The Benefits of Coconut Water

Michelle Prasad | July 30, 2012 | 0 Comments

It’s summer and as the heat is rising, chances are, so is your body temperature! There are several ways to cool down and quench that thirst – but, the latest craze to have hit the streets (and the stores) is coconut water. Coconut water has dominated South America, Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands for years. where the juicy water is usually obtained by opening a tender, green, healthy, and undamaged coconut. I am a die hard devotee of of coconut water and for several reasons – it tastes good, and it’s good for you! Thankfully, several stores in North America have started to carry the product on a regular basis.

Health Benefits of Coconut Water:

- Research studies suggest that cytokinins (e.g., kinetin and trans-zeatin) in coconut water showed significant anti-aging, anti-carcinogenic, and anti-thrombotic effects.
- Coconut water is composed of many naturally occurring bioactive enzymes such as acid phosphatase, catalase, dehydrogenase, diastase, peroxidase, RNA polymerases etc. Altogether, these enzymes aid in digestion and metabolism.
- Better composition of minerals like calcium, iron, manganese, magnesium, and zinc, than some of fruits – such as oranges.
- Coconut water is also a very good source of B-complex vitamins such as riboflavin, niacin, thiamin, pyridoxine, and folates. These vitamins are essential to help replenish the body.

Coconut water contains a very good amount of electrolyte potassium. 100 ml of water has approximately 250 mg of potassium and 105 mg of sodium. That’s more potassium than a banana!

In addition, fresh coconut water has small amount of vitamin-C (ascorbic acid); provides about 2.4 mcg or 4% of RDA. Vitamin C is a water-soluble ant-oxidant.

Top picks:

Vita Coco (@ Costco Pack of 12 for $18.05)
This all natural coconut water from Brazil is low calorie electrolyte-dense beverage. It contains high potassium (206 mg) and 12 mg low sodium and as low as 4 g natural sugar. It is dense in vitamin C (70 mg). It comes in other flavor like tangerine, peach and mango, acai and pom and pineapple. Vita coco stresses on the importance of hydration and is an excellent sports drink alternative.

Zico Coconut Water (Approx. $2.00-$3.00 in store)
This Brazilian coconut water contains five essential electrolytes that help you stay hydrated and perform at your best. Zico helps to replenish the body during and post work out sessions. In a 330 ml serving, it contains 670 mg potassium, no added sugar, zero fat and 60 mg sodium. Available in flavors ranging from mango, pomberry, passion fruit, lima citron, pineapple and chocolate.

Amy and Brian Coconut Juice (Pack of 12 for $26.00)
This coconut juice from Thailand is available with or without pulp, in a variety of flavors. The tin can in BPA-free and doesn’t contain added sugars or artificial flavors. This one has to be my absolute favorite!!!