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Did you know that coconut water is more nutritious than whole milk? With no fat and cholesterol, coconut water is healthier than most fruit juices, complemented with natural sweetness and low calories.
But you might be thinking, is coconut water good for diabetes or is coconut water good for high-sugar patients?
A great source of energy and strength, coconut water is good for diabetes regulation, given you understand its nutrient value and the right way to consume it.
Read on to learn the benefits of coconut water, how it is a blessing for diabetic people and its less-known risk factors.
Is Coconut Water Good or Bad for Diabetes Patients?
As approved by physicians, coconut water is a healthy beverage for people with diabetes. This is because of the high-nutrient content of this natural energy drink. A glass of about 240 ml packed with the following coconut water nutritional values-
| Coconut Water Calories | 60 |
| Carbs | 15 grams |
| Fats | 0 grams |
| Sugar | 8 grams |
| Calcium | 4% of the Daily Value (DV) |
| Magnesium | 4% of the DV |
| Phosphorus | 2% of the DV |
| Potassium | 15% of the DV |
With a significant magnesium percentage, coconut water helps manage blood sugar levels with insulin metabolism. Magnesium is responsible for regulating the body’s insulin sensitivity– improving the body’s ability to secrete insulin. Also, the high potassium percentage covers up for the low levels found in people with type-2 diabetes. Doctors recommend an everyday glass of unsweetened coconut water for sugar patients to help them manage their blood sugar levels.
Although few studies prove coconut water’s role in reducing sugar levels in humans, certain animal-based studies proved the same. Thus, people struggling with uncontrolled diabetes must consult their doctors before consuming coconut water, as it may cause fluctuation in blood sugar levels.
5 Essential Facts to Know While Consuming Coconut Water as a Diabetic
Excess of anything is dangerous, especially concerning a diabetic. That’s why it is wise to understand how much coconut water you should consume and when to avoid it if you have diabetes. Here are some tips-
1) Immature Vs. Mature Coconut
Tender coconut water and diabetes are a perfect duo–but only when consumed correctly. As per experts, people with diabetes should avoid drinking water from a mature or brown-coloured coconut, layered with malai or coconut meat.
Ideally, diabetics should consume water from the young or green-coloured coconut without malai. Also, one should strictly avoid packaged coconut water that contains added sugar and preservatives that can aggravate diabetes.
2) Best Time to Drink Coconut Water
When dealing with diabetes, you should ideally consume unsweetened coconut water early morning on an empty stomach. This is the best time to boost your immune system with the lauric acid present in coconut water. The lauric acid–also present in human mother’s milk–has antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties that boost your immunity while energising you for the entire day.
3) Coconut Water and Digestive System
Also called a ‘digestive tonic,’ coconut water works miracles for cleansing your digestive tract. As a diabetic, a damaged digestive tract is a common problem caused by antibiotics and toxins. Coconut water heals this damage while helping in indigestion and absorption of other nutrients. Thus, if you are struggling with gastric issues, acidity, or constipation, you must try coconut water to get relief.
4) Risk Factors for Kidney Patients
While coconut water’s high potassium percentage helps diabetics produce more insulin, too much potassium can cause kidney damage. Although our body can extract excess levels of potassium through urine, this doesn’t happen if your kidneys aren’t functioning properly. Thus, people with diabetes should ensure healthy kidney functioning and consult their physician before consuming coconut water religiously.
5) Coconut Water and Blood Pressure
Hopskin medicine suggests that about two-thirds of the people with high blood sugar levels record blood pressure higher than 130/80 mm Hg. The good news is that several studies have witnessed a significant decrease in blood pressure among people consuming coconut water. That’s why drinking coconut water helps treat high blood pressure and sugar levels.
Secure Diabetes Treatment Expenses with Care Health Insurance
Dubbed as a “silent killer,” diabetes invites a trail of other chronic diseases into the body. With high blood sugar levels, you must follow a restricted diet plan attached to a regular dose of medications. What's worrisome is the strong link between diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, which has become the most prevalent cause of mortality among diabetics.
At Care Health Insurance, we help you fight diabetes with adequate healthcare services while saving you on medical expenses. Our exclusive health insurance- 'Care Freedom,' secures people with pre-existing diseases, including hypertension, diabetes, and high BMI. The health plan offers optimum coverage for diabetes-related treatment expenses, annual health check-ups, automatic recharge of the sum insured, and more. Check out the diabetes-friendly health insurance to know more about the product’s coverage.
