Why you should be drinking coconut water

I love coconut water.  When you open a coconut, there is an opaque liquid alongside the white meat of the coconut. This is coconut water, not to be confused with coconut milk.  This almost clear liquid has many health benefits and is quite easy to find.  I highly recommend you try some, soon.

Coconut water versus coconut milk

Coconut water is the naturally occurring liquid found inside a coconut.  Coconut milk is made by grating the meat of the coconut to produce a high-fat content white liquid.  According to Global Gourmet, there are different types of coconut milk (please read the link below for more detailed information).  The glorious coconut water tastes refreshing, light and slightly nutty.  It is an almost clear liquid with a slight gold tinge.  In my opinion, it is liquid gold solely for its health benefits and it tastes great.

Health Benefits

Coconut water is a naturally pure, isotonic drink.  I drink it for quick hydration because it has the same electrolyte balance as our blood.  It has natural occurring sugars, sodium and potassium which are more efficient to absorb than many sports drinks.  This has helped my many hangovers and I know it will work for you.  Also, coconut water is naturally sterile.  In a Pacific War, coconut water was used as an alternative to plasma for wounded soldiers and is has been used intravenously in third world countries (please see link below for more detailed information).

Where to find it

I am lucky to live in California where health food stores stock packaged as well as fresh coconut water.  Whole Foods sells a few brands but I find the taste to be a little off when packaged.  If you can find a Malaysian, Thai or Vietnamese restaurant, they often sell fresh coconut water to order with your meal.  If you happen to follow the “Raw Food” movement, any such establishment uses coconuts and their water for their preparations.  I have also found whole coconuts at Safeway but they are hard to open (I suggest using a hand drill to make a hole and a straw to drink it).

If you can find the fresh drinks and have them poured for you, I urge you to try it.  I always seek it out for hydration, purity and taste.  Cheers!

 

http://www.living-foods.com/articles/coconutwater.html

http://www.globalgourmet.com/destinations/brazil/cocomilk.html