Coconut water is obtained from tender (green or yellow) coconut fruits (Cocos nucifera). It is sweet, refreshing, nutritive, natural beverage and excellent source of potassium, sodium, chloride, and carbohydrate. Coconut water mainly consists of sugar (sucrose, sorbitol, glucose, and fructose) and minerals.
The main mineral present in coconut water is potassium. Coconut water also contains vitamins, amino acids, antioxidants, enzymes, growth hormones, and certain aromatic compound that give it distinct flavour. It also contains a variety of trace elements such as zinc, selenium, iodine, sulphur, manganese, boron, molybdenum etc.
Some common names
Latin name: Cocos nucifera Linn.
Family: Palmae; Arecaceae
English: Coconut Palm
Ayurvedic: Naarikela, Naalikera, Laangali, Tunga, Skandhaphala, Sadaaphala, Trnaraaja, Kuurchshirshaka
Unani: Naarjeel, Naariyal
Siddha/Tamil: Thenkai. Kopparai (kernel of ripe coconut)
Description
Large palm, growing up to 30 meters (98 ft) tall, with pinnate leaves 4–6 meters (13–20 ft) long, and pinnae 60–90 cm long; old leaves break away cleanly, leaving the trunk smooth. Generally classified into two i.e tall and dwarf
Coconut water has antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antiparasitic, antidermatophytic, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, hepatoprotective, immunostimulant properties. It is useful in treating metabolic disorders, cholera, diarrhoea, dysentery, influenza and other diseases that result in dehydration.
Scientific studies
There are various clinical studies done on Cocus nucifera to confirm its medicinal potential. A study shows that coconut water has analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities. Coconut water has also blood pressure lowering effect on body owing to presence of polyphenols viz. chlorogenic acid, vanillic acid and ferulic acid. It has been reported to possess protective action against aspirin- and histamine-induced gastric mucosal damage and protection from ulcers.
Health benefits of Coconut water (or Naariyal Pani)
- Antioxidant, improves body immunity to fight infections, rehydrates and detoxifies the body
- Quenches thirst and helps in electrolyte balance
- Promotes digestion and reduces ulcer formation
- Helps to cure hyperacidity
- Effective in the treatment of kidney and urethral stones
- Treats urinary infections (UTI) and mineral poisonings
- Increases urine production but without electrolyte loss
- Useful in replacing fluid loss in fever, diarrhoea, gastroenteritis
- Contain potassium and magnesium and helps in lowering blood pressure
- Drinking coconut nut water in pregnancy helps to cure leg cramps
- Supports pregnancy
- Protects organs in diabetes
- Good substitute for sport drinks, gives energy without added sugar