Research published in the Journal of Medical Food suggests that coconut water improves diabetes.
The catch is that this was a study on rats and not humans so we can’t say for sure yet that the drink will have the exact same effect in people.
But many results reached in animal studies turn out to be true for humans too, so don’t dismiss the research just yet okay?!
The rats in the study were given diabetes using a potent compound called alloxan. Alloxen destroys beta cells… in rats. The question is can the compound do the same damage to humans?
Wondering why it even matters? After all nobody has a bottle of this stuff lying around, right?
Most of us eat hidden alloxens every day
Well, the truth is you’re eating alloxan every single day without knowing it!
Even though alloxan has only so far been proven to induce diabetes in rats, I’m bothered by the fact that it’s so pervasive in our food supply. There’s a ton of research confirming its ability to induce diabetes in clinical trials, that’s why it’s used in all the studies.
Alloxan is a by-product of the flour-bleaching process that makes flour “white.”
You can buy unbleached or whole wheat flour instead of white if the presence of alloxen bothers you too. But let me be clear, although I don’t like that we are eating hidden alloxan in white flour products it hasn’t ever been tied to diabetes in humans, just critters.
What should you do if you get diagnosed with diabetes? First, eliminate carbohydrates, in particular the white flour products that have alloxan.
Second, clean out your pantry and become acquainted with real food again.
Third, grab a copy of my diabetes book, I tell you secrets that you deserve to know, like how statin drugs can raise blood sugar and what to do!
Choose nutrient-rich foods to fight alloxan damage
Next and this is very important, you can eat nutrient-rich foods that support healthy blood sugar and counter alloxan-induced damage.
Some good nutrients to consider are…
- vitamin C
- vitamins B1
- B2
- B5
- B6
- and folate.
Zinc helps with vision and skin. Lipoic acid is a supplement that helps with nerve pain. Chromium may help balance blood sugar levels.
Now back to that coconut water.
Coconut water reduced blood sugar and hemogloblin A1C
Prior to this research we already knew coconut water was an awesome electrolyte replenishment drink. But it turns out it isn’t just great for people with diarrhea or those who sweat a lot. We now know that coconut water reduces blood sugar levels and hemoglobin A1c levels (in alloxan-induced diabetic rats, at least) as well.
It stops the glycation process that elevated blood sugar causes. That’s good because glycation quite literally causes you to age faster and here we have something natural, tasty and affordable that puts the brakes on that “rusting.” (Just make sure you are picking up an unsweetened brand without added sugars!)
If you’re concerned about alloxan, or simply just diabetes, change your eating back to a more pristine and straight-forward diet. Feel free to make coconut water a part of that change.
In addition to writing a syndicated column on health which reaches 20 million people each week, Suzy is the author of a number of books on natural health.
You may have seen Suzy on The Dr. OZ Show (6 different appearances), The View, The Doctors, Good Morning America Health and hundreds of morning shows. Quotes from Suzy, as well as her articles, have also appeared in major publications including Woman’s Day, Reader’s Digest, OK Magazine!, First for Women, Fitness, Natural Health and Better Homes & Garden and dozens more.
Read more from Suzy at suzyCohen.com
Latest posts by Suzy Cohen, RPh (see all)
- Nutrient found in squash helps fight cancer - October 21, 2016
- Have a headache? Your thyroid may be to blame - October 13, 2016
- WARNING: Painkillers can kill your ability to feel pleasure too! - October 5, 2016
