Sai Pallavi reveals she drinks two litres of coconut water: Here's why it's a dangerous practice

At a recent event, Premam fame actress Sai Pallavi revealed that she drinks "maybe two litres" of coconut water regularly. While coconut water has many health benefits like lowering blood pressure, providing the benefits of a low-calorie health drink, preventing kidney stones and giving healthy skin, drinking it in excess daily can have dangerous health effects, according to various health forums. The American Heart Association (AHA) says, "Coconut water when consumed in excess, has been noted in case reports to cause severe hyperkalemia." The Cleveland Clinic explains Hyperkalemia as a condition that results in high potassium levels in the blood, which can damage the heart, cause palpitations and even a heart attack." 

A typical potassium level for adults is between 3.5 and 5.0 millimoles per litre, which is between 685 to 980 mg. AHA says that just about eight ounces of coconut water contain approximately 600 mg of potassium. Therefore, just like all healthy food items, consumption of coconut water in excess can be detrimental. Doctors also recommend those with chronic kidney diseases to avoid consuming large amounts of the fluid, due to its high potassium content. It can also cause electrolyte imbalance and lower blood pressure and can even act as a laxative (substances that cause constipation) at times. 

How much coconut water a day is healthy?
When used as a post-workout drink, drinking 20 ounces of fluid like coconut water is healthy for every pound lost during exercise. If this is difficult to calculate, here's what Kochi-based dietician Dr Mumtaz Ismail says, "For a healthy adult, just about 250 ml of coconut water a day is healthy. And the best time to drink it is mid-morning when you get mild hunger cravings."