Young green coconuts contain a liquid that has become something of a health phenomenon over the last few years. Fueled by celebrity endorsements, pure coconut water has become one of the hottest-selling health products to hit the market. There is in fact good reason for its popularity, since it is rich in nutrients and is better than most sports drinks for human hydration.
It has become popular only recently in Europe and the US, but it has been a staple 'fast food' drink in tropical climes for decades. In regions like India, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Caribbean, street sellers will cut a hole in a fresh coconut for customers to sip the water inside using a straw. In a hot, humid climate, its superior thirst-quenching qualities make for the perfect refreshment.
In the developed world it has gained its popularity through its strong nutritional profile. It is rich in minerals (including high levels of potassium) and the B-complex vitamins. It has become popular with dieters because it it low in fat and carbohydrates and its rich nature provides a sustaining feeling of fullness.
Some people also report its beneficial effect on their skin. It can be used topically to treat oiliness, blemishes and acne. It can also impart a healthy glow with its excellent re-hydrating properties. In addition, it contains compounds called cytokinins which are known to have anti-aging properties.
With regard to consuming the drink, ideally one would take it fresh from the nut (although technically it is what's known as a drupe, not a nut). This of course is not convenient for most people living in non-tropical countries. For one thing, they need to be refrigerated if not eaten within a week or so of being purchased. This can take up a lot of space and they also need to be tapped to get at the water inside.
The most convenient way to consume for most people in the US is with store-bought products. These products can vary a lot in their quality however, and consumers need to educate themselves if they are to get the best product for their money. Some products are highly processed and have a consequent loss of nutritional value. They may also have sweeteners and preservatives and be significantly less healthy than a natural, unprocessed product.
Some are re-constituted with water from a heat-treated syrup base. Others are pasteurized at very high temperature. Needless to say, any fresh product that has been heat-treated will have lost a significant amount of its nutrients. If all you need is a quick thirst-quencher, then this kind of product will be OK. If however you want a drink that is as natural and nutritious as possible, then obviously products of this nature should be avoided.
It should also be pointed out that some commercial drinks are manufactured using mature coconut water. This is a cost-cutting measure on the part of the manufacturers since fresh, young water is more expensive. The water loses its sweetness as it matures and so has to be sweetened to mask its acidity. The manufacturers use sugar and sweeteners - two ingredients that health-conscious consumers should of course avoid.
It has become popular only recently in Europe and the US, but it has been a staple 'fast food' drink in tropical climes for decades. In regions like India, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Caribbean, street sellers will cut a hole in a fresh coconut for customers to sip the water inside using a straw. In a hot, humid climate, its superior thirst-quenching qualities make for the perfect refreshment.
In the developed world it has gained its popularity through its strong nutritional profile. It is rich in minerals (including high levels of potassium) and the B-complex vitamins. It has become popular with dieters because it it low in fat and carbohydrates and its rich nature provides a sustaining feeling of fullness.
Some people also report its beneficial effect on their skin. It can be used topically to treat oiliness, blemishes and acne. It can also impart a healthy glow with its excellent re-hydrating properties. In addition, it contains compounds called cytokinins which are known to have anti-aging properties.
With regard to consuming the drink, ideally one would take it fresh from the nut (although technically it is what's known as a drupe, not a nut). This of course is not convenient for most people living in non-tropical countries. For one thing, they need to be refrigerated if not eaten within a week or so of being purchased. This can take up a lot of space and they also need to be tapped to get at the water inside.
The most convenient way to consume for most people in the US is with store-bought products. These products can vary a lot in their quality however, and consumers need to educate themselves if they are to get the best product for their money. Some products are highly processed and have a consequent loss of nutritional value. They may also have sweeteners and preservatives and be significantly less healthy than a natural, unprocessed product.
Some are re-constituted with water from a heat-treated syrup base. Others are pasteurized at very high temperature. Needless to say, any fresh product that has been heat-treated will have lost a significant amount of its nutrients. If all you need is a quick thirst-quencher, then this kind of product will be OK. If however you want a drink that is as natural and nutritious as possible, then obviously products of this nature should be avoided.
It should also be pointed out that some commercial drinks are manufactured using mature coconut water. This is a cost-cutting measure on the part of the manufacturers since fresh, young water is more expensive. The water loses its sweetness as it matures and so has to be sweetened to mask its acidity. The manufacturers use sugar and sweeteners - two ingredients that health-conscious consumers should of course avoid.
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