Coco Water: The Water of Life
The coconut tree is known as the Tree of Life in many tropical countries, since it provides so many useful byproducts. Its leaves and wood are used for wicker and wood crafts, and its fruit is a major part of the diet in these countries. One of its important beneficial products is the coconut water contained within the shell of the coconut tree fruit. This coco water has the health benefits of water and even more, due to its numerous naturally occurring nutrients.
Coco Water: Nutritional Information
A 240ml (1 cup) serving of coco water has only 46 calories. It provides an abundance of minerals, including calcium (58mg), magnesium (60mg), phosphorus (48mg), and potassium (600mg). It is also rich in vitamins like Vitamin C, Riboflavin, Vitamin B6 and Thiamin. In addition, a single serving of coco water has 3 grams of fiber, which can aid in digestion and promoting a healthy heart.
Re-hydrate with Coco Water
Coco water is an ideal drink for hydrating the body during exercise or as an everyday drink. It has the perfect mix of electrolytes, which is a good match for human blood plasma. It also has only a fraction of the sugar of the typical sports drink. In addition, coconut water can be beneficial to children to help treat upset stomach, and it is a much more palatable drink than typical bottled electrolytic drinks. Coco water is also ideal to treat diarrhea, since it provides electrolytes without a lot of sugar to feed the virus or bacteria causing it.
Treat High Blood Pressure with Coco Water
Studies have shown that consumption of coconut water can help reduce high blood pressure in individuals with hypertension. A study by Alleyne, et al, reported that 71% of individuals undergoing therapy with coconut water showed significant decreases in systolic pressures. It is believed that the balanced mix of electrolytes is important for the human body to regulate blood pressure. Stated differently, it is the imbalance of sodium in high salt diets today that may be the causal factor in blood pressure. Treat the imbalance with coco water and you can fix or reduce the problem.
