Overconsumption of coconut water may lower your blood pressure, cause an electrolyte imbalance, or act as a laxative. Consequently, it is important to be aware of all the effects of overindulging in this beverage. This article examines the side effects of coconut water. Take a look below.
Disadvantages of Drinking Too Much Coconut Water
Drinking too much coconut water may cause several adverse effects. Melissa Hooper, Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist, says, “The extra calories from the sugar could contribute to weight gain if they are not balanced out with other foods and drinks consumed throughout the day. The natural sugar content can also lead to dental caries if you are not diligent in brushing your teeth daily. Also, due to its natural sugar content, if you have diabetes, drinking excess coconut water could lead to increased blood sugar levels.”
1. It Is Not The Ideal Drink For Athletes
In case you prefer coconut water for rehydration immediately post workout, then you rather drink plain water. Because the amount of sodium plain water contains is unarguably more than that present in coconut water. And hey, it is sodium that aids rehydration, right? Also, when compared with certain sports energy drinks, coconut water is way low in carbohydrate content but ten times high in potassium content. Coconut water just contains one-tenth the sodium when compared with other sports drinks (1).
2. Not Good For People Vulnerable To Allergies
Some of us do have allergies. We might be allergic to certain food items and ingredients and hence, we refrain from consuming them. Similarly, coconut water might cause allergic reactions in certain people who are allergic to it. Coconut is basically a tree nut. Hence certain people who consume coconut water might be prone to tree nut allergies as well as other forms of allergy. The understatement is coconut water should be kept away from people who are prone to allergies (2).
3. Possesses Diuretic Properties
This is another disadvantage when you consume too much of coconut water. Coconut water has diuretic properties (3). This means too much of its consumption might require you to take a break and visit the loo a number of times. Although a mild amount of coconut water has hydrating properties, too much of its consumption can be unhealthy. Melissa Hooper says, “Drinking coconut water at night could elevate blood sugar for people who have diabetes and increase urination, disturbing their sleep due to the constant need to make trips to the bathroom overnight.”
4. Might Cause Electrolyte Imbalance
The high potassium content of coconut water is one reason it is a wonder drink. But then, the very same reason can make coconut water fatal if consumed in excess. In a specific case, a man had spent an entire day playing tennis in 90 degree Fahrenheit weather. He happened to consume a whopping 88 ounces of coconut water, which resulted in a condition called hyperkalemia, eventually leading to a serious condition (4). Hyperkalemia causes weakness and lightheadedness, and within minutes the victim might lose his consciousness.
5. Might Act As A Laxative
Too much of coconut water consumption can be dangerous. Drinking too much of it can have laxative effects on your digestive system (3). Since coconut water is a natural laxative, it might not be suitable for some people who have problems with their bowel movements. Hence, care should be taken before consuming a large amount of coconut water.
6. May Increase Blood Sugar Levels In Some
Coconut water may not fall under sugary drinks but still it does contain carbohydrates and calories. People with high blood sugar should not drink more than 1 glass a day. However, more research is warranted in this regard. Also, consuming the immature green coconut is better for those with diabetes than the matured one.
7. May Lower Your Blood Pressure Too Much
Coconut water might lower your blood pressure (5). In case you are already taking medications for high blood pressure, it might cause your blood pressure to drop further down. Hence, remember to consult your healthcare provider in such a situation. [ Read: Pineapple Juice For Weight Loss ]
8. Should Be Consumed Right After Cutting It Open
Coconut water is to be consumed fresh (6). It should ideally be consumed right after cutting it open. If it is left open for some time, it may lose some of its beneficial nutrients. Coconut water is a wonder drink, yes. It might have many benefits which are virtually absent in other drinks. And talking in terms of health, it probably is the most preferred drink. But that doesn’t mean you can become a sole survivor of coconut water, does it? [ Read: Moringa Oleifera Seeds ] Does coconut water increase sperm? Check out the below infographic to know when to avoid coconut water. Melissa Hooper, RDN, says, “According to research, undiluted coconut water has been shown to increase sperm amount, quality, and motility with continuous consumption, at least for greater than 20 days. Increased sperm quality is due to the high amount of zinc that the coconut water has naturally. Zinc is essential in sperm formation, and therefore, consuming enough zinc will have a positive effect on sperm. Research also showed that coconut water didn’t disturb the pH of sperm, which helps to increase motility.” Is drinking coconut water every day bad for you? No, drinking coconut water every day in moderation is beneficial for your health. How much coconut water per day is safe? It is best to drink no more than 2-3 glasses of coconut water every day. Drinking above this limit can cause adverse effects. What does coconut water taste like? Natural coconut water has a mildly sweet taste with a hint of nuttiness. How much potassium is in coconut water? 100 g of coconut water contains about 165 mg of potassium (7). How many calories are in coconut water? 100 g of coconut water contains about 18 calories (7). Is coconut good for fatty liver? Research on the efficacy of coconut water in treating fatty liver is limited. However, some animal studies suggest that coconut oil may help reverse nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by improving good cholesterol levels (9). Does coconut water increase sperm count? Some animal studies suggest that coconut water may improve sperm count and motility and reduce any associated abnormalities (8). However, more research on humans is warranted.
