Coconut water is rich in potassium, essential for fluid balance, nerve signals, and muscle contractions. However, a 240 ml cup contains around 600 mg of potassium, higher than most natural beverages
Published Mar 03, 2025 | 7:00 AM ⚊ Updated Mar 03, 2025 | 7:00 AM
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Synopsis: As summer heat intensifies, many turn to coconut water for hydration. While it’s rich in electrolytes and nutrients, doctors warn excessive consumption can raise potassium levels, leading to potential health risks. Dr. Sudhir Kumar, a neurologist at Apollo Hospitals, highlights that a single cup contains 600 mg of potassium, which can be harmful if consumed in excess.
With summer setting in and the sun blazing down, hydration becomes a top priority. Many people turn to coconut water as a natural and refreshing way to replenish lost fluids. While doctors agree that it is packed with electrolytes and nutrients, they warn that drinking too much of it can have unintended health consequences, especially for certain individuals.
Speaking to South First, Dr Sudhir Kumar, renowned neurologist from Apollo Hospitals in Hyderabad said, “temperatures are going up in several states and it is common to resort to drinking coconut water. But, drinking too much coconut water during a short period of time can raise potassium levels in blood,” he said.
Coconut water is a rich source of potassium, a key electrolyte that helps regulate fluid balance, nerve signals, and muscle contractions. Dr Sudhir explains that a single cup (240 ml) contains around 600 mg of potassium, significantly higher than other natural beverages.
Speaking to South First, renowned consultant nephrologist and transplant physician at Trustwell Hospitals in Bengaluru Dr Aravind Canchi said, “This tropical drink contains 95 percent of water, high potassium and some small amounts of sodium, magnesium, and calcium, making it a preferred choice over sugary energy drinks.”
Dr Canchi says a glass or two is fine but higher amount of drinking may not be good for health. “There is a lot of misinformation that it is anti viral, can regulate blood glucose levels, can lower cholesterol, it is super hydrating etc. None of these has been proven in studies,” said Dr Canchi.
Being precise, Dr Sudhir says up to 500 ml of coconut water (in one go) is generally safe in healthy adults. Meanwhile, Dr Rajeev Jayadevan told South First, “Coconut water is a refreshing and safe beverage but like many other things, should not be taken in excess. Being rich in potassium, it can lead to electrolyte imbalances that can even disrupt heart rhythms. One or two cups a day for a person in good health will not do any harm,” he added.
Those with kidney problems or using certain medications that conserve potassium should be cautious. Dr Sudhir Kumar said, drinking too much of coconut water can raise potassium levels in blood and it is more likely to happen in people with kidney disease.
High potassium can adversely affect heart function. Since coconut water is also rich in sugar (though lesser than fruit juices), diabetics should be cautious and not consume excess of coconut water.
Citing a case study, Dr Sudhir took to X and posted that one healthy 42-year-old person, who played tennis the whole day, consumed about 2600 ml of coconut water (containing about 5.5 grams of potassium) over a short period of time. He collapsed while playing.
On evaluation, the doctor says, he was found to have very high potassium levels, abnormal cardiac rhythm and kidney damage. With prompt treatment, he could be saved.
Dr Canchi says patients with chronic kidney disease will have to be very careful as the kidneys do not excrete potassium if they are in kidney failure. “Potassium levels can build up in the blood and affect the heart and skeletal muscles so CKD patients are usually advised not to consume coconut water.”
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
