Coconut Water and Blood Pressure: Can It Help?

One of the most common risk factors for heart attacks in the United States is hypertension, or high blood pressure. It causes the heart to work harder, and can be exacerbated by age, diet and stress. Reducing sodium lowers blood pressure by inhibiting water retention. Increasing potassium can also reduce hypertension by promoting excretion of water out of the body. Coconut water has high amounts of potassium.

Instructions

• 1

  Go to the local grocery store. Look in the fresh fruit sections and see if you can find young coconut. Young coconuts are usually green or white in color. Never pick the brown looking coconuts as they have aged. Aged coconut water is not as healthy as young coconut water.

• 2

  Look for fresh coconut water products. If you cannot find a young coconut, try looking for bottled coconut water without any added sugar or preservatives. Coconut water is becoming popular so more and more brands are coming out with their versions, such as Zico.

• 3

  Substitute coconut water in smoothie for healthier benefits. Instead of using juices that contain lots of added sugar in fruit smoothies, using coconut water makes fruit smoothies even better. Naturally sweetened smoothies can be tasty dessert and much healthier.