Coconut water is considered a 'natural electrolyte' that's good for the body; however, in some people, drinking coconut water regularly can cause hyperkalemia (high potassium levels in the blood).
Benefits of coconut water for healthy individuals
According to Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Hue, Deputy Head of the Department of Traditional Medicine, Faculty of Traditional Medicine, University of Health Sciences , Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, after the Tet holiday, the South of Vietnam will enter periods of hot weather. In this hot weather, many people like to drink natural refreshing drinks such as palm juice, sugarcane juice, pennywort juice, and, of course, coconut water.
Fresh coconut water is approximately 94-95% water and provides many electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium, etc., along with small amounts of sodium and natural sugars like glucose, fructose, and sucrose. 100 ml of fresh coconut water contains about 250-300 mg of potassium. Thanks to these natural components, coconut water is considered a "natural electrolyte drink," helping to replenish water and minerals in the body.
In healthy individuals, coconut water offers numerous benefits when consumed in moderation. It helps the body recover from mild dehydration. Furthermore, the potassium and sodium content in coconut water contributes to maintaining electrolyte balance, supporting the functioning of the nervous system, muscles, and cardiovascular system. The natural sugars in coconut water also provide a mild energy boost, aiding in recovery after energy depletion in hot weather or after moderate-intensity exercise.
Fresh coconut water provides many electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium, etc.
PHOTO: AI
Risk of hyperkalemia in some people.
However, according to Master's degree holder and doctor Nguyen Ngoc Hue, some people with underlying chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease or kidney disease should be cautious when consuming coconut water. A small coconut (150-300 ml of water) can contain about 500-600 mg of potassium. This is an important ion that helps maintain the membrane potential of myocardial cells, thereby regulating the conduction of impulses and the contractile activity of the heart.
When potassium levels in the blood rise above normal, electrical conduction in the heart can be disrupted. This is especially true in people with impaired kidney function, who have a lower ability to excrete potassium compared to healthy individuals, leading to potassium accumulation in the blood and resulting in hyperkalemia.
According to Dr. Hue, hyperkalemia is a type of electrolyte disorder that can be dangerous to the cardiovascular system because it affects the conduction of impulses and the contraction of the heart. Patients may experience symptoms such as fatigue, muscle weakness, numbness in the hands and feet, and a feeling of palpitations or a racing heartbeat.
Therefore, people with chronic kidney disease, heart failure, or those taking medications that can increase potassium levels in the body (such as some medications for high blood pressure or heart failure) should be especially cautious when drinking coconut water. If you have cardiovascular or kidney disease but wish to consume coconut water regularly, you should consult your doctor to ensure your health and safety.
Some people with underlying chronic conditions such as cardiovascular or kidney disease should exercise caution when consuming coconut water.
PHOTO: LE CAM
How much is enough to drink?
A healthy person can drink approximately 250-350 ml of coconut water per day, equivalent to one small coconut. On hot days or after exercise, this amount can be increased, but should be limited to around 500 ml (about two small coconuts). Those who are less active or are trying to lose weight should also avoid drinking too much, as coconut water still contains a certain amount of natural sugar.
According to traditional medicine, people with weak digestive systems should limit their consumption of coconut water, especially at night, as it can easily cause stomach chills, bloating, and indigestion.
"Generally, coconut water is a popular drink during hot weather because it contains many minerals that help the body recover from dehydration and exercise, and is often considered a 'natural electrolyte drink'. However, to ensure health safety, people with cardiovascular or kidney disease who want to drink coconut water regularly should consult their doctor to avoid the risk of electrolyte imbalance, especially hyperkalemia," advises Master of Science - Doctor Nguyen Ngoc Hue.