Coconuts taste GREAT!
Besides the incredibly amazing experience one can have when eating coconuts, there are
many other reasons to eat this wonderful delicacy! In fact, the young coconut is one of
the most important fruits within the tropics because of its potassium and mineral rich
water.
Preferably, the water and meat from young coconuts is used as
opposed to the meat of older coconuts which tends to be very hard (as well, older coconuts
typically have less water...if any.)
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.
No comments :
Post a Comment