Good Source Of Several NutrientsCoconuts grow on large palm trees known scientifically as Cocos nucifera.

It helps nourish the fruit.As the coconut matures, some of the juice remains in liquid form, while the rest ripens into the solid white flesh known as coconut meat.Coconut water is produced naturally in the fruit, and contains 94 percent water and very little fat.It should not be confused with coconut milk, which is made by adding water to grated coconut meat.

May Have Antioxidant PropertiesFree radicals are unstable molecules that are produced in your cells during metabolism.

May Provide Benefits Against DiabetesResearch has shown that coconut water can lower blood sugar levels, and improve other health markers in diabetic animals.In one study, diabetic rats treated with coconut water maintained better blood sugar levels than other diabetic rats.The same study also found that the rats had lower levels of hemoglobin A1c, a measure of long-term blood sugar control.Another study found that providing coconut water to rats with diabetes led to improvements in blood sugar levels and reductions in markers of oxidative stress, including malondialdehyde (MDA).However, controlled studies need to confirm these effects in humans.Nevertheless, with three grams of fiber and a digestible carb content of only 6 grams per cup, coconut water can easily fit into a diabetic meal plan.In addition, coconut water is a good source of magnesium, which has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and decrease blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes and prediabetes.May Help Prevent Kidney StonesDrinking enough fluids is important for kidney stone prevention.Though plain water is a great choice, one study suggests that coconut water may be even better.Kidney stones form when calcium, oxalate, and other compounds combine to form crystals in the urine.These compounds can then form stones.

However, some people are more susceptible to developing kidney stones than others.In a study on rats with kidney stones, coconut water was found to keep crystals from sticking to the kidneys and other parts of the urinary tract.

May Support Heart HealthDrinking coconut water may be helpful to reduce heart disease risk.In one study, rats that consumed coconut water had reductions in blood cholesterol and triglycerides.