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The Health Benefits of Coconut Water

Both the matured brown and young and green coconuts contain water and meat or flesh inside the husk. Though water from a matured coconut is drinkable, it isn't as nourishing and tasty as the water from a green coconut. The same goes with the coconut meat. Both are edible. But the meat of a young coconut is soft and tender while the meat of the matured kernel is hard. The hard meat is extracted to produce coconut milk or cream and coconut oil.

In Malaysia, where coconut trees are in abundance, the water is drank fresh from the young and green coconut by piercing open the top of the husk. It quenches thirst and refreshes the body because of its cooling effect. It has also been used as an alternative medicine for decades to reduce high fever, treat measles, food poisoning and as a cleansing agent.

One of the benefits of coconut water is it has a rehydration effect. Dehydration happens when your body loses a lot of water and electrolytes, either through your intestines or your kidney, and they are not replaced. Diarrhea, vomiting, frequent urination, heavy perspiration and the use of laxatives are some of the causes.

Plain water does help rehydrate your body but it doesn't contain electrolytes. Drinking coconut juice will not only replenish because other than water, it contains the primary electrolytes namely calcium, potassium, sodium, phosphorus and manganese.

Electrolytes are necessary for muscle movements, nerve transmissions and brain operations. This is one of the reasons why people who are intoxicated with alcohol lose their judgments, common sense and balance. The electrolytes in their bodies have been depleted.

A cup of coconut water of about 240g contains 600mg potassium, 58mg calcium, 60mg magnesium, 48mg phosphorus and 252mg sodium. Some other nutrients found in raw coconut water are 8g of carbohydrates, 2g dietary fiber, most of the B vitamins of which folate and choline are the highest, 6g natural sugar and 2mg selenium.

Because of all these nutrients, drinking the juice helps improves energy level and relief fatigue. This fruit juice also helps increase metabolism, improves intestinal health and boost the immune system.

The Food and Drug Administration has allowed coconut water to carry the statement that it may "reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke". With the FDA's approval, it is obvious that there is truth in the claims that were made. Ever since more people become aware of the benefits of coconut water, health conscious individuals, athletes and even celebrities have chosen coconut water over isotonic drinks.