The sweet, tasty liquid that is found in green, young coconuts has taken health-conscious consumers by storm in recent years. Celebrity endorsements have helped to make pure coconut water one of the biggest buzz products to hit the shelves of supermarkets and health food stores. There is a sound basis for this popularity since the natural, unprocessed product has some genuine health benefits.
Although it's a relative newcomer to US and European markets, it has been a street-food staple in tropical countries for many decades. Street hawkers sell freshly cut coconuts ready for their customers to drink out of with a straw. The electrolyte-rich water makes for a perfect re-hydrator in humid conditions.
In the developed world it has gained its popularity through its strong nutritional profile. It is rich in minerals (including high levels of potassium) and the B-complex vitamins. It has become popular with dieters because it it low in fat and carbohydrates and its rich nature provides a sustaining feeling of fullness.
It is also reported to have a number of positive effects of skin health. In Latin America it has been used externally for many years to combat oily skin, acne and blemishes. Its superb re-hydrating characteristics also restore a healthy glow to skin that has become dry or dull. In addition, the cytokinins it contains have a recognized anti-aging effect on older skin.
When it comes to consuming this drink, the ideal way is of course from a fresh, young coconut. Needless to say, this isn't convenient for many people. For a start, they should be kept in the refrigerator if not consumed within a few days of purchase. This can be problematic since they take up a lot of space. They also have to be tapped to get at the liquid inside. While this is not a major hassle, it's certainly less convenient than opening a can or carton.
For convenience, consumers will mostly choose the packaged products available in supermarkets and elsewhere. They should know however that these products vary considerably in quality. Some are over-processed and have a consequently poor nutritional profile. Some big brands contain preservatives, sweeteners and other additives and are far from the healthy products they purport to be.
Some are made using a heat-treated syrup that is mixed with water. Others are de-natured by very high-temperature heat-treatment. Naturally, fresh products that are processed in this way will suffer a considerable loss of their nutritional value. If all one needs is a quick way to quench thirst, then these types of product may be OK. Consumers who want a natural, nutrient-dense drink however, will do better to seek out a superior product.
It's worth mentioning too that some mass-produced products are made using cheap, mature coconut water. This water will have lost much of its natural sweetness and have become acidic. The manufacturers mask the acidity using sugar or artificial sweeteners. Again, consumers who want the best product possible should avoid these sub-standard offerings.
Although it's a relative newcomer to US and European markets, it has been a street-food staple in tropical countries for many decades. Street hawkers sell freshly cut coconuts ready for their customers to drink out of with a straw. The electrolyte-rich water makes for a perfect re-hydrator in humid conditions.
In the developed world it has gained its popularity through its strong nutritional profile. It is rich in minerals (including high levels of potassium) and the B-complex vitamins. It has become popular with dieters because it it low in fat and carbohydrates and its rich nature provides a sustaining feeling of fullness.
It is also reported to have a number of positive effects of skin health. In Latin America it has been used externally for many years to combat oily skin, acne and blemishes. Its superb re-hydrating characteristics also restore a healthy glow to skin that has become dry or dull. In addition, the cytokinins it contains have a recognized anti-aging effect on older skin.
When it comes to consuming this drink, the ideal way is of course from a fresh, young coconut. Needless to say, this isn't convenient for many people. For a start, they should be kept in the refrigerator if not consumed within a few days of purchase. This can be problematic since they take up a lot of space. They also have to be tapped to get at the liquid inside. While this is not a major hassle, it's certainly less convenient than opening a can or carton.
For convenience, consumers will mostly choose the packaged products available in supermarkets and elsewhere. They should know however that these products vary considerably in quality. Some are over-processed and have a consequently poor nutritional profile. Some big brands contain preservatives, sweeteners and other additives and are far from the healthy products they purport to be.
Some are made using a heat-treated syrup that is mixed with water. Others are de-natured by very high-temperature heat-treatment. Naturally, fresh products that are processed in this way will suffer a considerable loss of their nutritional value. If all one needs is a quick way to quench thirst, then these types of product may be OK. Consumers who want a natural, nutrient-dense drink however, will do better to seek out a superior product.
It's worth mentioning too that some mass-produced products are made using cheap, mature coconut water. This water will have lost much of its natural sweetness and have become acidic. The manufacturers mask the acidity using sugar or artificial sweeteners. Again, consumers who want the best product possible should avoid these sub-standard offerings.
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