It may not be mere
coincidence that the tropics with their abundant population of coconut trees
host more than 40 per cent of the world’s inhabitants.
Experts have found that
coconut water taken to quench thirst helps to correct irregular menses.
Researchers
found that coconut water possesses sex hormone-like activity that can help to
boost fertility because of its effect on the menstrual cycle.
In
a preliminary investigation of the effect of coconut water on reproductive
functions of female Wistar rats, they found that it supports the regularisation
of irregular menstrual cycle and promotion of the onset of the proestrus phase
of the menstrual cycle.
Coconut
water is obtained from within the fruit of the coconut tree. Coconut trees,
which are found in large populations within the tropics, have been described as
the “tree of life” because every part of the plant is useful for purposes
ranging from nutrition to art and science.
Coconut
water contains amino acids, sugars, and several minerals which are nontoxic,
pleasant tasting source of hydration both orally and parentally.
Although
the many virtues of coconut water on health such as its blood cholesterol
lowering effect, anti-diabetic and antioxidant properties have been extolled,
the possible link between coconut water consumption and fertility has been
overlooked.
Pregnant
women in tropical countries drink coconut water every day in order to easy
morning sickness and prevent vomiting. Coconut water contains electrolytes,
chloride, calcium, potassium, sodium and riboflavin. Also, it is rich with
vitamin which is needed during pregnancy.
In
the same vein, when coconut water is applied to affected skin areas with acne,
wrinkles, stretch marks, cellulite and eczema, it clears up the skin and gives
it youthful smooth looking skin.
For
the 2015 study, the researchers at the Department of Physiology, College of
Medicine, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, investigated the effect of coconut
water on menstrual cycle and reproductive organs of 30 female Wistar rats over a
period of 21 days. There body weights and menstrual (oestrus) cycles were
monitored daily.
Some
were fed freshly extracted coconut water daily while the control animals only
had water. The study was published in the journals of the Archives of Basic and
Applied Medicine.
At
the end of the experiment, the animals were sacrificed and their internal
organs such as the ovaries, brains, livers and kidneys assessed.
The
researchers found that coconut water administration at different doses for
three weeks produced significant reductions in body weight in a dose-dependent
manner.
It
also did not produce any significant effect on organ weights neither did it
result in any visible alterations to the tissues of the ovary, womb and liver,
suggesting that it was nontoxic.
However,
there was a significant reduction in menstrual cycle length in animals treated
with coconut water.
The
researchers said that the reduction in the menstrual cycle length translates to
more regular menstrual flow.
More
regular menstrual cycle, they said could mean increased possibility of having
an egg or ova for fertilisation.
“This
hypothesis is being explored as it may yield a phenomenal breakthrough for
fertility treatments,” they said.
The
researchers, which included, Olufadekemi Kunle-Alabi; Opeyemi Akindele:
Onowugbeda E.O; Adesina M.R and Raji Yinusa, said further studies are ongoing
to reveal possible mechanisms for the fertility –enhancing effects of coconut
water.
Also,
Olufadekemi Kunle-Alabi and his co researchers indicated that coconut water can
improve semen quality and testosterone levels in male rats.
In
the 2016 study, published in Federation of American Societies for Experimental
Biology (FASEB) journal, they indicated that males showed a significant
increase in sperm count, sperm motility and serum oestrogen concentration when
they take coconut milk.
Previously,
some research shows that consuming coconut water can help to prevent
dehydration in children with mild diarrhoea. But there is no reliable evidence
that it is any more effective than other beverages for this use.
Some
athletes use coconut water to replace fluids after exercise. Coconut water
seems to help rehydrate after exercise, but it does not appear to be more
effective than sports drinks or plain water.
Rich
in nutrients and vitamins like riboflavin, niacin, thiamin and pyridoxine, and
folates, coconut water has anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties that can
help increase the body’s immune system and fight viral infections like flu.
Also,
some research suggests that drinking coconut water might lower blood pressure
in people with high blood pressure.
Source:
tribuneonlineng
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