What is Coconut Water?
Coconut Water is the nutritious clear liquid inside the coconut fruit which is packed with vitamins and minerals.
There is usually more water in a young coconut, since the water is replaced by the white coconut flesh as it matures.
Therefore, for drinking purposes, coconuts are harvested off the trees when they are still young and green.
Later, the outer green husk is removed and the coconuts are wrapped in plastic to keep the moisture.
For best results, the water from a fresh coconut should be consumed
shortly after being exposed to air due to the possible loss of important
nutrients.
A single coconut usually provides an 11 ounce serving of water, and it
is low in calories and fat but rich in vitamins, minerals and other
nutrients.
A few key nutrients in Coconut Water include Lauric acid, Chloride, and
Iron, as well as important electrolytes such as Potassium, Magnesium,
Calcium, Sodium, and Phosphorous.
In fact, the potassium content in Coconut Water is close to twice the
amount in a banana.
A healthy balance of electrolytes is important for the optimal health of
our muscular, cardiovascular, nervous and immune systems, as well as to
help with the absorption and balance of the body's internal fluids.
What are the Benefits of Coconut Water?
Many studies have shown that the antiviral, antibacterial,
anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of Coconut Water may help
with a number of minor to severe health conditions.
This nutrient rich drink has been used to regulate blood pressure, blood
sugar, and cholesterol levels, and it has been found to boost energy
levels and increase metabolism in the human body.
Other conditions that it has been found to be effective at treating
include stomach flu, dysentery, indigestion, constipation, intestinal
worms, cholera, urinary abnormalities, urethral stone, malfunctioning
kidneys, dry and itchy skin, age spots, and wrinkles.
Uses of Coconut Water
Age Spots, Wrinkles, and Other Skin Problems
Researchers have found that Cytokinins help regulate the cell growth and
their divisions.
Coconut Water contains these cytokinins and lauric acid which can
minimize the aging of skin cells, balance PH levels, and keep the
connective tissues strong and hydrated.
Therefore, simply applying Coconut Water onto affected skin areas every
night before going to bed may help with acne, age spots, wrinkles,
stretch marks, cellulite, and eczema.
Boosting Energy
Abundant in vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, Coconut Water makes a
wonderful energy drink.
In particular, coconut water has less sugar and sodium content compared
to most sports drinks, while packing more Potassium, Calcium, and
Chloride, which makes it a better choice to rehydrate, replenish and
boost the body's energy levels after any strenuous activity or workout.
For example, in every 100ml of Coconut Water there is approximately
294mg of potassium compared to 117mg in an average energy drink, 25mg of
sodium compared to 200mg in energy drinks and 41mg in most sport
drinks, 5mg sugar compared to 20-25mg, and 118mg of chloride compare to
39mg in average energy and sport drinks.
Cardiovascular Health
According to researchers, individuals with high blood pressure usually
have low potassium levels.
Therefore, drinking coconut water on a regular basis can be quite
effective at regulating blood pressure due to its high concentration of
potassium and lauric acid.
Similarly, some recent studies have found that coconut water can help
increase HDL (good) cholesterol, which makes it a wonderful natural
treatment for maintaining good cardiovascular health.
Dehydration
Rich in Potassium and other minerals, Coconut Water helps to regulate
our internal fluids and replenish and rehydrate the body.
It has been used to treat dehydration caused by dysentery, cholera,
diarrhea and stomach flu, and the electrolyte balance and plasma in
Coconut Water has been found to be similar to that of human blood.
Therefore, drinking one cup of Coconut Water twice daily during
digestive tract abnormalities, hot temperatures, and after strenuous
workouts can help rehydrate the body quickly.
Digestive Problems
Coconut Water contains Lauric acid which our body converts into
monolaurin.
Monolaurin has great antiviral, antiprozoal and antibacterial activity
which helps fight against intestinal worms, parasites, lipid-coated
viruses and other gastrointestinal tract infections in children and
adults.
Additionally, the water from coconut may not only act as an antibiotic
but it can also rehydrate the body.
Therefore, a simple remedy for Intestinal Worms is to mix one teaspoon
of extra virgin olive oil into a cup of Coconut Water and drink it daily
for at least three days.
For constipation, diarrhea and other common digestive problems drink one
cup of Coconut Water twice daily.
Weight Loss
Coconut water is a natural electrolyte and isotonic beverage which help increase the body's metabolism.
Therefore, it can greatly benefit people who are struggling with weight issues.
What are the Side Effects of Coconut Water?
Fresh Coconut Water is one of the best natural drinks on the face of the
earth.
It doesn't have any known side effects unless somebody is prone to
having allergic reactions or have severe nut allergies.
It is considered to be safe for children, pregnant, and breastfeeding
women.
If you are taking potassium supplements it is recommended to regulate
your potassium levels since Coconut Water is high in potassium.
Where and How to Buy Coconut Water
Coconut Water is readily available in cans or bottles from many grocery
stores or online retailers (see below).
Fresh plastic wrapped coconuts can also be purchased at many Indian and
Asian grocery stores during the summer.
When buying fresh coconuts with green husks, look for those with some
light brown spots as well since these are considered to have the
greatest water content.
Generally, the water from Indian and Bangladeshi coconuts tends to be
sweeter than Thai and Brazilian coconuts.
When using fresh coconuts, try to drink the water as soon as possible
since the nutrients can begin to dissipate after being exposed to air.
However, the water can also be refrigerated for 10 to 12 hours if it is
sealed in a tight container.
