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 are enthusiastic about its effects on skin health. It has been used topically for many years in Latin America as an antidote to oiliness and acne. Its excellent hydrating properties can give skin a healthy glow and the cytokinin compounds it contains have been shown to have anti-aging properties.
When it comes to consuming this drink, the ideal way is of course from a fresh, young coconut. Needless to say, this isn't convenient for many people. For a start, they should be kept in the refrigerator if not consumed within a few days of purchase. This can be problematic since they take up a lot of space. They also have to be tapped to get at the liquid inside. While this is not a major hassle, it's certainly less convenient than opening a can or carton.
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 are enthusiastic about its effects on skin health. It has been used topically for many years in Latin America as an antidote to oiliness and acne. Its excellent hydrating properties can give skin a healthy glow and the cytokinin compounds it contains have been shown to have anti-aging properties.
When it comes to consuming this drink, the ideal way is of course from a fresh, young coconut. Needless to say, this isn't convenient for many people. For a start, they should be kept in the refrigerator if not consumed within a few days of purchase. This can be problematic since they take up a lot of space. They also have to be tapped to get at the liquid inside. While this is not a major hassle, it's certainly less convenient than opening a can or carton.
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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