One of the key parts of a fasting success is to hydrate consistently. Coconut water fasting is a unique kind of fast and may not be practiced by many.
It involves, as the names suggest, drinking coconut water and can offer some benefits that you might want to look into.
This can be fortunate for you if you are surrounded by coconut trees as the liquid can be consumed directly from the fruit. On most occasions, however, it is harvested and prepared for sale in grocery stores and health food stores. These may not be the same since store-bought coconut water typically contains preservatives and other additions.
But before going through what coconut water fasting is about, understand first how fasting works:
What Is Fasting?
Although dieting and the word “fast” are sometimes used similarly, fasting is about much more than losing weight. In general, intermittent fasting is an eating plan that alternates between long periods of eating and fasting (meaning no food at all or deficient calorie consumption).
When you fast, there are changes that will happen in your body depending on the length of the continuous fast. Your body enters into a fasting state eight hours or so after your last meal, when your gut finishes absorbing nutrients from the food.
Typically, your body glucose is stored in the liver and muscles and is your body’s main source of energy. During your fast, this store of glucose is used up first to provide energy. As you continuously fast and the glucose runs out, fat becomes the next source of energy for your body.
There are several types of fasting and can be modified depending on your health and lifestyle. But what is common throughout is on your fasting state, you only consume water or anything that doesn’t carry calories.
What Is Coconut Water Fasting?
Coconut juice, or commonly known as coconut water, naturally comes from young coconuts. Coconut water may not be calorie-free but it is low in calories and free of fats and cholesterol.
With coconut water fasting, you simply fast as you normally do and shift between drinking water and coconut water during your fast. Now, keep in mind that drinking coconut water veers away from a strict intermittent fast, but it does pose some benefits of its own.
It is packed with electrolytes such as potassium, sodium and magnesium, which help to replenish lost nutrients. What that could mean is that it is a great drinking option after an exercise– although not any better than water.
Everything You Need To Know: Coconut Water Fasting
Coconut Water and Fasting
Fasting of any kind has been used for centuries as a way to detoxify your body and promote healing. When you fast, your body can focus on repair and detoxification rather than digesting food.
Coconut water fasting takes this one step further by providing your body with essential electrolytes and nutrients that help to support the cleansing process.
One of the most common questions about coconut water fasting is whether or not it breaks a fast. If you want the full benefits of fasting, it is best to stick to just drinking only water. It is adding anything, even as natural and healthy as coconut water, that can make you break your fast.
If you add coconut water to your fast, drink it in moderation. Too much can have the opposite effect and end up causing dehydration. More of its disadvantages will be discussed further in the article
Nutritional Profile of Coconut Water
Coconut water and coconut milk are frequently mistaken. While both come from coconuts, they are not the same thing. Coconut milk is creamy, white milk created by shredding the inner flesh of a coconut, combining it with boiling water, then filtering it.
Coconut water is the clear liquid found inside a young coconut. Inside the young coconut, coconut water is already the liquid which you can directly drink from.
Coconut water is abundant in a variety of vital nutrients. It contains 46 calories per cup, 1.73 grams of protein, 0.49 grams of fat, 2.6 grams of dietary fiber, and more than 6 grams of sugar. Additionally, a single cup has 13 percent of the daily potassium consumption.
Why Choose Coconut Water Fast?
You may consider water fast if you are interested in cleansing and detoxing your body. But why choose coconut water for your fasting needs? Here are some reasons to consider coconut water fasting:
- Coconut water is rich in nutrients and electrolytes, which can help to keep your body hydrated and nourished during a fast.
- Coconut water is a natural diuretic, so it can help to flush toxins from your body more effectively.
- Coconut water has been shown to boost metabolism and help to reduce weight.
- Coconut water is a natural laxative, so it can help to cleanse your digestive system.
- Coconut water is alkalizing, so it can help to balance your body’s pH levels.
Health Benefits Coconut Water Fasting
Coconut water fasting is a great way to detox your body and improve overall health. It has many health benefits, including improved digestion and increased energy levels.
It is rich in electrolytes, which help keep your body hydrated and improve metabolism. Fasting for even a few days can help cleanse your system and give you a fresh start.
If you’re looking to improve your health and include a natural drink, try it with coconut water for these benefits:
- Aids in Hydration
Coconut water is minimal in calories and carbs compared to sports drinks, which can be filled with flavorings and added sweets. The electrolytes potassium, sodium, and magnesium are essential in your body.
Coconut water that has been sodium-enriched may not be the best option for most people and should only be consumed if you are someone who only exercises for an hour or more.
Long exercise sessions can be beneficial, although coconut water’s electrolytes vary. For these circumstances, a sports drink is a more dependable option.
Natural coconut water has a mildly sweet, nutty flavor. It’s best straight from the fruit, but if you can’t load yourself with fresh coconuts, several kinds of coconut water are available today.
Read the ingredients to ensure you’re getting 100% coconut water. Some bottled brands may have extra sugar or flavoring ingredients.
- High in potassium
Most people’s diets are deficient in potassium. Through your urine, the mineral aids in removing excess sodium from your body.
If you are someone with high blood pressure, coconut water may reduce your stress. However, it may be better to avoid coconut water if you are taking blood pressure medication because it could cause it to drop too low.
Additionally, due to the high potassium content of coconut water, it is advised that you avoid drinking it two weeks before any surgery.
- Low in calories
Other fruit juices may have a lot of added sugar, calories, and carbohydrates. Conversely, coconut water has fewer calories and is an attractive choice for people who enjoy sweet beverages.
- Free of fat and cholesterol
For recreational drinking, choose a beverage that isn’t sweetened and has no added sodium. Coconut water is 94% water, cholesterol- and fat-free.
In an earlier research1 conducted in 2008, rats were given coconut water with a diet high in fat and cholesterol. It showed significant results where, after 45 days, their cholesterol and triglyceride levels dropped.
- Kidney stone prevention
It is essential to stay hydrated to avoid kidney stones. While plain water is an excellent choice, studies2 indicate that coconut water may be another good option as it showed that coconut water increased the removal of potassium, chloride and citrate in urine.
Kidney stones occur when calcium, oxalate, and other substances combine in your urine to form crystals. These crystals can then be connected to produce small rocks. While some people are more vulnerable than others, kidney stones afflict approximately 12% of the global population.
Health Disadvantages of Coconut Water Fasting
Because of its numerous health benefits, coconut water is known as the “Magic Drink” or “Nature’s Drink.” However, a few disadvantages to drinking coconut water may cause you to reconsider.
Coconut water may drop your blood pressure, induce an electrolyte imbalance, or serve as a laxative if consumed in excess. As a result, it is critical to be aware of the consequences of overindulging in this drink.
- It Is Not The Ideal Drink For Athletes
If you prefer coconut water for rehydration following a workout, drink plain water instead. Because the salt content of ordinary water is unquestionably higher than that of coconut water.
In addition, when compared to various sports energy drinks, coconut water has a far lower carbohydrate content but a tenfold higher potassium level. Compared to other sports beverages, coconut water contains one-tenth the sodium4.
- Not Good For People Vulnerable To Allergies
Some of you may suffer from allergies. You may be allergic to specific foods and chemicals and it’s best to avoid consuming them. Similarly, coconut water may trigger allergic reactions if you are someone who is sensitive to it.
Coconut is a tree nut. Hence certain people who consume coconut water might be prone to tree nut allergies and other forms of allergy. It’s paramount that coconut water should be kept away from people who are prone to allergies5.
- Might Cause Electrolyte Imbalance
One of the reasons coconut water is a wonder drink is its high potassium level. However, for the same reason, excessive use of coconut water can cause electrolyte imbalance.
- It Might Act As A Laxative
Consuming too much coconut water might cause discomfort. It can have laxative effects on your digestive system if you drink too much6.
Because coconut water is a natural laxative, it may not suit some people with digestive difficulties. As a result, caution should be exercised before drinking significant quantities of coconut water.
- May Increase Blood Sugar Levels
Although coconut water is low in sugar, it does contain carbs and calories. People with excessive blood sugar should limit their intake to one glass per day. Furthermore, the immature green coconut is better for diabetics than the matured one.
- May Lower Your Blood Pressure Too Much
Coconut water has the potential to reduce your blood pressure7. If you are already using blood pressure drugs, your blood pressure may drop even further. As a result, remember to consult your healthcare professional before consuming one consistently.
- Should Be Consumed Right After Cutting It Open
Fresh coconut should ideally be taken immediately after being sliced open. It may lose some of its essential nutrients if exposed for an extended period.
Consuming Coconut Water While Intermittent Fasting?
Coconut water is an excellent choice if you’re looking to improve your health and well-being through fasting.
However, it is essential to note that consuming too much coconut water can lead to headaches and nausea. Therefore, drinking coconut water in moderation while intermittent fasting is necessary.
If you experience any adverse effects from drinking coconut water, it is best to discontinue use and consult with a healthcare professional.
What Happens If You Drink Coconut Water On An Empty Stomach?
Coconut is safe to drink on an empty stomach. The lauric acid in coconut water is readily absorbed into your system when you drink it on an empty stomach.
The lauric acid will boost your body’s immunity and kick-start the metabolism. Coconut water may also help reduce weight. Again, remember to drink reasonably.
Is It Okay To Drink Coconut Water Every Day?
The simple answer is yes! Coconut water fasting is a great way to detox your body and reset your system. Drinking only coconut water and water for some time can be great for your body to rest and heal itself while providing nutrients. Just be mindful of how to properly incorporate it into your diet.
Summary
Coconut water is a refreshing, electrolyte-rich beverage that offers numerous benefits that is naturally made compared to most healthy drinks.
Implementing a coconut water fast can hydrate your body at the cellular level while also initiating a cleansing reaction. However, there are several situations where it is preferable to avoid drinking it. Coconut water may not be suitable to some with medical conditions, particularly those affecting kidneys and heart.
If your goal is to truly feel the full effects of intermittent fasting, consider only drinking water during your fast and drink coconut water only on your eating periods.
