Journal of Current Trends in Clinical Medicine & Laboratory Biochemistry

Review Article

Coconut Water - Properties, Uses, Nutritional

Benefits in Health and Wealth and in Health
and Disease: A Review.
1
E Prabhakar Reddy*, 2
T.Mohana Lakshmi

Abstract
Coconut water and coconut meat is one of the natural food products to quench thirst and easily available in most of
the countries. Both water and meat of tender coconut refresh the body by providing nutritious content. Health and
medicinal applications of tender coconut product gets research interest in recent years. It contains several biologically
active components namely sugars, proteins, free amino acids, vitamins, minerals and growth promoting factors. Current
research on coconut water is mainly focuses on properties, uses, Nutritional Benefits, so this review concentrated in
all these aspects of Health and Wealth and in Health and Disease. It presents its uses, from the traditional to the most
sophisticated; details its biochemical composition, influenced by the stage of maturity and the variety; and describes its
original properties. This review paper aimed to know the main reported components of coconut water and other studies of
their effect in animal and human body. Vitamins, minerals, amino acids and phytohormones are present in coconut water.
The recent discovery of other medicinal values of coconut water signifies a good potential in improving human health. The
potential anti-cancer properties of specific cytokines could bring encouraging and novel perspectives in finding cures for
the different types of cancers. The recent discovery of other medicinal values of coconut water signifies a good potential
in improving human health. It is a gift of nature for best remedial for thirst and providing better health. Antioxidant effect
and anti cancer properties of different components of it give a better choice for removing the poisoning effect of other
food which is part of modern life. Further research is required to understanding of the functions and properties of the
individual components of coconut water will help us to better utilize this marvelous and multidimensional liquid with
special biological properties from nature.

Key words : Coconut water, Amino acids, vitamins, Cardio vascular diseases, Phytohormone, Inorganic ions,

Introduction to its nutritional and therapeutic properties.

It has been successfully used in several parts
Coconut water, the clear liquid inside of the world for oral rehydration, treatment
immature green coconuts, is highly valued due of childhood diarrhea, gastroenteritis and
cholera. This juice is mostly consumed locally
Associate Professor of Biochemistry and Central Laboratory Head,
1 as fresh in tropical areas since it deteriorates
Assistant Professor of Microbiology, Sri Lakshmi Narayana Institute of
2
easily once exposed to air. Commercially,
Medical Sciences, Puducherry.
it is thermally processed using ultra high
*Corresponding Author temperature (UHT) technology. However,
Dr. E.Prabhakar Reddy, coconut water loses its delicate fresh flavor and
Associate Professor of Biochemistry and Central lab Head,
Sri Lakshmi Narayana Institute of Medical Sciences, some of its nutrients during heating. A non-
Osudu, Agaram Village, Puducherry-605502, India. thermal process is desirable to protect the fresh
E-mail: drpebyreddy @yahoo.com
Telephone Number: +919159186879 flavor and nutrient content of coconut water,

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which would increase marketability of this diseases that promote dehydration. Coconut
healthy drink and availability to consumers water has saved thousands of lives, especially
throughout the world. It is high in electrolyte of children in underdeveloped countries.
content and has been reported as an isotonic Ordinary water is not effective in treating
beverage due to its balanced electrolytes like severe dehydration caused by vomiting and
sodium and potassium that help restore losses diarrhea, but because of coconut water’s
of electrolytes through skin and urinary unique chemical composition it is able to
pathways. Coconut water was claimed as a rehydrate the body and give it the strength
natural contender in the sports drink market and energy it needs to fight off the infection.
with its delicate aroma, taste and nutritional
characteristics together with the functional Coconut Water: Composition
characteristics required in a sports drink (Food and Characteristics
and Agricultural Organization [FAO]. The The coconut (Cocos nucifera Linn.) fruit, egg-
constituents of coconut water are water 94%, shaped or elliptic, consists of a fibrous outer
sugars such as glucose, fructose and sucrose layer called coconut husk (mesocarp), which
around 5%, proteins around 0.02% and covers a hard layer called shell (endocarp).
lipids only about 0.01%. It is rich in minerals Inside the shell is a kernel (endosperm), which
such as potassium, calcium, magnesium and is considered the most important part of
manganese, and low in sodium. the fruit. It is the source of various coconut
Most coconut water is consumed fresh in products such as copra, i.e. the dried meat of
tropical coastal areas due to its short Shelf-life. mature fruit with 5% water content, coconut
Once exposed to air, it loses most of its sensory oil, coconut milk, coconut water and coconut
and nutritional characteristics and deteriorates. powder. The cavity within the kernel contains
Commercially, juice production is carried coconut water (Figure: 1). This part begins to
out mostly in Indonesia, the Philippines, form as a gel when the coconut is about 5 to
and Thailand using ultra high temperature 6 months old, becomes harder and whiter as
(UHT) sterilization while some of Coconut coconut matures, and the inside is filled with
water’s nutrients and its delicate flavor are lost coconut water. An immature coconut between
during this thermal processing, which limits 6 to 9 months contains about 750 mL of water
the product’s marketability. In India coconut that eventually becomes the flesh (FAO ).
water is consumed fresh juice production and Figure: 1. Cross section of coconut (Cocos nucifera)
fruit
Coconut oil is used as cooking oil only in
Kerala, certain areas of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu
and in some parts of North Eastern states. But
coconut oil and virgin coconut oil do have a
worldwide market in health care, skin care,
baby oil and cosmetic industries.
Coconut water is far more effective in relieving
symptoms associated with these conditions
than either plain water or fruit juice. Over
the past two decades coconut water has been
used extensively as a treatment for cholera,
dysentery, influenza, and other infectious Coconut water is not only a tropical
beverage but also a traditional medicine [1],

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a microbiological growth medium [2] and a one of the most important uses of coconut
ceremonial gift [3], and can be processed into water is medicinal [8]. In the Indian ayurvedic
vinegar [4] or wine [5]. These various uses are medicine, it is described as “unctuous, sweet,
possible thanks to the original biochemical increasing semen, promoting digestion and
composition of the juice. The particular clearing the urinary path” [3]. There are
mineral composition and reasonable total sugar numerous references to medicinal uses of
content make coconut water a natural isotonic coconut in Sri Lanka, a country where coconut
liquid. The characteristics of coconut water is consumed on a daily basis [1]. Out of the
make it an ideal rehydrating and refreshing 40 raw or processed parts of the coconut plant
drink after physical exercise [6]. cited by Ediriweera [1], five involve coconut
water.
Current research on coconut water is rare
and mainly focuses on i) specific uses (10%), Coconut water is traditionally prescribed
ii) biochemical composition (50%) and iii) for burning pain during urination, dysuria,
preservation techniques (40%). This review gastritis, burning pain of the eyes, indigestion
on coconut water is the first part of a global and hiccups or even expelling of retained
synthesis on the topic. It presents its uses, from placenta. In case of emergency in remote
the traditional to the most sophisticated; details regions of the world and during World War
its biochemical composition, influenced by II, coconut water was used as a short-term
the stage of maturity and the variety; and intravenous hydration and resuscitation fluid
describes its original properties. [9-10]. Sugars are the main fraction of soluble
solids in coconut water [11-12]. The main
Uses sugars in mature coconut water are sucrose,
As a religious symbol: sorbitol, glucose and fructose [13-14],
followed by minor sugars including galactose,
As it is a sterile and pure liquid, coconut water xylose and mannose. Besides sugars, minerals
has been a religious symbol for a long time. In and proteins, a minor fraction is composed
Asia, especially in India, tender,i.e., immature, of aromatic compounds. Coconut water has
coconuts are offered as ceremonial gifts and a specific taste and flavour, different from the
serve as purification media at traditional events well-known fragrance of the coconut kernel.
[3]. This beverage has a typical aroma per se which
As a natural beverage: has never been fully characterised. Like organic
acids composed of malic, succinic citric, acetic
Centuries ago, Polynesian, Melanesian and and tartaric acids [15-16], which contribute to
Micronesian mariners used coconut fruits as the taste of coconut water, volatile compounds
reserves of food and drink [7]. Thanks to this contribute to the aroma of the fresh liquid.
“naturally canned” beverage, they survived on
their journeys from one island to the next and The antioxidant ability of coconut water
colonised the entire Pacific Ocean. Nowadays, was recently studied by a few authors [2-6]
coconut water from immature nuts is still the increasing interest in the nutraceutical
consumed as a refreshing drink by thousands properties of natural products. Among 27
of inhabitants of tropical regions. tropical fruits purchased in supermarkets
and wholesale outlets in Singapore, coconut
As medicine: water had the lowest AEAC (L-ascorbic acid
Apart from its consumption as a natural drink, equivalent antioxidant capacity): 11.5 AEAC

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(mg·100 g–1) and an ascorbic acid (AA) nut ratio, Total Soluble Solids content (TSS),
content of 0.7 mg·100 g–1 [14]. The coconut total sugar per nut, [reducing sugars / total
kernel had higher values than the coconut sugars] ratio, and, to a lesser extent, potassium
water. The proportion of ascorbic acid in the content, are good indicators for estimating
AEAC of fruits varied greatly among species, the suitability of coconut cultivars for the
from 0.06% in ciku (Manilkara zapota) to production of coconut water as a beverage.
70.2% in rambutan; it was only 6.1% for From the synthesis of biochemical data, it is
coconut water. clear that dwarf coconut varieties, with their
small nuts, high volume of water, high sugar
Coconut water was significantly sweeter, contents and good organoleptic scores, are the
caused less nausea, fullness and no stomach most suitable cultivars to obtain a sweet and
upset. It was also easier to drink in large tasty product.
quantities than the carbohydrate-electrolyte
beverage and plain water. Concerning blood Previous studies [28-29] have shown that it’s
pressure, a mixture of coconut water and Mauby great for post-exercise rehydration, has anti-
bark syrup (Colubrina arborescens) from inflammatory properties, protects heart and
Trinidad and Tobago could have a beneficial urinary tract, is a digestive tonic, improves
effect on human hypertension [17]. Similarly, skin and eyes, supports good immune function
the presence of L-arginine (300 mg·L–1) in and can even help balance blood glucose and
coconut water could have a cardio protective insulin levels. It is a great source of cytokinins
effect through its production of nitric oxide, plant hormones that have anti-cancer, anti-
which favours vasorelaxation [18]. A similar aging, and anti-thrombolytic benefits in
hypolipidemic effect of coconut water and humans. Coconut water is the liquid part of
lovostatin (a lipid-lowering drug) was detected the endosperm (kernel) of the coconut fruit.
in rats fed a fat/cholesterol-enriched diet [19]. When coconuts are immature, the endosperm
is semisolid and jelly-like. When it matures,
Concerning nutraceutical effects, coconut the endosperm becomes more solid and fibrous
water reduced histopathological changes in and develop into firmer coconut meat. As the
the brain induced by hormonal imbalance in coconut matures, the water inside is replaced
menopausal women [20]. A patented freeze- by more coconut meat and air.
dried product, named Cococin, was the main
component of a dietary supplement and an Opportunities in Research for
anti-ageing skin cream [21].Finally, the anti- Development
cancer properties of cytokinins previously
isolated from coconut water [20-21] recently Medicinal uses of coconut oil and the effect
been the subject of medical research [22- of lauric acid Clinical tests are required to
27]. One of these cytokinins, kinetin, shows understand the benefits of consuming virgin
an antithrombotic activity [28] and a real coconut oil and the recommended intake
potential power to reduce certain types of levels required.
mammalian tumors [29]. Anti-Infective Action:

Coconut water is not a common fruit juice. In a series of papers published[16-18] in the
Its low acidity combined with well-balanced study the anti-microbial activity of various
sugar content and isotonic mineral composition fatty acids. They found that the medium
makes it a potential rehydration and sport chain fatty acids (MCF A) with 6 to 12
drink. Quality criteria such as the water per carbons, possessed significant activity against

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gram positive bacteria, but not against gram Chemical Composition of

negatives; they were also active against Coconut Water
lipid coated viruses as well as fungi and
Phytohormones:
protozoa. Saturated fatty acids, longer than
14 carbons long had no such activity. And Phytohormones are a group of naturally
of the MCFA,lauric acid (CI2:0) was most occurring organic compounds that play
potent, particularly in its monoglyceride form crucial roles in regulating plant growth in
(monolaurin); it was more active than caprilic a wide range of developmental processes.
acid (C-8) caprie acid (C-I0) or myristic acid Initially, the term phytohormone was
(C-14). The dilaurin and trilaurin (di and synonymous with auxin. Later on, the other
triglycerides) had no activity. This finding has plant growth regulators such as gibberellins
found use in the incorporation of monolaurin (GAs),ethylene, cytokinins, and abscisic acid
in cosmetic products and mouth washes; but (ABA) were categorized together with auxins
although classified by the USFDA as GRAS as the “classical five” hormones [33]. Coconut
(Generally Regarded as Safe), its oral use for water contains auxin, various cytokinins, and
systemic inflections has not been tried.
gibberellins. [30–33].
HIV-AIDS Patients and the
Auxin
Coconut
Coconut water contains indole-3-acetic acid
According to previous study [30], the
(IAA), the primary auxin in plants [34,35].
AIDS organization, Keep Hope Alive, has
IAA is a weak acid (pKa = 4.75) that is
documented several HIV -AIDS patients
synthesized in the meristematic regions located
whose viral load fell to as low as undetectable
at the shoot apex and subsequently transported
levels, when they took coconut oil or ate
coconut (half a coconut a day) or when they to the root tip in plants [36]. For many years,
added coconut to their anti-HIV medication tryptophan was assumed to be the precursor
(anti protease and/or antiretrovirals) that had of IAA and this was later confirmed using
previously not been effective. The amount experiments involving seedlings of Phaseolus
of coconut oil consumed (50 ml or 3 1/2 vulgaris subjected to stable isotope labeling
tablespoonfuls) or half of a coconut, would studies [37]. IAA occurs not only in the free
contain 20-25 grams of lauric acid, which form, but is also conjugated to various amino
indicates that the oil is metabolized in the acids, peptides, or carbohydrates. These IAA
body to release lauric acid and/or monolaurin. conjugates are biologically inactive and appear
to be the IAA storage forms in seeds and are
Coconut water’s rich enzyme systems include probably involved in hormonal homeostasis
very effective and selective reductase [31], [38].
polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase
(POD). These are involved in its development Auxin is implicated in many regulatory
of a brownish colour when it is exposed to processes in plants especially those relating
air for a long time [30]. Based on its content to plant growth and development [39–40].
and properties, coconut water has been used Auxin functions in the relay of environmental
in the treatment of child and adult diarrhoea, signals such as light and gravity, the regulation
and gastroenteritis as well as for urinary stone of branching processes in shoots and roots,
dissolution, short-term intravenous hydration and as discovered more recently, the patterned
and protecting against gastrointestinal tract differentiation of cells in meristems and
infections [32]. immature organs [39]. Undoubtedly, it is

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a versatile spatial-temporal signal. Auxin releasing α-ketobutyrate and cystein [53].

transport generates auxin concentration The α-ketobutyrate molecule is subsequently
maxima and gradients within tissues that converted into succinyl-CoA and fed to
are instrumental in the diverse regulation the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle while
of various plant developmental processes, cystein is involved in protein and glutathione
including embryogenesis, organogenesis, biosynthesis [54–55]. Vitamin B6 deficiency
vascular tissue formation and tropisms. The can affect various processes of the body, such
unique signal molecule transport mechanism as inflammation and renal function [50].
of auxin to a large extent underlies the
remarkable developmental plasticity of plants Coconut water contains folate , also known
that allows their growth and architecture to fit as vitamin B9. It was identified in the late
the environment changing [41]. 1930’s as the nutrient required to reduce
anemia during pregnancy [56]. It can prevent
Cytokinins mitochondrial toxicity induced by methanol
metabolites. In addition, the active form of
Cytokinins, being able to induce plant cell folate, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate is believed to
division, were discovered in the 1950s [42– be one of the central methyl donors required
44].Natural cytokinins are N6-substituted for mitochondrial protein and nucleic acid
adenine derivatives with various substituted synthesis [57]. Lower blood levels of vitamin
groups, and the physicochemical behaviour of B6 and folate can increase the risk for
cytokinins is a function of side chain(s), sugar, atherosclerosis and other vascular diseases
phosphate and degree of purine ring and/or [58]. Another study found that high plasma
side chain modification [44]. levels of vitamin B6 and folate may reduce the
Vitamins risk for breast cancer [57-58]. In addition to
vitamin B, coconut water also contains vitamin
Vitamins, which are essential for the normal C , which is an important dietary antioxidant
functioning of the human body, are also [57-59].
found in coconut water. Greater consumption
of fruits and vegetables is associated with Furthermore, micronutrients (nutrients
the reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, needed in small quantities) such as inorganic
stroke, and cancers of the mouth, pharynx, ions and vitamins in coconut water play a vital
esophagus, lungs, stomach, and colon [45–48], role in aiding the human body antioxidant
because they contain vitamins and minerals system [60]. Hyper metabolism gives rise to
vital for normal physiological functions [49]. an increased production of reactive oxygen
Coconut water contains vitamins B1, B2, species (or free radicals), as a result of increased
B3, B5, B6, B7 and B9 . The B vitamins are oxidative metabolism. Such increase in
water-soluble and are required as coenzymes free radicals will cause oxidative damage to
for enzymatic reactions essential for cellular the various components of the human cell,
function [50]. Vitamin B6 (which includes especially the polyunsaturated fatty acids in
pyridoxal, pyridoxine and pyridoxamine) the cell membrane, or to the nucleic acids in
serves as a coenzyme in various enzymatic the nucleus [60]. Fortunately, living organisms
reactions, such as the transamination and have well developed antioxidant systems
decarboxylation reactions [51]. For example, to neutralize the most detrimental effects
it is the coenzyme of γ-cystathionase [52], of these oxidizing species. Micronutrients
which catalyses the cleavage of cystathionine, have important functions in this aspect. For

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example, they act directly to quench free exert an antiaging effect on human cells and
radicals by donating electrons, or indirectly as tissues. When human cells are exposed to
a part of metallo enzymes (a diverse class of cytokinins aging slows down considerably.
enzymes that require a catalytic metal ion for Cells treated with cytokinins don’t undergo
their biological activity) such as glutathione normal degenerative changes. Researchers
peroxidase (selenium) or superoxide dismutase have suggested that if you consume a diet rich
(zinc, copper) to catalyse the removal of in cytokinins, you may experience anti-aging
oxidizing species [61]. effects and have less risk for degenerative and
age-related diseases. Coconut water is the
Nutritional Benefits in Health and Wealth and richest natural dietary source of cytokinins.
in Health and Disease Cytokinins have also been found to have anti-
Coconut water has five thrombolytic properties so may lower your risk
electrolytes that the body for blood clots. But coconut’s health benefits
needs doesn’t stop there. They have also been shown
to have anti-cancer effects.
Potassium -The most important positive ion
(cation) inside your cells. Potassium regulates Coconut development board of India reported
heart beat and muscle function the following effect of tender coconut water,
Good for feeding infants suffering from
Sodium- The most important positive ion in intestinal disturbances, Oral rehydration
fluid outside your cells, and also the one most medium,• Contains organic compounds
depleted with exercise, as you lose sodium possessing growth promoting properties,
through sweat and urine Keeps the body cool, Application on the
Magnesium- Important for maintaining the body prevents prickly heat and summer boils
electrical potential of your cells, proper muscle and subsides the rashes, caused by small pox,
function and preventing calcium overload chicken pox, measles, etc., Kills intestinal
worms, Presence of saline and albumen makes
Phosphorous-Play important roles in bone it a good drink in cholera case, Checks urinary
health in transferring energy throughout infections, Excellent tonic for the old and sick,
your body, helping your muscles contract Cures malnourishment, Diuretic. Effective in
and regulating nerve function (partners with the treatment of kidney and urethral stones,
calcium) Can be injected intravenously in emergency
case, Found as blood plasma substitute because
Calcium- Important for bone health (partners
it is sterile, does not produce heat, does not
with phosphorous)
destroy red blood cells and is readily accepted
Cytokinins are phytohormones or plant by the body, Aids the quick absorption of the
hormones. These hormones regulate the drugs and makes their peak concentration
growth development and aging of a plant. in the blood, easier by its electrolytic effect,
Coconut water has been an important Urinary antiseptic and eliminates poisons in
horticultural resource used in the propagation case of mineral poisoning.
of several plants including orchids and
Components in tender coconut
traditional Chinese medicinal herbs. The
water
cytokinins found in coconut water support
cell division and promote rapid growth. Sugars: Tender coconut water has glucose,
Cytokinins have actually been found to fructose and sucrose sugars which are main

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energy provider in the metabolism of human leucine, lysine, proline, phenylalanine and
body. Concentration of sugar in coconut tyrosine are reported in tender coconut water.
water increases with maturity of nut. When Amino acid is important not only as building
compared to other sugars, sucrose quantity is material for animal body, it has major other
more in matured nut property such as energy source (body converts
amino acid into glucose), helps produce
Minerals:
lymphocytes, which are cells in human lymph
Minerals such as potassium, sodium, calcium, fluid and bloodstream that are vital to immune
phosphorous, iron, copper, sulphur and system. It may help regulate blood sugar; helps
chlorides are present in coconut water. reduce symptoms of prostate enlargement in
Potassium rich tender coconut water increases men, helps adrenal gland function etc. [62,66].
the urinary output [62].
Vitamins:
Iron:
Tender coconut water contains both ascorbic
Iron is needed for a number of highly complex acid and vitamins of B group those are
processes that continuously take place on a Nicotinic acid, Pantothenic acid, Biotin,
molecular level and that are indispensable to Riboflavin, Folic acid and Thiamine. The
human life, e.g. the transportation of oxygen concentration of ascorbic acid ranges from 2.2
around human body. Iron is also involved in to 3.7mg per ml, which gradually diminishes
the conversion of blood sugar to energy [63]. as the kernel surrounding the water begins
Copper: to harden. Vitamins play a vital role in many
metabolic pathways, healthy cellular activity
Copper is a trace element present in all tissues which therefore can guide against infections.
and is required for cellular respiration, peptide It is also essential for the structure of bones,
amidation, neurotransmitter biosynthesis, cartilage, muscle and blood vessels, and
pigment formation, and connective tissue maintenance of capillaries and gums and the
strength [64]. absorption of iron [62,67]. Vitamin containing
Chlorides: fruits helps to reduce risk of cardiovascular
disease, stroke, and cancer [66-67].
Chloride ions (Cl-) are important in joining
with hydrogen ions to make HCl in stomach Coconut oil kept at room temperature for
acid. Chloride (Cl-) and bicarbonate (HCO3 many months does not turn rancid as against
-) are used to help maintain the blood’s pH other oils. It has been established that coconut
level. Different concentrations of Cl- are either oil reduces the need for Vitamin E. Coconut
aide or hinder the passing of signals from one oil does not produce atherosclerosis. There are
nerve cell to another[65]. dozens of animal and human studies in world
literature to disprove allegations about coconut
Amino Acids: oil enhancing the risk of a CAD. There is not
even one paper in the whole literature directly
Small amounts of amino acids are present in
showing that coconut oil increases cardiac
coconut water. The percentage of arginine,
diseases. In fact, coconut oil is neutral with
alanine, cystine and serine in the protein of
respect to atherogenicity.
tender coconut water are higher than those
in cow’s milk. Trace amount of amino acid Coconut water has a therapeutic effect on the
such as aspartic acid, glutamic acid, histidine, urinary and reproductive systems. It is reported

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to clear-up bladder infections, remove kidney Coconut and coconut related products help in
stones, and improve sexual vitality. Medical maintaining wellness with a range of health
research has shown that the consumption of benefits. There are an array of medicines,
coconut water can be very effective in dissolving creams and ayurvedic oils which are made
kidney stones. Dr. Eugenio Macalalag [68], with coconut oil as basic medium. Virgin
director of the urology department of the Coconut Oil (VCO) contains lots of vitamins,
Chinese General Hospital in the Philippines, minerals and anti oxidants. VCO is a major
says that coconut water has demonstrated source of lauric acid and Vitamin E. Coconut
its effectiveness in patients suffering from is a good source of dietary fiber known to
kidney and urethral stones. He reports that be valuable in digestive function. Desiccated
consuming coconut water only 2 to 3 times a coconut contains the highest percentage of
week results in a significant reduction in stone dietary fiber and due to this there is increasing
size and expulsion, eliminating the need for demand for the desiccated coconut in many
surgery [68]. developed countries.
In Jamaica coconut water is known as a heart Summary of the Nutritional
tonic and is used to strengthen the heart and Benefits of Coconut Water
improve circulation. Research bears this out.
Animal studies show that coconut water Coconut water contains a complex
consumption reduces plaque formation in blend of vitamins, minerals, amino acids,
arteries, thus reducing risk of heart attack carbohydrates, antioxidants, enzymes, health
and stroke. High blood pressure is one of the enhancing growth hormones, and other
primary risk factors associated with heart important nutrients. Because its electrolyte
disease and stroke. The minerals potassium (ionic mineral) content is similar to human
and magnesium are known to help reduce plasma, it has gained international acclaim
high blood pressure. Human studies show that as a natural sports drink for oral rehydration.
coconut water, which is a good source of both As such, it has proven superior to commercial
of these minerals, is effective in reducing high sports drinks. Unlike other beverages, it is
blood pressure and increasing circulation [69]. completely compatible with the human body,
Studies also demonstrate that coconut water in so much that it can be infused directly into
consumption reduces the risk of heart failure in the bloodstream. In fact, doctors have used
heart disease patients [70]. The evidence is so coconut water successfully as an intravenous
convincing that the FDA allows coconut water fluid for over 60 years. Published medical
to carry the claim that it ―may reduce the risk research and clinical observation have shown
of high blood pressure and stroke. Because that coconut water:
coconut water improves blood circulation, it Makes an excellent oral rehydration sports
is of benefit to diabetics. Coconut water helps beverage - replaces electrolytes from exercise,
dilate blood vessels, improves blood flow, and heat stress and illness, Aids in exercise
reduces plaque formation. Coconut water performance, Natural isotonic beverage –
also contains certain forms of dietary fiber contains the same level of electrolytes found
and amino acids that help moderate sugar in human blood, Has 15 times the amount of
absorption and improve insulin sensitivity. potassium as most sports and energy drinks
However, more research is needed to clearly (264 mg vs. 12.5 mg /100 ml), Reduces
understand the many good effects of the oil. problems for infants suffering from intestinal
disturbances.

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Cardio protective: helps regular blood of the individual components of coconut

pressure (due to high potassium); improves water will, therefore, help us to better utilize
circulation, Reduces swelling in hands and this marvelous and multidimensional liquid
feet, Prevents abnormal blood clotting, Aids in with special biological properties from nature.
kidney function including those with kidney Coconut and coconut related products help
stones; Nutritional support for those with in maintaining wellness with a range of
urinary tract/bladder problems, Helps balance health benefits. It is a gift of nature for best
blood sugar in diabetics, Improves digestion, remedial for thirst and providing better health.
Reported by some people to reverse cataracts, Antioxidant effect and anti cancer properties of
Contains nutrients that feed friendly gut different components of it give a better choice
bacteria, Helps relieve constipation or diarrhea, for removing the poisoning effect of other
Possesses anti-aging properties, Nutritional food which is part of modern life. There is
support for healthy skin: restores strength increasing scientific evidence that supports the
and elasticity to skin; reduces age spots; role of coconut water in health and medicinal
reduces wrinkles and sagging, Regulates the applications.
functioning of the intestine which promotes References
smoother, more hydrated skin, Enhances
1. Ediriweera E.R.H.S.S. 2003. Medicinal uses of
healing of wounds and lesions, Supports good coconut (Cocos nucifera L.), Cocoinfo Int. 10:
vision and provides nutritional support in 11–21.
those who have a tendency towards glaucoma, 2. Osazuwa O.E, Ahonkhai I. 1989. Coconut water
Contains potent antioxidants, Nutritionally as growth medium for micro-organisms, Niger. J.
supports immune function, Provides nutrients Palms Oil Seeds. 10–11:91–95.
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