Coconut Water

Coconut water, the clear liquid found inside the coconut, is on the hot list because if its potential nutritional benefits.

Actually, coconut water has played a role in traditional medicine for centuries; it's believed to treat health problems like asthma, baldness, burns, colds, fever, scurvy, tuberculosis, and more. Today's coconut water advocates boast that it treats dehydration, bladder infections, kidney stones, and diabetes, among other things. But can coconut water truly live up to its expectations?

Coconut Water Nutrition

Coconut water possesses unique nutritional qualities, according to a scientific review published in the journal, Molecules by researchers from Singapore's Nanyang Technological University. In addition to its array of sugars, vitamins, minerals and amino acids, coconut water contains phytohormones - compounds that regulate plant growth. For this reason, it is often added to support plant growth, for example, in orchids.

Phytohormones also have antioxidant and anti-platelet properties, anti-aging effects, and positive effects on treating neurological diseases like Alzheimer's disease. In addition, the basic composition of coconut water can replenish the body's electrolytes lost through sweat, serving as a natural rehydration drink. In fact, coconut water's electrolyte levels so clesly match that of human blood, it's been used as an emergency intravenous solution for hydration.

While emerging science poins out that coconut water does have unique health benefits, it's a stretch to believe that it's a cure-all. But considering you can gain a load of nutrients for only 46 calories per cup, you might find sipping coconut water to be a better option than today's pumped up, artifically dyed and sweetened energy drinks.

Coconut Water's Notable Nutrients

Per 1-cup (240 grams) Vita Coco Coconut Water

DV: Daily Value

Zico and Vita Coco are current popular brands available on the market.

See also: Coconut Water Recipes

Share|

Back to Belly Bytes Index