There’s a new “kid on the block”, and its gaining popularity daily; the green coconut. Perhaps you’ve tasted coconut water yourself and enjoyed it’s thirst-quenching refreshing flavour.
In the ancient Indian language of Sanskrit, the coconut palm is known as kalpa vriksha, meaning “tree that gives all that is necessary for living”.
Coconut water is the clear liquid inside the unripe coconut fruit. As the coconut matures and ripens, this liquid solidifies and becomes part of the sweet, white coconut flesh that we eat raw as a snack, or use often grated, in cooking. Coconut water is not coconut milk, prepared from coconut flesh.
Coconut water has rapidly gained acceptance as a natural alternative to commercial sports energy drinks. It is touted as being the purest liquid for hydration, second to water itself ( mostly mineral waters). It is said to have numerous health benefits ranging from digestive support to relieving urinary problems and keeping diabetes under control.
Ph Balance
Nutritionally, coconut water is high in naturally occurring electrolytes especially potassium, calcium and magnesium. These minerals are alkaline forming supporting the body’s proper pH balance, and thus optimal metabolic function. The typical modern diet is high in processed foods and refined grains. These tend to push the body toward excess acidity, thereby disrupting the biochemical balance, and seemingly adding to health problems.
By replenishing the body.s alkaline reserves, coconut water assists to restore a healthy pH balance, strengthen the immune system and support overall body metabolism. In addition, coconut water contains small amounts of B-complex vitamins, notably folate.
Cooking with Coconut Water
Coconut water is very versatile, and can add a unique, pleasant flavour, as well as nutrition to your favourite dishes and foods. It may be added to soups and sauces, cooking water for rice and other grains, smoothies, shakes and fruit juice mixes. Substitute coconut water for milk in baking and commercial sports drinks. Simone Gabbay “Alive” 2011
Products Available in Health Stores
Coco Bella… Coconut Water
Co-Yo… Coconut Yoghurt