Coconut Water for Weight Loss

Can the answer to weight loss be found inside a coconut? The cool, clear liquid inside young green coconuts has been getting recent media attention for its health benefits. When looking at this natural beverage for weight loss, it has a few benefits and some definite limitations.

"Nature's Sports Drink"

Coconut water, sometimes known as coconut juice---not to be confused with the creamy coconut milk, which includes ground pulp---seems to be quite similar to Gatorade. The natural liquid in the center of a coconut is mostly water with some natural sugar and a number of electrolytes, including a fairly high level of potassium.

But according to an August 10, 2009, article in "U.S. News and World Report," sodium is more important as an electrolyte than potassium for athletes who sweat. The article goes on to say that professional trainers do not recommend coconut water over sports drinks, in part due to lack of study on coconut water. One of coconut water's few possible uses for weight loss may be as a supplement or to support a good workout.

Diuretic

Coconut is a natural diuretic. Both the solid meat of a coconut and the liquid that coconuts produce make things pass through the human system. So, just as any diuretic can be a diet tool, so can coconut water. Unlike more popular diuretics like cranberry juice or popular "slimming" teas, however, coconut water is not so powerful. It would take considerably more coconut water to equal the diuretic effect of cranberry juice.

The Hard Truth

Aside from the benefits of a hydrating beverage and a diuretic, there is no reliable research or evidence that coconut water has any special use as a weight-loss product. No professional health care publications or organizations endorse coconut water as a weight-loss solution.

Dieters need to beware of fad diets or products which endorse coconut water or any coconut product as a weight-loss product, and consult a trainer or nutritionist before using a coconut water product to replace other forms of workout beverages.