So, you want to know how to be hydrated fast?
Of course, there is good old water for hydration. However, for a quicker way to feel hydrated, try drinking coconut water. Don’t confuse coconut water with coconut milk as these are two very different things. Coconut milk is MUCH higher in calories and won’t hydrate you as well as coconut water will.
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What Is Coconut Water?
Coconut water has been consumed by people for hundreds of years, mainly in the more tropical regions around the world. It’s believed coconut water aids digestions, urination and even semen production and has been used for these health reasons in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for many years. It has also been used to help treat dehydration due to it’s high levels of natural electrolytes.
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A Natural Sports Drink
Due to it’s naturally high levels of electrolytes, it makes for the perfect natural alternative to the more traditional and well-known sports drinks that are full of preservatives and sugars.
Countless studies have shown that coconut water can actually perform just as well, if not better than the traditional sport’s drinks to keep you more hydrated. It will also help to replenish your fluids after an intense workout.
However, coconut water has a much lower sodium content, which is the main electrolyte you lose when you sweat, as well as having fewer carbohydrates meant for endurance performance. So, although it’s a great natural alternative, it won’t give you endless amounts of energy – perhaps around 2 hours maximum.
A study found that people thought it was easier to drink coconut water in larger amounts than water without causing nausea or an upset stomach from the excess fluid in your stomach. If you want to know how to be hydrated fast, coconut water should be your best friend – just don’t over consume it as it could lead to you having laxative effects!
The Benefits Of Coconut Water
Of course, being able to hydrate you quickly is an amazing benefit, however, there is so much more to coconut water than that. Here are a few other thigns coconut water can do for you…
Coconut Water Is Low In Calories
With only 45 calories per serving, coconut water is a great substitute for the higher calorie drinks such as – squash, fruit juices and fizzy drinks, as well as having less sugar and carbohydrates than most other drinks. It also has more minerals and electrolytes like sodium and potassium than any other drink available.
High Potassium Content
Coconut water has more than 10 times the amount of potassium found in most sports drinks. In fact, one glass of coconut water has as much potassium as that of a large banana and less than half the calories. Potassium in coconut water can even help ward off any unwanted cramps after strenuous exercise.
The potassium in the coconut water will even help to keep the fluid and electrolyte balance in your body. Especially during intense exercise as there is more potassium than sodium in the water. It will also help to balance out sodium’s effect on your blood pressure. It could even help to lower it.
Calcium
While coconut water does contain more calcium and magnesium than other sports drinks and fruit juices. It actually contains less than 5% of your recommended daily dose. So do make sure you top both of these up in other ways. Whether through vitamins or in the foods you eat.
Calcium is vital for helping your muscles move and contract and work properly. As you exercise, your muscles will pull on your bones and break them down slightly over time. So it’s vital you get enough calcium in your diet, especially if you workout a lot. As your body recovers after exercise, your bones will use this calcium to repair any damage and get stronger.
Magnesium
The magnesium will help to move the calcium and potassium into your muscles to aid in contraction and relaxation. It also helps with the production of energy for your body and supports organ function. An intense workout can leave you lacking the magnesium it needs. Which is why you are more prone to cramps, restless muscles, and spasms after a workout.
Antioxidants
In addition to all of its other amazing health benefits, coconut water also contains a plethora of antioxidants. These will help to neutralise oxidative stress and free radicals created by intense exercise. However, you do want to make sure you purchase the most natural coconut water you can find to get the highest levels of antioxidants. Look for the 100% natural sign on the front of the bottle.
Amino Acids
Coconut water contains more essential amino acids than that of cow’s milk. It’s a major source of arginine which is an amino acid. This amino acid helps your body respond to stress, caused by working out. It will also help to keep your heart healthier.
Cytokinins
Cytokinins are hormones that help plants to grow and thrive and can also be found in natural coconut water. It is believed to have anti-ageing and cancer-fighting properties, which we all want to include in our diets, don’t we?
Coconut water can be a really good natural food source to help you re-hydrate after a hard workout. Especially if you have sweat a lot during your workout. So why not trying swapping your normal, sugar filled sports drink for coconut water. You might find you get a better boost of energy and don’t feel quite so lethargic after your workout.
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