Natural Wonders – Tender Coconut Water

This summer, ditch those unhealthy colas and go for the goodness of tender coconut water instead.

Nature really went all out when creating the wonderful and full-of-goodness tender coconut water – the liquid found in young or unripe coconuts. This mildly sweet tasting drink is easily available in India, especially south India, and makes for a delicious and refreshing beverage.

While tender coconut water is nourishing when had anywhere in the world, people living in humid countries specially stand to benefit from it as it contains nutrients that fight the heat of tropical regions. And great news for weight watchers – consumed in its natural form, it has just about 16 – 18 calories per 100 grams.

Coconut water is considered as a “fluid of life”. The complex composition of coconut water comprises ascorbic acid, vitamin B, iron, protein, fructose, nitrogen and some basic minerals like potassium, phosphoric acid, calcium and magnesium. It’s best to consume it in its natural form because any kind of process done on coconut water may destroy its nutrients.

Health benefits of tender coconut water:

Helps in managing urinary symptoms: Tender coconut water helps to relieve to control urinary infections. The diuretic quality of coconut water increases flow of urine and dissolves kidney/urethral stones in a natural way, thereby keeping the urinary passage clean. In case of a urinary tract infection, coconut water works as an antiseptic that helps to remove poisonous minerals.

Fights dehydration: The isotonic qualities present in coconut water help to regain natural salts and fluids that are otherwise lost by physical activities and exhaustion. Coconut water is considered better than commercial sports drink because it is the richest source of electrolytes and contains more potassium than a banana.

Helps in intestinal disturbances: It even treats intestinal disturbances in all age groups. Coconut water taken with one teaspoon of olive oil for 3 days will kill the worms present in the intestine thereby improving the digestion. Coconut water is sweet and a little oily in nature It’s especially recommended for the old and sick who are facing problems in digesting solid and semi solid foods.

Good for pregnant women: Tender coconut water is helpful to pregnant women who usually suffer from acidity, heartburn and indigestion. It is an outstanding energizer that helps a woman keep up with the changes that come at different points of the pregnancy. It helps to boost the levels of amniotic fluid, which plays a vital role in the overall wellness of the baby.

Increases immunity: Tender coconut water is a good source of Lauric acid, which is believed to have antimicrobial properties. It helps in the prevention and treatment of bacterial infections caused by pathogenic bacteria and viruses like Herpes, HIV and flu. In fevers like malaria, typhoid, measles and chicken pox vomiting is common, the electrolytes present in coconut water help to settle the stomach and thereby control nausea.

Photograph by Tyom Semonov, via sxc.hu

Source: mDhil