Is Coconut Water Good for Diabetes?

The sweet flavour of coconut water is attributed to the naturally occurring sugars. When it comes to the packed version, however, the coconut water sugar content might change from one manufacturer to the next. For a general comparative analysis, the table below offers a breakdown of 240 ml of unsweetened vs sweetened coconut water:

As can be observed from the table above, sweetened coconut water contains two times as much sugar when compared to unsweetened coconut water. For ease of understanding, a 100 ml can of Pepsi contains about 36 grams of sugar.

Considering this, the answer to the question does coconut water increase blood sugar lies in whether an individual consumes sweetened or unsweetened coconut water. A diabetic patient can drink coconut water that is natural and unsweetened. Moreover, coconut water for diabetes is a much-preferred choice when compared to other sweetened beverages and sugary sodas.

It is not for nothing that coconut water is a recommended beverage. Aside from being a refreshing thirst-quencher, coconut water is packed with natural minerals and vitamins. Aside from consuming it in isolation, several health enthusiasts include coconut water in salad dressings and smoothies. Here are some coconut water benefits for diabetes:

Packed with Essential Nutrients

Coconut water is rich in many vitamins and minerals that replenish and restore the body’s electrolytes. Consuming coconut water can become a part of a healthy diet as it keeps you hydrated. Moreover, a diabetic patient can drink coconut water without much worry as it is low in calories and free of cholesterol and fat. When compared to packaged sports drinks that contain additives such as sugar and flavourings, coconut water is a more natural and healthier alternative. It comprises several nutrients such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, and iron – that boasts of its appeal. About 240 ml of coconut water comprises the following nutrients:

• Calcium: 4% of the daily value
• Magnesium: 4% of the daily value
• Phosphorous: 2% of the daily value
• Potassium: 15% of the daily value

The Low Glycaemic Index of Tender Coconut Water

Another reason why consuming coconut water for sugar patients is a good idea is that the glycaemic index of tender coconut water is low. More specifically, the glycaemic index of coconut water is 3, whereas the glycaemic load is 0, which means that blood sugar would not spike immediately.

It is common knowledge that foods with a high glycaemic index are bad for diabetics because they cause an immediate increase in blood sugars, making it that much harder to control your diabetes. Even for those who are not diabetics, consuming high glycaemic foods can lead to an increased risk of developing diabetes and even bring along heart ailments. Considering this, coconut water appears to be a highly suitable beverage option for diabetics and non-diabetics alike.

Enhances Metabolism

As coconut water comprises high bioactive enzymes and is also rich in potassium, it helps improve the rate of metabolism in the body. In simpler terms, it helps the muscles in burning more calories. The enzymes in the hydrating drink are gentle on the stomach and also ease digestion. Moreover, coconut water for diabetes is great also because of its low composition of carbohydrates that gives a sense of fullness to the drinker.

Improves Blood Circulation

Improper blood circulation can lead to several health concerns, especially for diabetics. Whether it is muscle spasms or concerns with vision, good blood circulation is imperative to keep these ailments at bay. Fortunately, coconut water is the perfect elixir as it is known to improve the body’s blood circulation and blood flow. This unique property of coconut water is again attributed to the potassium content that helps balance the sodium levels in your blood and maintains proper body function. Coconut water controls plaque formation and boosts the circulation of blood in the body.

Aids with Weight Loss

Not only does obesity make it likelier to develop diabetes but can also adversely impact diabetics. This is because an individual’s BMI is closely tied to insulin resistance and diabetes. In fact, for individuals with type 2 diabetes, obesity is considered the leading risk factor. Bearing this in mind, it is easy to understand how important it is to maintain weight and foster a healthy lifestyle for diabetics and non-diabetics alike.

Since coconut water is high in bio enzymes and low in calories, it helps with digestion and subsequently aids in weight loss. Regular consumption of coconut water can help with a reduction in calorie intake.

For anyone concerned with whether coconut water for diabetes is good or bad, the host of benefits of the power-packed drink is sure to convince them. The vitamin-rich content of coconut water helps restore the drained nutrients in the body and supplement it with refreshing hydration. However, because diabetes is a concerning health condition, it is important to supplement it with a comprehensive health insurance plan that looks after the financial responsibilities of the treatment for diabetes.

Hospitalisation and soaring medical expenses are challenging to manage for most individuals. However, with diabetes, there is a constant threat of associated health ailments, which proposes the need for a health insurance policy.

A health insurance plan for diabetes covers the medical costs associated with diabetes. Usually, a health insurance policy for diabetes will cover the cost of hospitalisation as well as the health complications emerging from diabetes. The benefits of a health insurance plan extend beyond just a financial safety net as it helps a patient focus on recovery instead of worrying about medical expenses.

You can also choose to buy critical illness insurance, which covers the insurance holder against a wide gamut of critical illnesses, including severe conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, renal failure, etc. However, before investing in critical illness insurance, it is important to carefully read and analyse the list of ailments covered under the plan to avoid any unpleasant surprises in the future. Read and understand the inclusions and exclusions of your health insurance policy and add-on covers before you make a purchase.

Coconut water is a tasty and healthy drink that comes as a gift from nature. Almost everyone can drink it, even if they have diabetes. Unsweetened coconut water is rich in many vitamins and minerals. On a hot summer day, it is not only refreshing, but it replenishes one’s energy.