When you wake up in the morning, what’s the first thing you do? Hopefully, you don’t pour yourself a big cup of coffee. It’s healthier to enjoy a glass of coconut water instead. Your body needs hydration, and although coffee is not a diuretic, as some people think, it’s not the best option for supplying your body with fluid when you wake up. The reason? Your cortisol level is highest in the morning, and coffee can raise it further. Consider coconut water instead.
What is Coconut Water?
Coconut water is the liquid inside a young green coconut. It’s popular these days as an alternative to a sports drink, since it contains electrolytes, but lacks the additives and extra sugar so common in commercial sports beverages. Although coconut water contains natural sugar, some manufacturers add additional sugar. So, it’s important to choose a brand with no added sugar if you’re trying to control your sugar intake. It has a naturally sweet taste, and if it doesn’t contain added sweeteners, low in calories.
Why Should You Drink Coconut Water in the Morning?
When you awaken, you’re dehydrated, and for good reason. You’ve spent up to 8 hours without drinking fluids. Ever noticed that dry mouth you have when you awaken? That’s your body telling you that you need fluids ASAP. Some people drink lemon water first thing in the morning. The problem with lemon water is that the acidity of the lemon will erode your tooth enamel, and that’s permanent. Coconut water won’t do that.
But that’s not the only reason to reach for coconut water, not lemon water. Coconut water contains around 62 milligrams of potassium per serving. Most people don’t get enough potassium in their diet because they don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables. Fresh produce is the best source of this essential mineral and electrolyte. Drinking coconut water gives you a jumpstart on meeting your body’s potassium needs early in the day.
Coconut Water and Potassium: Why You Need It
Why is potassium important? It plays a key role in heart health and blood pressure control. Research shows getting enough potassium offsets some of the negative effects of too much sodium on your blood vessels. Therefore, getting enough potassium helps with blood pressure control. As Harvard Health points out, potassium helps relax the walls of arteries, so they’re under less pressure and blood pressure drops.
One precaution. If you have impaired kidney function, or take potassium-sparing diuretics, you should avoid excessive potassium consumption.
Coconut Water is Low in Sodium
Coconut water is an excellent sports beverage for staying hydrated during exercise too since it contains the electrolyte potassium. However, it’s not rich in sodium, and you also lose sodium when you sweat. If you’re using coconut water for your morning workout, add a pinch of salt, so you’re replacing the sodium you lose through sweating. Morning is one of the best times to fit in a workout, and with a bottle of coconut water by your side, you’re ready for the challenge.
Coconut Water May Lower Your Risk of Kidney Stones Too
Kidney stones are painful, and if you’ve ever had one, you want to avoid a repeat performance. Hydration lowers the risk, but according to a study, coconut water may offer additional benefits. The study found that coconut water increased the amount of citrate in the urine. For some people, this could lower their risk of painful kidney stones. It’s an area that needs more research, but if you have a history of kidney stones, staying well-hydrated will lower your risk, regardless of whether you drink plain water or coconut water.
The Bottom Line
Coffee is a tasty beverage, but coconut water hydrates better and supplies your body with potassium. The worst thing you can do is drink nothing in the morning when your body is crying out for water. Stay hydrated and get a jumpstart on your daily potassium with coconut water.
References:
“Potassium lowers blood pressure – Harvard Health.” 23 Jan. 2017, https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/potassium-lowers-blood-pressure.
“The effect of potassium supplementation on blood pressure ….” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28024910/.
“The links between sodium, potassium, and your blood pressure.” 28 Feb. 2018, https://www.cdc.gov/salt/research_reviews/sodium_potassium_blood_pressure.htm.
“6 Health Benefits of Coconut Water – Cleveland Clinic.” 10 Sept. 2021, //health.clevelandclinic.org/the-health-benefits-of-coconut-water/.
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