Young green coconuts contain a liquid that has become something of a health phenomenon over the last few years. Fueled by celebrity endorsements, pure coconut water has become one of the hottest-selling health products to hit the market. There is in fact good reason for its popularity, since it is rich in nutrients and is better than most sports drinks for human hydration.
Although it's a relative newcomer to US and European markets, it has been a street-food staple in tropical countries for many decades. Street hawkers sell freshly cut coconuts ready for their customers to drink out of with a straw. The electrolyte-rich water makes for a perfect re-hydrator in humid conditions.
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 the drink, ideally one would take it fresh from the nut (although technically it is what's known as a drupe, not a nut). This of course is not convenient for most people living in non-tropical countries. For one thing, they need to be refrigerated if not eaten within a week or so of being purchased. This can take up a lot of space and they also need to be tapped to get at the water inside.
The most convenient way to consume for most people in the US is with store-bought products. These products can vary a lot in their quality however, and consumers need to educate themselves if they are to get the best product for their money. Some products are highly processed and have a consequent loss of nutritional value. They may also have sweeteners and preservatives and be significantly less healthy than a natural, unprocessed product.
Some are re-constituted with water from a heat-treated syrup base. Others are pasteurized at very high temperature. Needless to say, any fresh product that has been heat-treated will have lost a significant amount of its nutrients. If all you need is a quick thirst-quencher, then this kind of product will be OK. If however you want a drink that is as natural and nutritious as possible, then obviously products of this nature should be avoided.
It's worth mentioning too that some mass-produced products are made using cheap, mature coconut water. This water will have lost much of its natural sweetness and have become acidic. The manufacturers mask the acidity using sugar or artificial sweeteners. Again, consumers who want the best product possible should avoid these sub-standard offerings.
Although it's a relative newcomer to US and European markets, it has been a street-food staple in tropical countries for many decades. Street hawkers sell freshly cut coconuts ready for their customers to drink out of with a straw. The electrolyte-rich water makes for a perfect re-hydrator in humid conditions.
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 the drink, ideally one would take it fresh from the nut (although technically it is what's known as a drupe, not a nut). This of course is not convenient for most people living in non-tropical countries. For one thing, they need to be refrigerated if not eaten within a week or so of being purchased. This can take up a lot of space and they also need to be tapped to get at the water inside.
The most convenient way to consume for most people in the US is with store-bought products. These products can vary a lot in their quality however, and consumers need to educate themselves if they are to get the best product for their money. Some products are highly processed and have a consequent loss of nutritional value. They may also have sweeteners and preservatives and be significantly less healthy than a natural, unprocessed product.
Some are re-constituted with water from a heat-treated syrup base. Others are pasteurized at very high temperature. Needless to say, any fresh product that has been heat-treated will have lost a significant amount of its nutrients. If all you need is a quick thirst-quencher, then this kind of product will be OK. If however you want a drink that is as natural and nutritious as possible, then obviously products of this nature should be avoided.
It's worth mentioning too that some mass-produced products are made using cheap, mature coconut water. This water will have lost much of its natural sweetness and have become acidic. The manufacturers mask the acidity using sugar or artificial sweeteners. Again, consumers who want the best product possible should avoid these sub-standard offerings.
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