Drinking coconut water straight from a green tender coconut in the summer heat is simply divine. Not only is it refreshing, it also has a number of health benefits.
Coconut water is the liquid inside an immature green coconut and it is best to drink it when it is more than 5 months as the water will havea bitter tinge if consumed earlier.
Coconut palms grow abundantly along the coasts of tropical environments. The palm can yield 150 to 200 coconuts a season and each coconut contains 200ml to 1000ml of water depending on its cultivar size and type. This water is rich in vitamins, minerals, electrolytes, enzymes, amino acids and cytokine. This water is now popular all over the world for its refreshing nutty taste as well as its health benefits.
Coconut milk should not be confused with coconut water. In mature coconuts the endosperm solidifies and thickens to form a white edible meat or kernel. Coconutmilk is obtained by grating and grinding this ‘meat’ and passing it through a sieve. It is very high in fat content – a cup of coconut milk has 550 calories whereas coconut water has only 50 calories a cup.
Coconut water is very beneficial after a bout of diarrhea, as it replaces fluid loss. It is rich in amino acids, enzymes, dietary fiber, vitamin C and minerals such as potassium, magnesium andmanganese; at the same time it is low in cholesterol and chlorides. This fluid is ideal to maintain body fluids when a person gets dehydrated. Coconut water contains a good amount of electrolyte potassium, thus it can replenish the electrolyte composition in body fluids.
A study published in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine suggested that coconut water can be successfully used as a short term intravenous hydration fluid for hydration and resuscitation of critically ill patients in the remote regions of the world where medical resources are not available.
The only drawback is that it ishigh in sodium, for example, acup of coconut water contains242mg of sodium.
Once a coconut is cut open thewater should be consumed as exposure to air can result in loss of nutrients. It is low in fat though rich in vitamins and the potassium level is twice the amount found in bananas.
Drinking coconut water helps a person to lose weight as it is low in fat and it keeps a person feeling full. It also reduces food cravings.
It is good for diabetics as it is good in nutrients required by diabetics to keep their sugar levels in control.
When a person has flu or herpes both of which are due to types of virus that attack the body, coconut water is very beneficial as it has anti viral and anti bacterial properties.
Coconut water promotes health as it is rich in potassium and it also helps to reduce the risk of hypertension and strokes.
Due to the minerals, potassium and magnesium, present in coconut water the risk of kidney stones is greatlyreduced.
When coconut water is applied to acne, spots, wrinkles, stretch marks, cellulite and eczema, and left overnight for two to three weeks, it clears up the skin.
A few researches have shown coconut water to have cytokinins which are beneficial for anti aging, anti carcinogenic and anti thrombotic effects. However, the American Institute for Cancer Research discredits them by saying ‘When it comes to cancer, no major studies link coconut water to cancer prevention. Some of the compounds in coconut water, such as selenium, have antioxidant properties and fight cancer in the lab, but many common fruits and vegetables are packed with these compounds. There are several animal studies suggesting coconut water canlower cholesterol and blood pressure, but this research is too preliminary to make claims about it’. But they do agree that coconut water maybe a healthier option as compared with other beverages.
In places where fresh coconuts are not available, it is available in the canned and bottled forms. You can find coconut water packed in tetrapacks in all food stores as it has gained popularity as a health drink. In America the sale of coconut water went from 0 to 35 million in just 5 years and is increasing by the day. www.facebook.com/basicknowledgeandwisdom

Nice one. However, the myth I heard was 'drinking coconut water will make you have nightmares'

Nightmares? I'd heard it would turn u into a DUNDEE a.k.a blockhead

^^ o yea. I think that was what I heard. So many myths mixing them all up.

kool J: Nightmares? I'd heard it would turn u into a DUNDEE a.k.a blockhead

We never wanted to taste the coconut water cos of that silly myth. Wonder how it started sef.

Meaningful information. Heard, it is wrong to take coconut water or its meat after medication because it destroys the potency of drugs and medication as well as poisons. I guess that's just another "tales by moonlight".