COCONUT WATER: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Coconut water is the clear liquid found inside immature coconuts. As the coconut matures, the water is replaced by coconut meat. Coconut water is sometimes referred to as green coconut water because the immature coconuts are green in color.

Coconut water is different than coconut milk. Coconut milk is produced from an emulsion of the grated meat of a mature coconut.

Coconut water is commonly used as a beverage and as a solution for treating dehydration related to diarrhea or exercise. It is also tried for high blood pressure and to improve exercise performance.

How does it work ?

Coconut water is rich in carbohydrates and electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, and magnesium. Because of this electrolyte composition, there is a lot of interest in using coconut water to treat and prevent dehydration. But some experts suggest that the electrolyte composition in coconut water is not adequate to be used as a rehydration solution.

View References

REFERENCES:

Adams W, Bratt DE. Young coconut water for home rehydration in children with mild gastroenteritis. Trop Geogr Med 1992;44:149-53. View abstract.

Alleyne T, Roache S, Thomas C, Shirley A. The control of hypertension by use of coconut water and mauby: two tropical food drinks. West Indian Med J 2005;54:3-8. View abstract.

Camargo AA, Fagundes Neto U. Intestinal transport of coconut water sodium and glucose in rats "in vivo". J Pediatr (Rio J) 1994;70:100-4. View abstract.

Campbell-Falck D, Thomas T, Falck TM, et al. The intravenous use of coconut water. Am J Emerg Med 2000;18:108-11. View abstract.

Fagundes Neto U, Franco L, Tabacow K, Machado NL. Negative findings for use of coconut water as an oral rehydration solution in childhood diarrhea. J Am Coll Nutr 1993;12:190-3. View abstract.

Ismail I, Singh R, Sirisinghe RG. Rehydration with sodium-enriched coconut water after exercise-induced dehydration. Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health 2007;38:769-85. View abstract.

Saat M, Singh R, Sirisinghe RG, Nawawi M. Rehydration after exercise with fresh young coconut water, carbohydrate-electrolyte beverage and plain water. J Physiol Anthropol Appl Human Sci. 2002;21:93-104. View abstract.

Adams W, Bratt DE. Young coconut water for home rehydration in children with mild gastroenteritis. Trop Geogr Med 1992;44:149-53. View abstract.

Alleyne T, Roache S, Thomas C, Shirley A. The control of hypertension by use of coconut water and mauby: two tropical food drinks. West Indian Med J 2005;54:3-8. View abstract.

Camargo AA, Fagundes Neto U. Intestinal transport of coconut water sodium and glucose in rats "in vivo". J Pediatr (Rio J) 1994;70:100-4. View abstract.

Campbell-Falck D, Thomas T, Falck TM, et al. The intravenous use of coconut water. Am J Emerg Med 2000;18:108-11. View abstract.

Fagundes Neto U, Franco L, Tabacow K, Machado NL. Negative findings for use of coconut water as an oral rehydration solution in childhood diarrhea. J Am Coll Nutr 1993;12:190-3. View abstract.

Hakimian J, Goldbarg SH, Park CH, Kerwin TC. Death by coconut. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol. 2014 Feb;7(1):180-1.

Ismail I, Singh R, Sirisinghe RG. Rehydration with sodium-enriched coconut water after exercise-induced dehydration. Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health 2007;38:769-85. View abstract.

Kalman DS, Feldman S, Krieger DR, Bloomer RJ. Comparison of coconut water and a carbohydrate-electrolyte sport drink on measures of hydration and physical performance in exercise-trained men. J Int Soc Sports Nutr 2012;9(1):1. View abstract.

Laitano O, Trangmar SJ, Marins DDM, et al. Improved exercise capacity in the heat followed by coconut water consumption. Motriz: Revista de Educação Física 2014;20:107-111.

Peart DJ, Hensby A, Shaw MP. Coconut water does not improve markers of hydration during sub-maximal exercise and performance in a subsequent time trial compared with water alone. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab 2017;27(3):279-284. View abstract.

Rees R, Barnett J, Marks D, George M. Coconut water-induced hyperkalaemia. Br J Hosp Med (Lond) 2012;73(9):534. View abstract.

Sayer R, Sinha I, Lowdon J, Panickar J. Preventing hyponatraemic dehydration in cystic fibrosis: a cautionary note to take coconut water with a pinch of salt. Arch Dis Child 2014;99(1):90. View abstract.

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.

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COCONUT WATER

Overview

How does it work ?

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Insufficient Evidence for

Side Effects

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Special Precautions and Warnings

Interactions ?

Dosing

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