Coconut water is made from the clear liquid inside green coconuts. It’s not to be confused with coconut milk, which is made from the water and the flesh inside of a mature coconut. Over 95 percent of coconut water is water.
Despite its recent explosion in popularity, coconut water has been consumed for centuries in tropical regions around the world. In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, the benefits of coconut water are believed to help digestion, urination, and even semen production. It has also traditionally been used to treat dehydration and given as ceremonial gifts throughout the tropics.
Coconut water is so popular that you can buy it anywhere – from yoga studios to vending machines. The drink has a natural sweetness and provides excellent hydration for active lifestyles, making its popularity limitless!
The regular consumption of coconut water supports health in many ways, such as:
- Coconut water contains lauric acid which fights fungi, viruses, and bacteria and fights infections and inflammation in the body
- Being a rich source of dietary fiber, coconut water regulates blood sugar levels, and prevent diabetes
- Coconut water is high in copper which prevents cognitive decline due to aging and protects the nerve cells from protein plaques that contribute to the progression of Alzheimer’s
- Coconut water rehydrates the body and thus soothes headaches since dehydration is one of its most common causes
- The fatty acids it contains strengthen the hair and regenerate it
- Coconut water is easily digested and is rich in protein, and it suppresses appetite and boosts the fat burning process
- It contains omega-3 fatty acids and saturated acids that stimulate collagen production and improve skin health, treating wrinkles, stretch marks, and age spots
Coconut water is a great way to rehydrate after an intense workout. If you want the added benefits of coconut without all the sugar, swap out your sports drink for some unsweetened Coconut Water and get back on track! Seek out fresh, unprocessed coconut water to get the most antioxidants and a true taste of the tropics.