Young, ripe coconuts have inside them a sweet liquid that Hawaiians refer to as "Dews from the heavens". Better known in the US as pure coconut water, it has become something of a health industry phenomenon in recent years. Celebrity endorsements have helped to propel it to best-selling status, and there is indeed some nutritional basis for it popularity since it is an excellent re-hydrator, and is rich in many health-giving nutrients.
Although it has only recently become popular in the US and Europe, it has been a cheap and popular 'fast food' drink in tropical countries for many years. Street sellers will cut open a fresh coconut for customers with a machete, then put a straw in it for them to drink on the spot. Its excellent thirst-quenching qualities make it the perfect drink for hot, humid countries.
Its popularity in the West has been driven by its unique nutritional characteristics. It is high in a range of minerals (particularly potassium) and the B-complex group of vitamins and has been shown to have a beneficial effect of blood pressure. It can also settle an upset stomach and is in high demand by dieters. This is due to it being low in fat and carbohydrates and its satiety-promoting richness and high fiber content.
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.
When it comes to consuming this drink, the ideal way is of course from a fresh, young coconut. Needless to say, this isn't convenient for many people. For a start, they should be kept in the refrigerator if not consumed within a few days of purchase. This can be problematic since they take up a lot of space. They also have to be tapped to get at the liquid inside. While this is not a major hassle, it's certainly less convenient than opening a can or carton.
So this leaves the pre-packaged products available in stores. It's important to know that not all products of this kind are created equal. Some of them may not have a particularly good nutritional profile due to being highly processed. They may have preservatives and other additives and will not be as nutritious as a pure, unprocessed product.
Some are made using a concentrated syrup base that is mixed with water to form the end product. Others are heat-treated at very high temperature and will have lost most of their nutrients. For those in need of a quick, tasty drink, these products can suffice. But for consumers who want a pure, natural product they leave a lot to be desired.
It should also be noted that some products are made using mature coconut water. This is cheaper for the manufacturers to buy than the freshest young water. The problem with this ingredient is that it loses its natural sweetness as it matures and becomes acidic. The manufacturers then mask this acidity using sugar and/or artificial sweeteners. If you wish to avoid sugar and artificial sweeteners then again, products of this kind should be avoided.
Although it has only recently become popular in the US and Europe, it has been a cheap and popular 'fast food' drink in tropical countries for many years. Street sellers will cut open a fresh coconut for customers with a machete, then put a straw in it for them to drink on the spot. Its excellent thirst-quenching qualities make it the perfect drink for hot, humid countries.
Its popularity in the West has been driven by its unique nutritional characteristics. It is high in a range of minerals (particularly potassium) and the B-complex group of vitamins and has been shown to have a beneficial effect of blood pressure. It can also settle an upset stomach and is in high demand by dieters. This is due to it being low in fat and carbohydrates and its satiety-promoting richness and high fiber content.
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.
When it comes to consuming this drink, the ideal way is of course from a fresh, young coconut. Needless to say, this isn't convenient for many people. For a start, they should be kept in the refrigerator if not consumed within a few days of purchase. This can be problematic since they take up a lot of space. They also have to be tapped to get at the liquid inside. While this is not a major hassle, it's certainly less convenient than opening a can or carton.
So this leaves the pre-packaged products available in stores. It's important to know that not all products of this kind are created equal. Some of them may not have a particularly good nutritional profile due to being highly processed. They may have preservatives and other additives and will not be as nutritious as a pure, unprocessed product.
Some are made using a concentrated syrup base that is mixed with water to form the end product. Others are heat-treated at very high temperature and will have lost most of their nutrients. For those in need of a quick, tasty drink, these products can suffice. But for consumers who want a pure, natural product they leave a lot to be desired.
It should also be noted that some products are made using mature coconut water. This is cheaper for the manufacturers to buy than the freshest young water. The problem with this ingredient is that it loses its natural sweetness as it matures and becomes acidic. The manufacturers then mask this acidity using sugar and/or artificial sweeteners. If you wish to avoid sugar and artificial sweeteners then again, products of this kind should be avoided.
