Overconsumption of coconut water can be risky for diabetics (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
Coconut water is known to have a plethora of health benefits – from keeping you hydrated to helping achieve clear, acne-free skin. Thus, many of us end up drinking it daily (sometimes, even twice a day!) However, just like most food items, overconsumption of coconut water can be risky too, nutritionists share.
“Although coconut water is safe, packed with nutrients, and considered a great way to hydrate the body, its excessive consumption may cause some health problems,” nutritionist Aman Puri, founder, Steadfast Nutritionist said.
Explaining the same, he added, “Coconut water is very high in potassium. Drinking too much of it may cause an imbalance of electrolytes in the body by spiking the levels of potassium which can cause kidney trouble and irregular heartbeat.”
Kidney problems
Puri suggested consulting a health expert if you have kidney problems. ” If kidneys don’t work properly, excretion of potassium through urine is impacted, which may lead to hyperkalemia,” he said.
Increases blood pressure
“It is not recommended for persons who have high blood pressure because it can further raise the pressure due to its high sodium content,” nutritionist Pritika Bedi, founder, Healthsake said. She added that “its high potassium content can also drastically lower BP”.
It is not recommended for persons who have high blood pressure (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
High in sugar
Bedi added that overconsumption of coconut water can be risky for diabetics. She said, “People drink coconut water instead of other juices because they believe it is low in sugar. Coconut water has 6.26 grams of sugar per cup. As a result, diabetics should refrain from drinking coconut water. It is not recommended for people with diabetes to drink it every day. Though coconut water contains less sugar than most sports drinks and fruit juices, it does have an excessive amount of calories.”
Might act as laxative
Coconut water is a natural laxative, therefore, drinking too much might be harmful to your health. Those with irritable bowel syndrome should avoid drinking too much coconut water, she suggested.
Diabetics shouldn’t consume coconut water in excess. (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
Agreed Puri and said, “Excessive consumption may also lead to stomach upset and bloating in few people. Coconut water also has diuretic properties. Hence, drinking too much of it can cause an increase in the production of urine, causing frequent visits to the washroom.”
Not good for athletes
According to Bedi, one must consume regular water instead of coconut water after a strenuous workout. “It’s always best to drink water after a workout because it contains a lot of salt, which the body loses during activity. You may also end up drinking a couple of glasses of coconut water due to thirst, which is bad for your body and health,” she said, adding that one shoulddrink it “once a week as a treat rather than every day”.
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FAQs
High levels of potassium in the blood: Coconut water contains high levels of potassium. Don't drink coconut water if you have high levels of potassium in the blood. Kidney problems: Coconut water contains high levels of potassium. Normally, potassium is excreted in the urine if blood levels get too high.
Can too much coconut water be bad for you? ›
An excessive quantity of potassium can lead to a condition called hyperkalemia, which is when there's a dangerously high level of potassium in the blood. Eight ounces of coconut water contains approximately 101 milligrams of sodium. A diet rich in sodium can result in an increase in blood pressure.
Why you should not drink coconut water everyday? ›
Coconut water has 6.26 grams of sugar per cup. As a result, diabetics should refrain from drinking coconut water. It is not recommended for people with diabetes to drink it every day. Though coconut water contains less sugar than most sports drinks and fruit juices, it does have an excessive amount of calories.”
Is coconut water good for your kidneys? ›
It is rich in Vitamin C which helps in reducing kidney stones by reducing the creatinine level. Apart from this, coconut water, which contains a high amount of potassium, corrects blood circulation in the kidney, improves its functioning, and keeps the kidney healthy as well.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of drinking coconut water? ›
In summary, drinking coconut water every day is considered a source of water and electrolytes needed by the body. However, although coconut water is full of nutritional benefits, consuming too much of it can cause certain side effects, especially in patients with kidney failure, taking heart medication or diabetes.
What will happen if I drink only coconut water for 7 days? ›
Drinking coconut water for seven days can help hydrate your body, support electrolyte balance, provide essential nutrients, promote digestive health, potentially improve skin hydration, and contribute to weight management.
Why should we not drink coconut water in an empty stomach? ›
It remains as the best drink that is totally pure, without addition of any chemicals and not causing any kind of ill effects. it is consumed with empty stomach it will mix up with the acids of the gastric juice causing stomach ulcer.
Why isn't coconut water good for you? ›
While coconut water has many benefits, too much can be harmful. Coconut water has high levels of sodium, so drinking a lot can take up much of your daily sodium allowance, according to SF Gate.
Who should avoid coconut water? ›
coconuts or any of its components should avoid coconut water to prevent allergic reactions, which can range from mild to severe. Those with kidney issues: Coconut water is naturally rich in potassium, which can be problematic for individuals with kidney problems, especially those on a potassium restricted diet.
Why shouldn't we drink coconut water at night? ›
You should avoid excessive drinking due to thirst. A good night's sleep is very important and we need to have a deep sleep of 6-8 hours. Drinking a lot of coconut water before bedtime can disrupt this sleep cycle. Therefore, the best time to drink coconut water is in the morning or afternoon.
May Be Beneficial for Heart Health:
It may help manage cholesterol levels in the blood and maintain good heart health because it is high in potassium. Additionally, coconut water also helps increase good cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein) levels, which decreases the risk of various heart diseases.
How much coconut water per day is safe? ›
If you are worried about drinking coconut water every morning, the answer is that drinking a small amount is still safe. However, you need to save, never drink more than two coconut water a day. If you drink too much, the body can face serious consequences.
What are the side effects of coconut water? ›
Are there any scientifically proven disadvantages of coconut water?
- Coconut water is not good for people who are allergic to nuts.
- It may cause bloating and minor stomach distress in some people.
- Before introducing coconut water into the diet, those with kidney problems should visit a doctor.
Are there interactions with medications? Be cautious with this combination. Coconut water might lower blood pressure. Taking coconut water along with medications that lower blood pressure might cause blood pressure to go too low.
Is coconut water good for arthritis? ›
Improve joint pain
This can help reduce inflammation and pain in the body, especially when drinking coconut water every day. In addition, this healthy drink also contains vitamin B6, which helps reduce and prevent inflammation, especially inflammatory joints caused by osteoarthritis.
What is the healthiest coconut water? ›
Fresh, non-concentrated coconut water is generally considered better in terms of taste and nutritional value. Non-GMO and organic: If you prefer organic products or want to avoid genetically modified organisms (GMOs), look for coconut water with these labels on the packaging.
How much coconut water is too much in a day? ›
If you are worried about drinking coconut water every morning, the answer is that drinking a small amount is still safe. However, you need to save, never drink more than two coconut water a day.
Is coconut water good for gut health? ›
Background & aims: Coconut water (CW) is anti-inflammatory, can manipulate the gut microbiome, and is a rich source of potassium. Gut microbiome modulation improves outcomes in ulcerative colitis (UC), and potassium possesses in vitro anti-inflammatory property.
Does coconut water raise blood sugar? ›
With low sugar content, coconut water is suitable for people with diabetes. This drink offers the following benefits: Helps reduce blood sugar: Coconut water helps control blood sugar thanks to its high content of potassium, manganese, magnesium, vitamin C, L - arginine.
Overconsumption of coconut water can be risky for diabetics (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
It is not recommended for persons who have high blood pressure (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
Diabetics shouldn’t consume coconut water in excess. (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)