Coconut water becomes quite prevalent in India, especially when a wave of dengue fever arises in late summers. It's known to have several health benefits, including rehydration and higher immunity. But did you know coconut water is also linked to better mood and depression?
Well, if you didn't but are curious to find out, this blog is for you. Here we'll discuss whether or not coconut water helps enhance mood and keeps depression at bay. Also, we'll talk about some benefits coconut water brings along. So, read in full.
Is Coconut Water Linked to Depression and Mood?
Coconut water is said to be an anti-depressant because:
- Coconut water contains healing vitamins and constituents like riboflavin, thiamine, niacin, vitamin C, and pathogenic acid that are known to relieve stress and lower depression. Also, these vitamins help lift your mood and can make you feel good.
- What's more, according to a study, young coconuts exhibit antidepressant properties. So, yes, coconut water is linked to depression, and it's capable of lowering depression and enhancing your mood.
- 5-Hydroxyindole acetic acid (5-HIAA) is a metabolite of serotonin. The study results also showed an increase in 5-HIAA after consuming young coconut water. Serotonin is considered one of the happy hormones. It also helps you manage anger by calming you down.
What is the Nutritional Content of Coconut Water?
Coconut water is a natural food that acts as a mood lifter. As you may know, it is extracted from raw coconuts grown in tropical regions. A cup of coconut water, which is about 240 ml, contains 40 calories along with the below nutrients (Source: Indian Food Composition Tables, National Institute of Nutrition, ICMR):
- Sugar: 8 grams
- Carbs: 8 grams
- Calcium: 4% of the total daily value
- Magnesium: 4% of the total daily value
- Phosphorus: 2% of the total daily value
- Potassium: 15% of the total daily value
The above nutrients collectively offer numerous benefits, which we'll talk about later in the blog.
What Are Some Other Benefits of Feel-Good Coconut Water?
1. Promotes Weight Loss
A cup of coconut water (240 ml) contains about 40 calories. Also, there isn't any fat content in this water. And this makes coconut water a perfect weight loss drink. Drinking coconut water will make you feel full without adding any fat or calories to your body. This way, you'll be able to cut on calories and promote healthy weight loss.
2. Diabetes
Coconut water has a glycaemic index of 3, which makes it a healthy drink for people suffering from diabetes. However, before consuming coconut water, it's better to reach out to your doctor and discuss the same.
3. Hypertension
Coconut water brings a high potassium content and potassium is really helpful for people suffering from hypertension. It helps balance the electrolyte ratio and also controls blood pressure. Furthermore, consuming potassium-rich foods helps flush out toxins from your body.
However, make sure to consume coconut water in a limited amount and talk to your dietician before doing so.
4. Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are really painful and problem-causing. However, you can deal with them by including a potassium-rich drink in your daily diet which is coconut water. Coconut water helps dissolve kidney stones in the ones who already have them and prevents their occurrence in those at risk.
5. Healthy Blood Pressure
Blood pressure fluctuation is another common issue among Indians after diabetes. Fortunately, coconut water can help you maintain healthy blood pressure because of the minerals and vitamins it comes with: potassium, magnesium, and vitamin C.
6. Rich in Antioxidants
As per a recent study, coconut water is an abundant source of antioxidants. These antioxidants can assist your body in fighting free radicals and reducing damage. All this helps reduce the risk of cancer and heart diseases.
Are you really depressed or it's just your current situation making you feel so? Take this assessment to find out instantly.
7. Keto-Friendly and Helps Relieve Urine Infection
If you're on a keto/low-carb diet, coconut water is an amazing drink for you. Also, as per USDA, coconut water is low on sugar and only contains 8.9 grams of carbs in a one-cup serving.
Also, as coconut water is a diuretic, it helps in flushing out toxins via urine. After consuming coconut water, you might feel the urge to urinate more, but that's how your body naturally prevents the risk of urine infection.
8. Relieves Stress and Fatigue & Improves Electrolyte Balance
If you're feeling exhausted or tired, you can sip some coconut water. Its pleasant taste alone is enough to make you feel good to relieve stress and fatigue.
Take this quick assessment to analyze your stress levels.
Furthermore, coconut water helps dengue patients restore the lost water and maintain electrolyte balance. This is the reason why healthcare professionals/doctors recommend taking coconut water during dengue over other medications.
Other natural food for fighting depression and anxiety
Some foods can keep certain hormones and brain chemicals balanced, resulting in a happier stress-free state of mind. We have listed a few:
- Banana
- Bell peppers
- Walnuts
- Avocado
- Dark chocolate
Takeaway
Coconut is no less than an elixir for us humans. And yes, it helps improve mood and relieve depression, along with offering several other benefits. So, make sure to consume coconut water regularly, even if you aren't facing any health issues.
However, if you are experiencing some health issues, connect with your primary doctor before consuming coconut water. After all, only a health professional can tell what's right for you and in what amount.
