So what is so different about coconut water? Can't I just drink regular water and get equally as hydrated? The answer is yes, but you would need a lot more regular water to feel the same effects. Coconut water is the clear liquid that is found inside young coconuts. The water serves as a suspension in the endosperm of the coconut during the coconuts development. As the coconut grows, the endosperm liquid will develop into what we know as the coconut meat. Because young coconuts are not fully developed, they have very little meat, and more coconut water. Unless your coconut has been severely damaged, coconut water is always sterile. It was even used during World War II as an intravenous hydration fluid when medical saline was unavailable. How about that! That fact alone makes me want some right now....
Anyways, the coconut water is clear, sweet, and sterile and composed of wonderful things such as sugars, vitamins, minerals, electrolytes, enzymes, amino acids, cytokinins, and phyto-hormones. These magical fruits are harvested when they are about 5-7 months of age for our drinking purposes. What are cytokinins you ask? Cytokinins are a class of plant growth substances (phyto-hormones) that have been shown to have anti-aging, anti-carcinogenic, and anti-thrombotic effects. Coconut water is best known for its high potassium content as well as the amount of antioxidants it contains. Coconut water was actually given to patients with severe diarrhea to help replenish electrolytes that have been lost, and to avoid the need for intravenous therapy. Now, doctor's will not use coconut water in an IV because of the dangers of too much potassium. However, it can and should be used to replace lost electrolytes and end dehydration.
Coconut water is also full of bioactive enzymes that aid in digestion and metabolism. Even though this fruit has a very light consistency, it has a wonderful vitamin and mineral composition of calcium, iron, manganese, magnesium, zinc, niacin, riboflavin, thiamin, and folate. Look to the right to see its full nutritional profile:
| Principle | Nutrient Value | Percentage of RDA |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 19 Kcal | 1% |
| Carbohydrates | 3.71 g | 3% |
| Protein | 0.72 g | 1.5% |
| Total Fat | 0.20 g | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.1 g | 3% |
| Vitamins | ||
| Folates | 3 µg | 0.75% |
| Niacin | 0.080 mg | 0.5% |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.043 mg | <1% |
| Pyridoxine | 0.032 mg | 2.5% |
| Riboflavin | 0.057 mg | 4% |
| Thiamin | 0.030 mg | 2.5% |
| Vitamin C | 2.4 mg | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 0 IU | 0% |
| Vitamin E | 0 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin K | 0 mcg | 0% |
| Electrolytes | ||
| Sodium | 105 mg | 7% |
| Potassium | 250 mg | 5% |
| Minerals | ||
| Calcium | 24 mg | 2.4% |
| Copper | 40 mcg | 4.5% |
| Iron | 0.29 mg | 3.5% |
| Magnesium | 25 mg | 6% |
| Manganese | 0.142 mg | % |
| Zinc | 0.10 mg | 1% |
| Phyto-nutrients | ||
| Auxin (Gibberlin) | Present | -- |
| Carotene, beta | 0 µg | -- |
| Cytokines | Present | -- |
| Lutein-zeaxanthin | 0 µg | -- |
| Leucoanthocyanin | Present | - |
Today, many different brands of coconut water are available in local stores. And although some of them claim to be pure coconut water, you never know if there are any preservatives or extra ingredients added in there. To me, nothing beats the pure coconut water that comes straight from the coconut itself. I shop at Hannaford's supermarket, and they always have fresh, whole coconuts on their shelves for about 1.99$. I know they are also available at whole foods, but for a dollar or two more. All I do to open these nuts is hammer in a knife, and drain the water into a glass. I usually get a full glass of water, and become overwhelmed with satisfaction that this is the real stuff. On top of the water, you also can scrape out the coconut meat on the inside of the coconut, and add it to your favorite smoothies or recipes. I have used coconut meat in my blender, but have also chopped it up and used it to make a coconut crusted salmon dish. Talk about amazing! There are just so many different ways to use coconut water and coconut meat that this fruit should be on everyone's shopping list. You can also cook your rice with coconut water to sweeten it up a little bit. This is a great tasting alternative to cooking rice with plain, boring water. Here is a crazy recipe for a power smoothie that includes coconut products. Although you most likely do not have all the ingredients, just blending some of the ingredients with fruits and vegetables is delicious, too.
Unsweetened Almond Milk
Coconut Water
Super Greens Powder
Raw Organic Agave Syrup
Fresh Coconut Meat
Organic Hemp Nuts
Banana
Celery
Kale
Power smoothies have so many health benefits that give you energy to last through your day. They are completely natural, too!
Another reason coconut water is becoming more popular is because of its hangover benefits. The reason why a person becomes hungover the night after drinking too much alcohol is because of the impurities, preservatives, and chemicals that are added to alcoholic drinks. Sometimes, hangovers can occur even after just one drink, depending on what it is made of. Usually, drinking to excess is what causes a hangover because the ethanol causes increased urine production, which then leads to dehydration. The truth is, you will feel miserable from a hangover until your body is properly hydrated. Gatorade and orange juice are two popular drinks that help cure hangovers. Now that I have read up on coconut water, this is truly the hangover cure. With the amount of natural electrolytes that coconut water contains, it's no surprise that after just one glass, a hangover can disappear. Sure, Gatorade also has a lot of electrolytes. But Gatorade is not found in the middle of a fruit on a tropic island, now is it?
In conclusion, if you are stranded on an island, engage in intense sports games or physical activity, suffer from diarrhea, or just had too many cocktails last night, coconut water needs to become a part of your diet. Stay tuned for future posts about the benefits of coconut oil - just another part of this life-changing superfood!
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