is coconut water good for diabetes?
Many diabetics long for a safe and refreshing drink. A question that might be very common is “is coconut water good for diabetes?”
Coconut water is known as the “nature’s sports drink.” It is a natural drink rich in nutrients. You can drink it for a number of health perks. Here, you can know about its effects on diabetic patients.
Get your answers for is coconut water good for diabetes?
Nutritional information of coconut water
It is important to know the nutritional value of anything you drink. You must know all about a drink that you drink in your diet. So, get to know if coconut water is good for diabetes.
| Composition | Unsweetened Coconut Water |
| Total fat (g) | 0.17 |
| Total free sugars (g) | 3.03 |
| Protein (g) | 3.79 |
| Carbohydrates (g) | 6.29 |
| Potassium (mg) | 216 |
| Sodium (mg) | 28 |
| Calcium (mg) | 27.51 |
| Iron (mg) | 0.06 |
| Energy | 1710.5 KJ |
Is coconut water good for diabetes: SUGAR CONTENT
Is coconut water good for diabetes? What is the natural sugar content? These questions are important.
It tastes somewhat sweet. This is because it has natural sugars. It can give a mild sweetness to it. Thus, diabetic patients must keep this in mind. They should drink it as per their health.
Packaged coconut water has higher amounts of sugar. It has preservatives in it. So, it is best to go with the natural drinks. They have natural sugar in low content. It makes it safe to drink.
Is coconut water good for diabetes : Immature Vs mature coconut
You can tell the difference by their names. They differ in their stage of development. Immature ones are younger. These coconuts are green in colour. They have a higher water content. It makes them the best choices.
On the other hand, mature ones have harder shells. Their water content is also low. It has higher sugars as compared to the former.
Thus, if you have high blood sugar, know what to drink. You can go for coconut water from immature green coconuts. It will help you in a number of ways.
So, is coconut water good for diabetes?
Coconut water is a low-calorie drink. Thus, it will help you lose weight. Good news for diabetic patients, it is safe to drink. It has a low glycemic index (GI) of 54. This makes coconut water good for diabetics. It will not cause blood sugar spikes.
Sweetened coconut water can be a bad choice. It has twice as much sugar as the unsweetened one. It can be high in added sugars.
You can drink unsweetened options in the market. Focus on natural ones straight from a green coconut. It can help your health.
These drinks are better options. You can drink it instead of sugary drinks and sodas. It will help you make wise choices.
How much coconut water can you drink in a day?
Diabetic people should drink one to two cups in a day. It has natural sugars. So, drink it in a controlled way.
Ways to have coconut water in diabetes
You have your answers for is coconut water good for diabetes?
Here are some ways you can add it to your diet plan.
- You can mix coconut water with oats.
- Your daily smoothies can have some coconut water in them.
- Drink it with your meals.
Other benefits of coconut water
If you think that coconut water is ONLY good for diabetes, you are wrong. It has a number of perks. Know all about them here:
1) Weight loss
Coconut water has zero calories. It is low in fats. So, drinking this will not mess up your weight. It will instead help you lose weight. You can add it to your weight loss diet even in diabetes.
2) Powerhouse
It is a recharging drink. You can raise your energy levels with this drink. Therefore, it can fuel the powerhouse of your body.
3) Contains essentials nutrients
Coconut water has all the nutrients in it. Is coconut water safe for diabetes? It can be a healthy choice in any diet.
Nutrients in coconut water:
250ml contains:
Calcium: 4% of the daily value (DV)
Magnesium: 4% of the DV
Phosphorus: 2% of the DV
Potassium: 15% of the DV
4) Improves blood circulation
Coconut water is rich in electrolytes. It is high in potassium. This makes it a hydrating drink. It can help fluid balance in the body. This way, it can help with proper blood flow.
The bottom line
Coconut water is a refreshing drink. So, is coconut water good for diabetes? If you have diabetes, then hear this. You do not need to sleep on coconut water. It can be a good choice for you.
Being rich in nutrients, it is a good addition to your diet. So, it is a green flag. It is low in calories. This makes it ideal for weight loss. So, You do not need to worry about your calorie intake.
So, diabetics should drink only one cup in a day. It is the best amount. If not natural, you can drink unsweetened one. It is healthy in this case.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Question:
Can you have some coconut water in case of gestational diabetes?
Answer:
Absolutely! Women with gestational diabetes can enjoy coconut water. They should have it in moderation. It is a natural and hydrating drink. So, you can drink it. Natural sugars can raise your blood sugar levels. So, keep a check on it. You can see an expert for more details. They can tell you how much you should drink. It will help the mothers health. And keep the baby healthy.
Question:
Can coconut water replace other drinks in my low sugar diet?
Answer:
Tender Coconut water is a good choice. But it is important to have a varied balanced diet. It will make sure your body is getting all the nutrients. So, make good choices. Drink those which have zero sugars. It will help your health.
Question:
Can I go to a dietician to ask about having coconut water in my diet?
Answer:
Seeing a dietician is always a good idea. It will keep you assured about your food choices. So, you can ask before drinking. Even if you have any other health condition, they can guide you through it. They can tell you about a meal plan. It will help you in all ways.
