Is it true that drinking coconut water enhances sexual performance?

There is currently a controversial news topic about a man who drank coconut water and experienced an increase in sexual performance, to the point where his wife asked for a divorce, raising questions about whether it's true. "Does coconut water really enhance sexual performance?" To clarify and ensure there is no harm caused by misunderstanding, Dr. Tonpun Saksak, provided insights on this matter during the program "Kuy Hai Jup Khao" on Workpoint TV, dated February 11, 2020.

A: Coconut water has hydrating properties, and its slightly sweet taste, especially from young coconuts, makes it a refreshing and energizing drink. Besides that, coconut water offers several health benefits, such as these "9 great benefits of coconut water":

1. Helps prevent dehydration: When feeling thirsty or dehydrated, coconut water helps rehydrate the body along with beneficial electrolytes, and its natural sweet taste. Athletes can drink coconut water instead of sports drinks after exercising.

2. Rich in vitamins and minerals: Coconut water is packed with vitamin B1, B2, B3, B6, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, iron, amino acids, and protein, all beneficial for the body.

3. Supports collagen and elastin production: It helps maintain tight, radiant skin, giving you a youthful glow.

4. Contains cytokines: These help nourish the body’s hormones, promote growth, and slow down aging. They can also reduce the risk of age-related diseases, like Alzheimer’s disease.

5. Aids digestion: Coconut water helps in digesting food and reduces symptoms of acid reflux.

6. Alleviates stomach pain from gastritis: It can help soothe pain caused by stomach inflammation.

7. Promotes urination: Coconut water helps relieve symptoms of bladder infections.

8. Relieves headaches from dehydration: Drinking coconut water can quickly reduce headache symptoms caused by dehydration.

9. Relieves nausea, vomiting, or hangovers: Coconut water is a great remedy for alleviating these symptoms effectively.

Coconut water contains 79 calories per 100 grams, making it a low-calorie food that provides good refreshment and is suitable for people of all ages. However, for those with kidney disease or diabetes, it's recommended to consult a doctor to determine an appropriate amount for their body, as coconut water contains both sugar and potassium.

A: Coconut water has been studied both internationally and in Thailand regarding its effects on hormones. For example, Prince of Songkla University studied whether coconut water could help women who are deficient in hormones. Normally, for women who lack hormones, medicine like Pueraria mirifica is used to replace the missing hormones, as it contains phytoestrogens, or natural estrogen, which can help substitute the lacking hormone. The study found that coconut water has similar properties that could help increase estrogen levels, but this was observed in animal studies with rats. Human trials are still in the early stages and require further research. Recently, Mahidol University also conducted additional studies to examine whether coconut water could affect male hormones. It was found that coconut water could indeed increase testosterone levels in animals.

From a medical scientific perspective, coconut water may assist those with hormonal deficiencies. Testosterone levels in men are highest between the ages of 18 and 30 and gradually decrease thereafter, with significant drops around the age of 60. Therefore, drinking coconut water may help replenish the deficiencies and might improve overall well-being. However, it is unlikely to result in frequent sexual activity as a primary effect.

A: Sexual desire may still exist, but it likely won't be as strong. The drive for sexual desire is primarily influenced by the hormone testosterone. Therefore, when testosterone levels decline, sexual desire may also decrease. Conditions related to a high sexual drive can stem from physical health issues, often involving abnormalities in the brain's cortex and the anterior pituitary gland, which are responsible for hormone production. In elderly individuals, this could be caused by a brain tumor, which could lead to an overproduction of sexual hormones. If such issues arise, it's important to have a thorough medical examination, as a brain tumor could be the cause. On the other hand, if it's not related to a physical condition, it may be a psychological issue. In such cases, therapy often relates to past trauma, such as early exposure to sexual content or easy access to pornography in the current age. Individuals with such behaviors may develop a mental fixation on these activities as a primary form of emotional release, differing from others who might relax through activities like watching movies, listening to music, or traveling. For these individuals, sexual behavior becomes their only method of emotional expression, which can intensify over time, increasing in frequency.

A: No! Coconut water does not contain testosterone, the hormone that helps with sexual performance. It may help you feel refreshed while drinking, which can make it seem like it's replenishing the hormones you may be lacking, but it cannot help restore erectile function in individuals with sexual dysfunction. If that were the case, doctors would prescribe coconut water instead of medication nationwide.

A: If a man is found to have a hormone deficiency and a decreased sexual drive, medical treatment may require consulting with a urologist to manage testosterone hormone replacement therapy. However, hormone replacement comes with precautions. If administered in excess, it could increase the risk of prostate problems, potentially leading to prostate cancer. But if administered in appropriate amounts, the hormone levels may return to normal.

In summary, coconut water cannot significantly increase hormones to enhance male sexual performance. If anyone has sexual performance issues, it is advisable to consult a doctor to identify the cause and receive proper treatment, as neglecting this could lead to potential harm.

Now that you know, enjoy drinking coconut water in moderation!