Coconut Juice Benefits

Coconut Juice Benefits
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Coconut juice is beneficial because it contains vitamins, minerals and a natural sweetness. It is also fat-free. The juice comes from the young, green coconut. As a coconut matures, the juice evaporates, leaving only the white meat. Coconuts are native to Asia and the Pacific Islands. Coconut juice varieties can be found canned in gourmet grocery stores or online.

Potassium for Electrical Impulses

Coconut juice is a good source of potassium, as one serving contains 250 mg of potassium. The recommended daily allowance of potassium is 4,700 mg. Potassium is an electrolyte that is essential for health and wellness, and every cell in the body uses potassium for several reasons. Potassium is responsible for electrical impulses for nerve conduction, heart contraction and skeletal muscle flexibility. Additionally, potassium and sodium work together to regulate fluid in the body to avoid dehydration or excess fluid volumes.

Protein for Cell Repair and Growth

Protein is needed for proper growth and maintenance, and provides the energy needed for cell repair and turnover. Without protein, your body would have a poor immune response, a weak heart and lungs, overall fatigue and weakness, and poor muscle mass, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. One serving of coconut juice contains almost 1 g of protein. The body needs 64 to 75 grams of protein a day.

Fiber for Digestive Health

Coconut juice contains 1 g of dietary fiber in one serving. Fiber supports digestive health and regulates bowel movements to avoid constipation, gas and bloating. People with regular bowel movements are less likely to experience irritable bowel syndrome, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Fiber plays a role in weight loss because it gives you a feeling of satiety, so you are less likely to overeat. Adults should have 25 to 30 grams of fiber a day.

Calcium for Bone Health

Calcium maintains strong bones and teeth. A deficiency of calcium results in less bone density, leaving you vulnerable to fractures. This condition is called osteoporosis. One serving of coconut juice contains 24 mg of calcium; the recommended daily allowance for adults is 1,000 mg per day. Calcium also serves as an electrolyte to support electrical activity in the heart. Some studies, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, have shown that proper intake of calcium can lower blood pressure.

References

Article reviewed by Jeremy Lloyd Last updated on: Feb 14, 2011

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