The sweet, tasty liquid that is found in green, young coconuts has taken health-conscious consumers by storm in recent years. Celebrity endorsements have helped to make pure coconut water one of the biggest buzz products to hit the shelves of supermarkets and health food stores. There is a sound basis for this popularity since the natural, unprocessed product has some genuine health benefits.
It has become popular only recently in Europe and the US, but it has been a staple 'fast food' drink in tropical climes for decades. In regions like India, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Caribbean, street sellers will cut a hole in a fresh coconut for customers to sip the water inside using a straw. In a hot, humid climate, its superior thirst-quenching qualities make for the perfect refreshment.
It has gained popularity in developed countries mainly because of its impressive nutritional profile. It is high in potassium and contains a range of minerals and b-complex vitamins. It can also be a useful aid to weight loss since it is low in fat and its rich nature can suppress appetite.
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.
With regard to consuming this wonder drink, certainly the best way is from a fresh, ripe coconut. This is the ideal, but is of course an inconvenient business for people who don't live where coconuts are grown. They are certainly available, but take up a lot of space and have to be bored to get at the liquid inside them.
For convenience, consumers will mostly choose the packaged products available in supermarkets and elsewhere. They should know however that these products vary considerably in quality. Some are over-processed and have a consequently poor nutritional profile. Some big brands contain preservatives, sweeteners and other additives and are far from the healthy products they purport to be.
Some are made using a heat-treated syrup that is mixed with water. Others are de-natured by very high-temperature heat-treatment. Naturally, fresh products that are processed in this way will suffer a considerable loss of their nutritional value. If all one needs is a quick way to quench thirst, then these types of product may be OK. Consumers who want a natural, nutrient-dense drink however, will do better to seek out a superior product.
It should also be pointed out that some commercial drinks are manufactured using mature coconut water. This is a cost-cutting measure on the part of the manufacturers since fresh, young water is more expensive. The water loses its sweetness as it matures and so has to be sweetened to mask its acidity. The manufacturers use sugar and sweeteners - two ingredients that health-conscious consumers should of course avoid.
It has become popular only recently in Europe and the US, but it has been a staple 'fast food' drink in tropical climes for decades. In regions like India, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Caribbean, street sellers will cut a hole in a fresh coconut for customers to sip the water inside using a straw. In a hot, humid climate, its superior thirst-quenching qualities make for the perfect refreshment.
It has gained popularity in developed countries mainly because of its impressive nutritional profile. It is high in potassium and contains a range of minerals and b-complex vitamins. It can also be a useful aid to weight loss since it is low in fat and its rich nature can suppress appetite.
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.
With regard to consuming this wonder drink, certainly the best way is from a fresh, ripe coconut. This is the ideal, but is of course an inconvenient business for people who don't live where coconuts are grown. They are certainly available, but take up a lot of space and have to be bored to get at the liquid inside them.
For convenience, consumers will mostly choose the packaged products available in supermarkets and elsewhere. They should know however that these products vary considerably in quality. Some are over-processed and have a consequently poor nutritional profile. Some big brands contain preservatives, sweeteners and other additives and are far from the healthy products they purport to be.
Some are made using a heat-treated syrup that is mixed with water. Others are de-natured by very high-temperature heat-treatment. Naturally, fresh products that are processed in this way will suffer a considerable loss of their nutritional value. If all one needs is a quick way to quench thirst, then these types of product may be OK. Consumers who want a natural, nutrient-dense drink however, will do better to seek out a superior product.
It should also be pointed out that some commercial drinks are manufactured using mature coconut water. This is a cost-cutting measure on the part of the manufacturers since fresh, young water is more expensive. The water loses its sweetness as it matures and so has to be sweetened to mask its acidity. The manufacturers use sugar and sweeteners - two ingredients that health-conscious consumers should of course avoid.
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