May 14, 2009 10:32 AM
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Tender Coconut Water - Refreshing Natural Drink
During the summer, there is a brisk sale for soft drinks and natural juices. More and more people flock fruit juice stalls or just lick an ice-cream. True, all the above foods give respite to the acute heat, but there is nothing better than tender coconut water for the ultimate inner rejuvenation and quenching thirst completely.
Tender coconut is a noble gift of nature. The tender coconut water is a sweet, delicious and refreshing natural drink. It is the most sterile of all the naturally occurring drinks and is also a rich source of life saving electrolytes.
In our country, coconuts have always been associated with health and prosperity and are present in some form or the other on many auspicious occasions. Coconut tree is so useful that it is commonly given the title "Tree of Life". Almost every part of the tree is useful.
Medical expert Dr Sujata Ghose say’s Young coconut or Tender coconut water has very good medical use. It is high in chlorides, potassium, and magnesium and has a moderate amount of sugar, sodium and protein. Potassium helps regulate blood pressure and heart function.Similarly, it can be good for patients with kidney problems.
Coconut water is also a good source of dietary fiber, manganese, calcium, riboflavin and Vitamin C. A natural isotonic beverage with similar levels of electrolytes as the human body, coconut water helps prevent dehydration and relieves exhaustion by replenishing the natural salts lost by the body; it is widely used in tropical countries as a means for oral dehydration needed during diarrhea attacks.
It is essentially fat free and has zero cholesterol and some studies have reported that it can have some effect on improving "good" cholesterol levels (HDL) in the body
During the Gujarat earthquake, tender coconut water was administered as intravenous injection. At least, one lakh sachets were used, say’s Dr Sujata Ghose, Director, CDB.
Tender coconut water, scientifically, the liquid endosperm contains the vitamins belonging to the B group and also ascorbic acid. It is a natural isotonic drink that contains almost the same levels of electrolytes as does the human blood. It is also believed to contain traces of substances which induce rapid proliferation in the tissues of plants.
Coconut water is a natural diuretic and so increases the flow of urine; this helps prevent urinary tract infections (UTI) as well as reduces the incidence of kidney stones. Coconut water also helps relieve constipation, improves intestinal function and promotes digestive health. It is often recommended to people suffering from acidity and ulcers.
Constipation, sluggish digestion and heartburn are common problems during pregnancy and can be helped to some extent by drinking coconut water.
It contains high levels of lauric acid which is what is used by the body to make monolaurin , a disease fighting fatty acid derivative. Lauric acid has anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties which protect the body against various infections and boosts the immune system.
Tender coconut water has aphrodisiac effect. This means it stimulates sexual desire. Its very refreshing especially in summer days. Tender coconut decreases the heat of the body. It helps in improving mental concentration. So it’s useful for students.
With such wide ranging nutritional benefits it is no wonder that tender coconut water is recommended for everyone.
Producers of value-added coconut products along with the Coconut Development Board (CBD) are planning to promote coconut as one that will signify health. If the producers have their way, it may even be promoted as a sports drink.
The Kerala tourism department is issuing necessary directions to the hotels, resorts, classified restaurants and home stays to encourage the use of tender coconut. Besides this, the government plans to give advertisements in print and visual media to make the healthy drink popular among foreign tourists,
In the heat of summer when you are looking for something other than water to quench your thirst, you can have this nutritious and refreshing beverage instead of sugar and calorie laden aerated drinks and fruit juices. It is much lesser in calories (17.4 calories per 100 gms).
I suggest everyone to drink tender coconut water regularly rather than artificial soft drinks which are harmful for our health.
