From celebrities to fitness junkies, everyone is chugging coconut water. It’s cool, it’s refreshing, and is packed with health benefits. There are several reasons why coconut water needs to be part of your diet.

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1. Lowers Cholesterol

According to a 2006 study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food, coconut water lowers cholesterol and "bad" LDL cholesterol, while raising "good" HDL cholesterol.

And nutritionists love it.

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2. Regulates Blood Pressure

The rich content of potassium is not the only reason coconut is known to regulate blood pressure. According to a study, coconut water helped improve the systolic blood pressure in about 71 percent of the target audience.

3. Fights Diabetes and Kidney Stones

Battle kidney stones and diabetes? Coconut water is your drink of choice.

The presence of magnesium helps increase insulin sensitivity and lowers blood sugar levels. Coconut water was found to reduce the production of free radicals and crystals, preventing production of kidney stones.

Chandigarh-based nutritionist Garima Walia said:

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4. Gets Your Digestive Track Back on Track

This wonder drink is a rich source of fibre, prevents acidity, and promotes digestion. Next time you feel acidic, gulp down a glass of coconut water. Needless to say, if you are healthy from within, you will glow on the outside.

5. Keeps the Body Hydrated

Put a reminder on your phone to chug some coconut water once a day. Coconut water – due to its excellent electrolyte composition – rejuvenates the body and keeps it hydrated. “The presence of lauric acid in coconut shields the skin against infections. On the other hand, it promotes cell growth keeping the skin hydrated and hair nourished,” Walia added.

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So Should It Become Your Choice of Beverage?

Coconut water is making its presence felt in fitness corridors. In fact, international brands of coconut water such as Vita Coco are increasingly finding their way in the kitchens of famous celebrities like Madonna. Tennis player John Isner even went to the extent of crediting coconut water for keeping him on his feet during his epic 11-hour marathon Wimbledon tennis win in 2010.

Here’s the thing: natural, unsweetened coconut water doesn’t contain many additives and hence scores above the packaged ones. However, it is not very different from water when it comes to replenishing or rehydrating the body after a regular workout.

However, it is low on sodium and carbohydrate content when compared to conventional sports drinks. A strenuous workout requires supply of both these nutrients to replenish the body.

As far the caloric count is concerned, an 8-ounce carton of unsweetened coconut water contains 40 calories and nine grams of sugar, as per a report published in Runner’s World.

Dr Pooja Sharma, nutritionist and lifestyle expert, Mumbai, said:

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