We’ve all heard about coconut water being a great post-workout refresher—but what if that tropical drink could actually help manage a serious illness and potentially reduce cancer risk? A new study suggests it just might.
Researchers now believe coconut water could offer relief for people suffering from ulcerative colitis, a chronic condition that affects the gut and increases the risk of bowel cancer.
Ulcerative Colitis: More Than Just a Gut Issue
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a long-term condition that causes painful inflammation and ulcers in the colon and rectum.
It affects hundreds of thousands of people across the UK and US, often triggering intense symptoms like diarrhea, stomach cramps, fatigue, and even weight loss.
In more severe cases, it can also cause complications in other parts of the body, such as joint pain, skin flare-ups, and bone weakness.
And perhaps most concerning: the longer someone lives with ulcerative colitis, the higher their risk of developing bowel cancer.
Some studies show the risk can climb to 18% after three decades with the disease.
The Coconut Water Study: What Researchers Found
Researchers at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences decided to see whether something as natural and accessible as coconut water could help.
They tracked 97 patients with mild to moderate ulcerative colitis and had one group drink 400ml of coconut water daily for eight weeks, while another group was given a placebo.
The results were promising—those who drank the coconut water experienced higher rates of clinical remission, meaning their symptoms drastically improved or disappeared altogether.
What Makes Coconut Water Special?
According to Dr. Kunal Sood, a Maryland-based anesthesiologist who commented on the findings via Instagram, the drink appeared to shift the balance of gut bacteria in a positive way.
The coconut water helped boost the growth of beneficial bacteria while reducing those that fuel inflammation.
He explained that its potassium-rich content and anti-microbial peptides might be part of the reason why it’s effective.
Even though Dr. Sood wasn’t part of the research team, he called the results a “gentle, food-based tool” for gut health—especially when used alongside guidance from a doctor.
A Health Trend Backed by Science?
Coconut water has been trending for years now, known for being a low-calorie source of hydration and rich in electrolytes.
Just one cup of coconut water has around 600mg of potassium, which supports healthy fluid balance and helps reduce inflammation.
The NHS recommends adults aim for about 3,500mg of potassium per day, making coconut water a decent contributor to your daily intake—especially if you’re managing a condition like UC.
Antioxidants and Cancer Prevention
Aside from potassium, coconut water also contains antioxidants, which can help fight off the cell damage caused by oxidative stress—a process that may increase cancer risk. For UC patients, that’s important.
The chronic inflammation in their gut causes their intestinal cells to regenerate frequently, raising the chance of abnormal cells forming and turning cancerous.
That’s why managing inflammation is so important.
While coconut water won’t cure ulcerative colitis or stop cancer single-handedly, it may support better overall gut health in the long run.
Staying on Top of Bowel Cancer Risk
Because symptoms of bowel cancer can easily be mistaken for ulcerative colitis flare-ups—think rectal bleeding, stomach pain, diarrhea—it’s crucial that UC patients get regular screenings.
The NHS advises colonoscopies every few years starting 10 years after the onset of symptoms.
Catching cancer early makes a big difference.
Around 90% of patients diagnosed with bowel cancer at stage one survive at least five years, and more than half are alive ten years later.
Rising Bowel Cancer Rates in Younger People
These findings also come at a time when bowel cancer is on the rise among younger adults, even those who are otherwise fit and healthy.
Researchers are still working to pinpoint the reasons, but theories include everything from obesity to diet changes and even microplastics.
Regardless of the cause, it’s a reminder that small lifestyle changes—like adding a bit of coconut water to your diet—might play a small but helpful role in staying healthy.