If you are a fan of Greek mythology, then you must be familiar with nectar and ambrosia; the drink and food of the gods. The nature of coconut can be likened to some sort of magical mystery that cannot be understood by mere mortals. Many marketers have dubbed coconut water “Mother nature’s sports drink”.
Coconut water is the clear liquid that you will find right in the center of the coconut fruit. It can also be tapped from young green coconuts. The demand for coconut water among Americans has risen in the past decade for reasons that we are going to talk about.
What does coconut water taste like? Coconut water has a very distinct taste, it is subtly sweet and has a nutty flavor. Coconut water doesn’t have as much sugar as much sweet liquids. It has a light consistency that can be refreshing if you enjoy the taste.
If you are not a fan of sweet liquids, coconut water might be perfect for you.
Coconut water is so highly sought after that cold and semi-tropical regions have to import them to be able to meet up with the demand. Coconut water might not be sweet, but the taste is very appealing.
Nutritional Benefits of Coconut Water
Did you know that coconut water contains as much potassium as four bananas? Coconut water is very nutritious, many athletes in the United States are using it as an alternative to the sports drinks that we have out there.
Coconut water plays host to a lot of nutrients that can be of benefit to the body. You have carbs, fiber, magnesium, manganese, protein, potassium, sodium, calcium, and vitamin C. The vitamin C that 240ml of coconut water supplies to your body constitutes about 10 percent of the recommended daily value (RDI). It also contains just 46 calories, so you don’t have to worry about your calorie intake.
Coconut water may contain antioxidants. During metabolism, our cells produce unstable molecules known as free radicals. These free radicals can cause damage to the cells in the body. When the body is under stress, more free radicals are produced.
Studies carried out on animals have shown that the antioxidants present in coconut water can modify free radicals and stop them from causing harm to the body. Rats with liver diseases have been known to respond well to treatment with coconut water. Studies regarding its benefits in this regard have not been carried out on humans.
Coconut water can reduce blood sugar levels and benefit people with diabetes. Coconut water is capable of reducing the levels of hemoglobin A1C, which is a sign of good and long-term blood sugar control.
The magnesium content of coconut water makes it perfect for people with prediabetes and type-2 diabetes because of its insulin sensitivity. Coconut water contains a lot of electrolytes that make it a perfect post-workout drink. Aside from that, it can reduce blood pressure, take care of kidney stones, and promote heart health.
Culinary Uses of Coconut Water
Coconut water can be taken at any time of the day. It doesn’t have to be at a special time during the day. You can even drink it as much as you like without limits. It does not harm the body. A lot of people do not like the taste of coconut water, so there are many ways you can be creative about how you drink it.
Coconut water can be frozen into cubes and added to another drink, the flavor is so subtle that you hardly notice it. You can add these frozen cubes to any drink of your choice and enjoy them as you like. If you fancy early morning smoothies and or veggie blends, you can add coconut water and have it disappear into the mix, you wouldn’t even know it is there. This way, you can add coconut water to your diet and enjoy its benefits.
If you want to take your coconut water as it is, but do not like the taste, you can add a dash of lemon to taste, so your coconut water can pack a punch. You can find other ways to be creative with coconut water, it doesn’t have to be just plain.
What is the Origin of Coconut Water? How to Procure it?
Coconut water comes from the coconut fruit that grows on palm trees whose scientific name is Cocos Nucifera. Coconut water serves as nourishment to the fruit as the fruit matures, the water forms the solid white part of the coconut which is known as coconut meat. It is from coconut meat that coconut milk or oil is made.
Coconut water forms naturally in the fruit and is made up of water and very little fat. It can take 10 to 12 months for coconut fruit to fully mature, and coconut water is usually found in fruits that are 6 to 7 months old. The average coconut can yield about half or a full cup of coconut.
Coconut grows in tropical areas and can be procured easily in these regions.
Is Coconut Water Good As Water?
Coconut water contains calories and loads nutrients that water does not have, but it doesn’t hydrate as well water does. In order to get hydrated as you would with water, you would have to drink a lot of coconut water.
Fact You Don’t Know About Coconut Water
- Coconut water can be used to cure hangovers.