Benefits of Coconut Water

The clear liquid obtained from young coconuts, in its fresh form, is known as coconut water. Coconut water is one of the common beverages in tropical countries. It possesses many qualities, which make it a preferred drink. Doctors too recommend drinking coconut water to patients. Coconut water is even packaged for sale in countries like Costa Rica. The flavor of coconut water changes according to the region. While the water obtained from Brazilian coconuts is tasteless, the Indian coconuts produce water that is sweet in taste. Bangladeshi coconuts are similar to Indian coconuts in taste, however, the former are sweeter. Owing to the high potassium content, coconut water is also used as a sports drink.

Benefits of Coconut Water

There are many health benefits of drinking coconut water. It helps in relieving problems related to the urinary tract, intestines and kidneys. Coconut water helps cure urinary problems such as polyutra and strangury. It also helps in improving digestion and killing intestinal worms if taken along with a teaspoonful of olive oil, continuously for three days. Coconut water relieves the intestines of harmful toxins. It also acts as a carminative, thereby relieving the gas in the alimentary canal. Doctors recommend patients afflicted with kidney stones, to drink coconut water in addition to regular medications. Coconut water facilitates the disintegration of kidney stones and their easy passage out of the body. Monolaurin, a chemical present in coconut water, has antibacterial and antiviral properties. Thus, it is used to kill pathogens such as cytomegalovirus and the Herpes virus. It is also used to reduce vomiting in patients suffering from typhoid and malaria. Coconut water is also used in blood transfusion, since it has properties that are similar to blood plasma. It is also used as a substitute to the standard fluid IV for intravenous hydration.

Along with the above mentioned uses, coconut water provides the following benefits.

• Coconut water raises the level of metabolism in the body.
• Since coconut water is isotonic in nature, it is used in rehydrating the body.
• It helps boost the blood circulation and maintains the pH of body fluids.
• Intake of coconut water keeps a tab on weight gain and also helps control diabetes.
• Coconut water is considered to be more beneficial than milk and orange juice. It doesn't contain the fats and cholesterol present in milk. The excess calories found in orange juice too are absent in coconut water.
• It is also used to get rid of the swelling present in hands and legs.

Coconut water is used by sportsmen as a sports drink during exercising, mountain biking, aerobics, etc. Being a natural drink without any added preservatives, the intake of coconut water doesn't cause any side effects. It is loaded with minerals, vitamins, nutrients, sugars and all the natural fluids required for the body. Coconut water is free of chemicals, and thus is safe for babies also.

Since this naturally available fluid has many benefits, it is apt to call coconut water,'the fluid of life.'