Let's talk about 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. 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 Laurie 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.

Boosting Energy

Abundant in vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, coconut water makes a wonderful energy drink. 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.

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 auric 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.  The electrolyte balance in coconut water has been found to be similar to that of the plasma in human blood.. In an emergency, it can even be used as an intravenous treatment for immediate hydration.* Therefore, drinking one cup of Coconut Water twice daily during digestive tract abnormalities, hot temperatures, and after strenuous workouts can help re-hydrate the body quickly.

Digestive Problems

Coconut Water contains Laurie 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.

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 does not have any known side effects. It is considered to be safe for children, pregnant, and breastfeeding women. If you are taking potassium supplements coconut water is recommended to regulate your potassium levels since it is high in potassium.

*NCBI

Melon Tango

Ingredients

2 cups muskmelon*, cubed

2 oranges, juiced

2 cups coconut water

2 tsp. sugar

A pinch of black salt

For the garnish, a few mint leaves

Directions

Liquefy melon in blender. Strain it.

Combine all the ingredients and mix well.

Serve chilled, poured into glasses and garnished with mint leaves.

*Muskmelon is a round melon with firm, orange, moderately-sweet flesh and a thin reticulated light-brown rind.In Australia and New Zealand, it is called rock melon due to the rock-like appearance of the skin of the fruit.

 It belongs to the same family as the cucumber, squash, pumpkin and gourd, and like many of its relatives, grows on the ground on a trailing vine Cantaloupe is normally eaten as a fresh fruit, as a salad, or as a dessert with ice cream or custard.

 

Coconut-Mango Madness

Ingredients

2 cups coconut water

2 large ripe mangoes, cubed

A couple leaves mint

Directions

Combined all ingredients in a blender, and blend until smooth

Chill and serve.