Young, ripe coconuts have inside them a sweet liquid that Hawaiians refer to as "Dews from the heavens". Better known in the US as pure coconut water, it has become something of a health industry phenomenon in recent years. Celebrity endorsements have helped to propel it to best-selling status, and there is indeed some nutritional basis for it popularity since it is an excellent re-hydrator, and is rich in many health-giving nutrients.
Although it has only recently become popular in the US and Europe, it has been a cheap and popular 'fast food' drink in tropical countries for many years. Street sellers will cut open a fresh coconut for customers with a machete, then put a straw in it for them to drink on the spot. Its excellent thirst-quenching qualities make it the perfect drink for hot, humid countries.
In the developed world it has gained its popularity through its strong nutritional profile. It is rich in minerals (including high levels of potassium) and the B-complex vitamins. It has become popular with dieters because it it low in fat and carbohydrates and its rich nature provides a sustaining feeling of fullness.
It is also reported to have a number of positive effects of skin health. In Latin America it has been used externally for many years to combat oily skin, acne and blemishes. Its superb re-hydrating characteristics also restore a healthy glow to skin that has become dry or dull. In addition, the cytokinins it contains have a recognized anti-aging effect on older skin.
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.
So this leaves the pre-packaged products available in stores. It's important to know that not all products of this kind are created equal. Some of them may not have a particularly good nutritional profile due to being highly processed. They may have preservatives and other additives and will not be as nutritious as a pure, 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 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.
Although it has only recently become popular in the US and Europe, it has been a cheap and popular 'fast food' drink in tropical countries for many years. Street sellers will cut open a fresh coconut for customers with a machete, then put a straw in it for them to drink on the spot. Its excellent thirst-quenching qualities make it the perfect drink for hot, humid countries.
In the developed world it has gained its popularity through its strong nutritional profile. It is rich in minerals (including high levels of potassium) and the B-complex vitamins. It has become popular with dieters because it it low in fat and carbohydrates and its rich nature provides a sustaining feeling of fullness.
It is also reported to have a number of positive effects of skin health. In Latin America it has been used externally for many years to combat oily skin, acne and blemishes. Its superb re-hydrating characteristics also restore a healthy glow to skin that has become dry or dull. In addition, the cytokinins it contains have a recognized anti-aging effect on older skin.
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.
So this leaves the pre-packaged products available in stores. It's important to know that not all products of this kind are created equal. Some of them may not have a particularly good nutritional profile due to being highly processed. They may have preservatives and other additives and will not be as nutritious as a pure, 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 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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