10 Disadvantages Of Coconut Water You Should Be Aware Of
A range of over-the-counter (OTC) laxatives is available if coconut oil or other lifestyle remedies do not work.
Is coconut oil a laxative?
Some people suggest using coconut oil as a laxative for constipation. However, more scientific research is necessary.
Some supporters claim that coconut oil is a cure for constipation. So, what are these claims, and does evidence back them up?
Some people speculate that coconut is successful in easing constipation because it contains an abundance of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs).
It is thought that MCFAs stimulate bowel movements and help to soften the stool.
MCFAs
Share on Pinterest The medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) in coconut oil are thought to stimulate bowl movements.
MCFAs are found in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are also a form of fatty acids that have a range of health benefits.
A 2003 study on how the MCTs in coconut oil impacted on obesity forms the basis for most current claims about the benefits of coconut oil.
The study suggested that MCTs may be beneficial for preventing obesity or stimulating weight loss. However, the study reached no conclusions about how MCTs might affect constipation.
The use of the study’s data in current claims for coconut oil is controversial. One reason for this is that the study used oil that contained 100-percent MCTs, rather than coconut oil, which reportedly contains just 13- to 15-percent MCTs.
Even the doctor who led the study expressed concern that the data is being misused by coconut oil marketers, according to an article in The Guardian newspaper in the United Kingdom.
A study released by the American Society for Microbiology seems to support the view that coconut oil is effective against the colonization of the bacteria Candida albicans (C. albicans) in the gut.
This is the bacteria that causes oral thrush and vaginal yeast infections. It is a natural component of the gut’s microflora.
The authors of the study propose that coconut oil either kills off the bacteria in the gut or prevents its growth. They also conclude that coconut oil could become the first dietary intervention to reduce colonization of the gut by C. albicans.
However, other people have suggested that the presence of C. albicans in the gut and the process of killing off the bacteria can cause constipation. There is little scientific evidence to support this.
It is also important to bear in mind that, like most scientific studies of coconut oil so far, this study investigating the impact of coconut oil on C. albicans was conducted only in rodents. It is difficult to know whether these effects will be the same in humans.
Share on Pinterest Coffee can help stimulate the gut, as it has a laxative effect that is 60 percent stronger than water.
Constipation is often a result of diet or lifestyle choices.
Dehydration is a significant cause of constipation. So, even simple steps such as drinking more water can help.
Scientists have known for a long time that coffee can stimulate the gut. Coffee has a laxative effect that is 60 percent stronger than water.
Adding more fiber to the diet can also increase the bulk and consistency of stools, which could make them easier to pass. Evidence also suggests that eating probiotic foods is effective against constipation.
Coconut oil and MCT oil are both mild enough to try in moderation.
A range of over-the-counter (OTC) laxatives is available if coconut oil or other lifestyle remedies do not work.
Anyone wanting to try coconut or MCT oil should speak to a doctor first, especially if they are pregnant, breast-feeding, or have other health conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease.
- Constipation
- GastroIntestinal / Gastroenterology
- Nutrition / Diet
- Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine
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- Derbyshire, D. (2017, July 9). Coconut oil: Are the health benefits a big fat lie? The Guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2017/jul/09/coconut-oil-debunked-health-benefits-big-fat-lie-superfood-saturated-fats-lard - Gunsalus, K. T. W., Tornberg-Belanger, S. N., Matthan, N. R., Lichtenstein, A. H., and Kumamoto, C. A. (2015, October 17). Manipulation of host diet to reduce gastrointestinal colonization by the opportunistic pathogen Candida albicans. mSphere, 1(1), e00020–15
http://msphere.asm.org/content/1/1/e00020-15 - Rao, S. S., Welcher, K., Zimmerman, B., and Stumbo, P. (1998, February). Is coffee a colonic stimulant? European Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 10(2), 113–118
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9581985 - St-Onge, M.-P., Ross, P., Parsons, W. D., Jones, P. J. H. (2002, September 6). Medium-chain triglycerides increase energy expenditure and decrease adiposity in overweight men. Obesity A Research Journal, 11(3), 395–402
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1038/oby.2003.53
Disadvantages of Drinking Too Much Coconut Water
Drinking too much coconut water may cause several adverse effects. Melissa Hooper, Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist, says, “The extra calories from the sugar could contribute to weight gain if they are not balanced out with other foods and drinks consumed throughout the day. The natural sugar content can also lead to dental caries if you are not diligent in brushing your teeth daily. Also, due to its natural sugar content, if you have diabetes, drinking excess coconut water could lead to increased blood sugar levels.”
1. May Lead To Diarrhea
Too much coconut water consumption can be dangerous. Drinking too much of it can have laxative effects on your digestive system (1). Since coconut water is a natural laxative, it might not be suitable for some people who have problems with their bowel movements. Hence, care should be taken before consuming a large amount of coconut water.
2. Is Not The Ideal Drink For Athletes
In case you prefer coconut water for getting rid of dehydration immediately post workout, then you rather drink plain water. Because the amount of sodium plain water contains is unarguably more than that present in coconut water. And hey, it is sodium that aids rehydration, right?
Also, when compared with certain sports energy drinks, coconut water is way low in carbohydrate content. Coconut water just contains one-tenth the sodium when compared with other sports drinks (2).
2. May Not Be Good For People Vulnerable To Allergies
Some of us do have allergies. We might be allergic to certain food items and ingredients and hence, we refrain from consuming them. Similarly, coconut water might cause allergic reactions in certain people who are allergic to it.
Coconut is basically a tree nut. Hence, certain people who consume coconut water might be prone to tree nut allergies as well as other forms of allergy. Coconut water should be kept away from people who are prone to allergies (3).
4. Possesses Diuretic Properties
This is another disadvantage when you consume too much coconut water. Coconut water has diuretic properties (1). This means too much of its consumption might require you to take a break and visit the loo a number of times. Although a mild amount of coconut water has hydrating properties, too much of its consumption can be unhealthy.
Melissa Hooper says, “Drinking coconut water at night could elevate blood sugar for people who have diabetes and increase urination, disturbing their sleep due to the constant need to make trips to the bathroom overnight.”
5. Might Cause Electrolyte Imbalance
The high potassium content of coconut water is one reason it is a wonder drink. But then, the very same reason can make coconut water fatal if consumed in excess.
In a specific case, a man had spent an entire day playing tennis in 90 degree Fahrenheit weather. He happened to consume a whopping 88 ounces of coconut water, which resulted in a condition called hyperkalemia, eventually leading to a serious condition (4).
Hyperkalemia causes weakness and lightheadedness, and within minutes the victim might lose his consciousness.
6. May Increase Blood Sugar Levels In Some
Coconut water may not fall under sugary drinks but still it does contain carbohydrates and calories. People with high blood sugar should not drink more than 1 glass a day. However, more research is warranted in this regard.
Also, going for immature green coconuts is better for those with diabetes than the matured ones.
7. May Lower Your Blood Pressure Too Much
Coconut water might lower your blood pressure (5). In case you are already taking medications for high blood pressure, it might cause your blood pressure to drop further down. Hence, remember to consult your healthcare provider in such a situation.
8. Might Affect Individuals With Kidney Issues
Those with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are recommended to avoid intake of coconut water. The substantial potassium content in the water may cause hyperkalemia, a potentially fatal condition resulting from a high potassium intake in kidney patients (6). It may reduce ion excretion via the kidneys. It may also interfere with drugs used to slow the progression of CKD or those taken to manage its concomitant conditions, such as diabetes mellitus and heart failure. The likelihood of experiencing sudden death and irregularities in heartbeats also increases (7).
9. Might Cause Flaccid Paralysis
Excessive intake of king coconut water was reported to cause acute flaccid paralysis in an elderly patient. He experienced weakness in his limbs and was unable to walk. Closer inspection revealed kidney dysfunction and high potassium levels (8). Thus, although uncommon, coconut water may cause paralysis in some people.
10. Might Lead To Fatal 3-Nitropropionic Acid Poisoning
Coconuts may be contaminated with the fungus Arthrinium saccharicola, which may lead to life-threatening symptoms. An elderly patient from Denmark experienced sweating, nausea, and vomiting followed by a reduced mental state with confusion, dystonia (involuntary muscle contractions), and poor balance after consuming coconut water. He fell seriously ill, developed encephalopathy (reduction in brain functioning due to toxins), and went into a coma. Subsequently, the condition was shown to be caused by high 3-nitropropionic acid levels in coconut water caused by the fungal contamination. The coconut had been kept on the kitchen table for a month after being purchased, despite the fact that it should have been stored at 4°C to 5°C in the refrigerator (9). Thus, avoid such situations by properly storing your coconuts and coconut water.
If the patient had drunk the coconut water fresh, this situation might not have occurred. This brings us to a crucial aspect that needs to be noted by everyone: Coconut water is to be consumed fresh 10). It should ideally be consumed right after cutting the fruit open.
So, to summarize it all, coconut water, while beneficial, can also have some drawbacks. When consumed in excess, it may lead to diarrhea. It may also not be the best choice for athletes and people allergic to tree nuts. The drink may also lead to electrolyte imbalances, act as a diuretic, and increase blood sugar levels. Some may also experience lowered blood pressure and kidney issues due to overconsumption. Lastly, if coconut water is left open for some time, it may lose some of its beneficial nutrients. Coconut water is a wonder drink, yes. It might have many benefits which are virtually absent in other drinks. And talking in terms of health, it probably is the most preferred drink.
One coconut contains about 300ml of water. However, this may vary depending on the stage of maturity of the nut and its variety.
But that doesn’t mean you can become a sole survivor of coconut water, does it?
The downsides we mentioned might make you think twice but drinking coconut water in moderation can be good for your health. Learn its pros and cons below to know what’s best for you.
Pros And Cons Of Tender Coconut Water
Tender coconut water is a natural source of hydration and a refreshing drink. It is rich in electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals (1). Its low-calorie content makes it a favored option for those watching their weight. Anecdotal evidence indicates it may also improve one’s digestive health. In fact, coconut water for weight loss may be an effective addition to a balanced diet.
While research shows that the consumption of fresh coconut products can decrease blood glucose levels and body weight in normal, the naturally occurring sugars in coconut water may be a cause for concern for those monitoring their sugar intake, especially those who are diabetic (11). Also, it is not a budget-friendly choice for regular consumption.
All in all, the choice of drinking tender coconut water might hinge on your specific dietary needs.
Infographic: When To Avoid Coconut Water?
Coconut water is a refreshing drink. But there are some instances when it’s best to avoid drinking it. Due to its limited availability, short shelf life, and potential contamination, it might not be the perfect daily drink. It may even be expensive depending on your location. Also, coconut water might not go well with certain health issues, especially when it comes to your kidneys and heart.
