NUTSHELL OF REFRESHING AND HEALTH ENHANCING POWER OF COCONUT WATER

Prof. Dr. Badmanaban Ramalingam, Prof. Dr. David Banji and Prof. Dr. Dhrubo Jyoti Sen

ABSTRACT

In most tropical countries with long coastlines where coconut palms grow in abundance, coconut water has always been used as a refreshing drink and a health enhancer. The people of the Pacific Islands respect the coconut and use all of its parts for food and medicine. It is only recently that this humble natural beverage has started receiving the attention it clearly deserves in North America. Coconut water is the nearly colorless liquid contained within a coconut. Although it used to be referred to as the milk of coconut, or coconut milk, earlier, it is not to be confused with the white milky liquid extracted from coconut meat. In its natural form, coconut water is a light, mildly sweet drink with a very slight nutty taste and astringent feel. It cannot compete with sodas or sports drinks in sweetness, but this pure drink is surprisingly satisfying. Coconut water from fresh, tender coconuts is the best, but it is now available bottled, with or without added sugar and flavors. The best, of course, is the 100% natural, with no added sugar or other preservatives or coloring.

Keywords: Coconut, Coconut milk, Coconut water, Coconut meat, Electrolytes.