Tender coconut water has a unique combination of sugars , minerals , proteins , vitamins and fats, which make it a refreshing , thirst quenching and invigorating natural drink. Its characteristic and pleasant flavour is contributed by a group of compounds called delta lactones , which diminish gradually with maturity of the nut.Tender coconut water is useful in tissue culture media owing to the presence of growth promoting substances. This liquid has many nutritive and medicinal uses. The concentration of sugars in tender coconut water is about 5 - 5.5 % and these are in the form of glucose and fructose. Sugar in these forms is readily assimilated by the digestive system. Hence it is good for feeding infants suffering from intestinal disturbances.
Tender coconut water also contains most of the minerals. More than half of the mineral content is constituted by potassium. Potassium has an important role in regulating ionic and osmotic balance of fluids.This explains why tender coconut water is an excellent diuretic.It cheks urinary infections and is a urinary antiseptic.It also eliminates poisons in case of mineral poisoning and also poisoning due to consumption of tobacco and alcohol .In dehydartion cases ( such as diarrhoea ,vomiting etc ) patients lose several mineral salts along with body fluids. Tender coconut water , which is an excellent oral rehydration medium , helps in restoring both fluids and minerals.
The water is isotonic with human blood -- it has a similar level of electolytic balance as human blood. Moreover it is strerile , free from bacteria and does not cause rupture of red blood corpuscles. Therefore it is recommended for intravenous administration in emergency situations. It also aids quick absorbtion of drugs by its elctrolytic effect. Clinical studies reveal that for gastoenteritis patients , tender coconut water is superior to glucose with regard to raising the level of potassium. However its high potassium concentration posese a potential hazard in patients with hyperkalaemia and those with poor kidney function. Studies showed that teramycin , an antibiotic can be prepared from it.
The percentage of amino acids , arginine , cystine , and serine in the protien of tender coconut water is reported to be higher than that in cow's milk. Hence it is very good for curing malnourishment in children. Since tender coconut water does not contain any complex protien, it is a good tonic for the sick and convalescents. Moreover the protien does not cause allergic effects.
Tender coconut water contains both ascorbic acid and vitamins of the B group. It also increases the activity of scavenging enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD). Studies with rats indicated that tender coconut water does not significantly alter blood glucose levels.
It is a rich sourse of L-Argenine that reduces cholesterol and also atherogenic lipids responsible for causing heart diseases. Hence it reduces the risk of coronary diseases and is even used in naturopathy to cure cardiac diseases. Diets high in poatassium and magnesium content are reported to be beneficial in reducing stroke especially in individuals with high blood pressure.
Tender coconut also contain a soft gelatinous kernel on the inner surface of the shell surrounding the water. This gelatinous kernel is rich in carbohydrates and other nurtients. Since its fat content is less , the kernel is acceptable to even those who avoid fatty foods.
Tender coconut water keeps the body cool. Its application on the body prevents prickly heat and summer boils and subsides rashes caused by chicken pox , measles etc.
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