, however, to only go for natural coconut water, as packaged coconut water is likely to contain artificial sweeteners.
- Coconut water can help treat kidney stones: Studies have shown that coconut water consumption helps in expelling excess potassium, citrate and chlorine from the body, which can lower the risk of formation of kidney stones. It is also believed that treatment with nariyal pani prevents crystal deposits in the renal tissue. Nariyal pani also reduces crystallization in the urine and prevents oxidative stress in the kidneys, promoting renal health. Apart from getting rid of kidney stones, nariyal pani also cures bladder infections. It is because coconut water also has antibacterial properties. If your kidney problems are severe, you would do well to consult your doctor instead of relying solely on coconut water to overcome your distress. It’s better to secure yourself with a health insurance policy to safeguard you from medical expenses and much more.
- It strengthens bones, and helps treat acne and psoriasis: Coconut water is a very good source of calcium and therefore promotes bone health. It has antibacterial properties, owing to the presence of lauric acid in it, which helps treat acne. It indirectly helps treat psoriasis. Because water prevents dehydration, it also helps with issues like psoriasis. Dehydration prevents the body from eliminating toxins through the skin, which can cause psoriasis, and since coconut water prevents dehydration, it also indirectly prevents psoriasis.
So, how much nariyal pani should you consume per day?
Though coconut water has several health benefits, is very tasty and satiating, especially on a hot summer day, you must be careful not to drink too much of it as it can cause hyperkalemia or potassium toxicity. Eight ounces, or 226 grams, of coconut water, has about 600 mg potassium. The recommended daily allowance of potassium is 2,600 to 3,400 mg. If you have severe kidney disease or diabetes, you have to be extremely careful. You must limit your consumption of coconut water to once every alternate day, and that too after consulting your doctor. Since there is no authoritative data on the safe upper limit for consumption of nariyal pani, empirical evidence suggests that you should stick to consuming just one coconut water per day. Potassium deficiency is rare, and chances are that you are getting enough of it in your daily diet, therefore do not overdo drinking coconut water. However, there is no gainsaying that there is nothing like a cool drink of nariyal pani on a hot and humid afternoon, or when you are feeling too fatigued after some strenuous workout.
Getting creative with nariyal pani
We have seen the many health benefits of coconut water above, as well as drinking how much is safe. Now let us look at the ways in which you can consume this beloved drink, which has a sweet, delicious flavor.
- Sip it straight out of the fruit
- You can add it to your smoothies
- Make coconut water popsicles and have them
- Freeze them into ice cubes and add the cubes to your cocktail
- Add nariyal pani to your salad to make it more interesting