Coconut Water – A Superb Beverage

Coconut palm

First of all, I just want to say that the coconut palm is an amazing plant. Almost the entire plant can be used for something that benefits man. The husks of the palm can be used as fire material or to make rope. The coconuts themselves contain both edible and drinkable components. For example, The meat of the coconut is full of vitamins and minerals, and can also be made into an oil, which is one of the finest oils to cook with at high temperatures. The water is a natural isotonic beverage that has amazing healing effects on the human body. Young coconuts are favored for their meat and water, since the water is still sweet and the meat is easier to eat.

Young Coconut

Coconut water available on the market today comes from inside young coconuts, and is identical in nature to human plasma. In fact, it was given to wounded soldiers in the Pacific during WWII as in IV fluid, and is still used today in 3rd world countries.

The reputation of coconut water is truly remarkable. It restores energy, boosts our metabolism, fights fatigue, and increases our immunity. How much better can one little beverage get?!

In Asia, young coconuts are readily available in the marketplace. A hole is drilled inside and, because the fluid inside the coconut is sterile (the water is filtered through the husk), the liquid is drank directly out of it. In the western world, coconut water is usually found pre-packaged containers in health food stores and some grocery stores. Note, coconut water is completely different from coconut milk.

Coconut water is packed full of vitamins and natural sugars (the healthy kind that help balance blood sugar – coconut water is a great drink for those with diabetes), so it considered to be a sort of natural energy or sports drink. There’s more potassium in a serving of coconut water than there is in a banana. And there’s lots of manganese and magnesium, as well. Coconut water has less sodium and sugar than sports or energy drinks on the market

I recently came across some articles online about how drinking coconut water is the latest in celebrity trends. Madonna, Demi Moore, and Matthew McConaughey own stock in Vita Coco, and actors like Padma Lakshmi (Top Chef), Ed Westwick (Gossip Girl), Anna Paquin (True Blood), and Kristin Cavallari (The Hills) have been spotted drinking it.

A few weeks ago, I was at the health food store and decided to try coconut water. I was very pleased with the taste. It was watery, yet sweet. There are flavored coconut waters, and some with added sugar, so check the ingredients before purchasing. I think the coconut water tastes better plain. After drinking it for a while, I noticed that my body did feel invigorated and revitalized. It was an overall cooling and refreshing feeling, like my body was getting something very soothing.

Now that I am 10 days away from surgery, I am drinking a serving every day, in order to boost my immune system and get my body into a healthy equilibrium. I am getting the Nuss Procedure, and I am certain that drinking it after my surgery is over will help speed up my recovery.