Coconut is botanically known as Cocos nucifera (nucifera means ‘nut-bearing’). In Sanskrit, it is known as Kalpa Vriksha (the tree which gives all that is necessary for living), as all parts of the tree can be used in some or the other forms. It is native to India, Malaysia, Polynesia, South Asia, South America, the Pacific Islands, Hawaii and Florida. India is the third largest coconut producing country in the world. Philippines ranks first and Indonesia is second in production. In India, Kerala ranks first in production followed by Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. It is also cultivated in Assam, Goa, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Nagaland, Orissa, Tripura, West Bengal. Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep and Puducherry.
Coconut water is juicy secretion which is present inside the cavity of young and tender coconut. It is considered a refreshing drink in many parts of India. Medically, it is a health tonic. It is use as a food and as a medicine. It not only satisfies thirst, but it also gives energy to the body. It is helpful in bringing about a sense of well-being and helps in renewal of health. Coconut water and coconut jelly is also considered as a first food during weaning. It is a traditional medicine, used a microbiological growth medium and ceremonial gift. It is quoted that during World War, in case of emergency, coconut water was used as a short-term intravenous hydration.
Nutritional Value of Coconut Watet
The main component of coconut water is Soluble sugars-sorbitol, glucose, and fructose, galactose, xylose and mannose, Salts and Amino acids like alanine, arginine, cysteine and serine.
- Energy-19 kcal
- Carbohydrates-3.71g
- Protein-0.72gm
- Total fat-0.20 gm
- Cholesterol-0mg
- Dietary Fiber-1.1 gm
- Vitamins-
- Folates-3 microgram
- Niacin-0.080mg
- Pantothenic acid-0.043mg
- Riboflavin-0.057mg
- Thiamin-0.030mg
- Vitamin-C 2.4mg
- Vitamin A-0 IU
- Vitamin-E-0 mg
- Vitamin-K-0 mcg
- Sodium-105 mg
- Potassium-250mg
- Calcium-24 mg
- Copper 40mcg
- Iron-0.29mg
- Magnesium-25mg
- Managanese-0.142mg
- Zinc-0.10mg
Diseases in which Coconut Water is Helpful
Coconut water is beneficial in following diseases like-
- Bladder infections
- Cholera
- Dehydration
- Dysentery
- Heat stroke
- Influenza
- Kidney stones
- Pregnancy
Health Benefits of Coconut Water
Coconut water can be understood as the blood of coconut palm. As its electrolyte profile is similar to the human plasma it offers numerous health benefits. It is elixir to quench thirst. It is contamination free drink to prevent dehydration. It can be used for oral rehydration to replenish the lost electrolytes during diarrhoea. During pregnancy, many women feel cramps in legs. In such case, intake of coconut water can be helpful remedy. It is excellent for urinary and reproductive system. It helps in bladder infection, kidney stones and to improve sexual functions. It is diuretic and improves flow of urine.
Coconut water is cooling and reduces body heat. It is considered as Indian ayurvedic medicine. It is prescribed for burning pain during urination, difficulty in passing urine, for gastritis, burning pain of the eyes, useful in indigestion, for hiccups or even expelling of retained placenta.
- It contains vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, amino acids, enzymes, growth factors, and some other nutrients.
- It is good source of magnesium, calcium, and potassium. It is said that it has potassium more than a banana.
- It also contains zinc, selenium, iodine, sulphur, manganese, boron, molybdenum. These minerals are in form of electrolyte. So, they can be absorbed easily.
- It strengthens the heart and improves its circulation. It is also known as heart tonic. It is considered to reduce plaque formation in arteries. So, it is helpful in reducing risk of heart attack and stroke. It also helps in reducing high blood pressure. It helps in reducing the risk of heart failure in heart disease patients.
- It helps in dilatation of blood vessels, improves blood flow.
- It contains certain forms of dietary fibre and amino acids. This help moderated sugar absorption and improves insulin sensitivity.
- It has hormone known as cytokinins which is also known as anti-aging hormone. It acts on normal cells. Cells do not undergo the severe degenerative changes, cells remain young and functional throughout their lifetime.
- It helps in treatment of various skin problems like age spots, wrinkles, sagging, and dry skin. As coconut water contains cytokinins, this hormone stimulates cell division of connective tissue which replaces old and damaged tissue. Hence it helps in healthy and young skin.
- It is an excellent oral rehydration sports beverage. So, it is useful for heat stress, illness. It is useful after heavy exercise.
- It is helpful for infants suffering from intestinal conditions.
- It reduces swelling in hands and feet.
- It prevents abnormal blood clotting.
- It helps in improvement of digestion.
- It is also helpful in reversing cataracts.
- It helps in curing constipation or diarrhoea.
- It improves healing of wounds.
- It is helpful in good vision.
- It contains nutrients which is necessary in prevention of osteoporosis.
- it keeps the body cool. It prevents prickly heat and summer boils.
- It reduces the rash caused by small pox, chicken pox, measles.
- It kills intestinal worms when coconut water is taken along with one teaspoon of olive oil for three days.
- It helps in quick absorption of drugs.
- Coconut water contains monolaurin.
- It is antiviral, antibacterial, and antiprotozoal monoglyceride.
- It helps to kill lipid-coated viruses such as HIV, herpes, cytomegalovirus and various bacteria.
- It helps people who are suffering from typhoid or malaria as it controls vomiting.
- It is a good remedy for a hangover.
Cautions
- It contains good number of electrolytes. So, avoid drinking excess.
- It contains high lipid and saturated fat content.
- When taken in excess, it may have laxative effect.
- It is cool in potency.
- It has diuretic properties.
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