Nature really went all out when creating the wonderful and full-of-goodness tender coconut water – the liquid found in young or unripe coconuts. This mildly sweet tasting drink is easily available in India, especially south India, and makes for a delicious and refreshing beverage.
While tender coconut water is nourishing when had anywhere in the world, people living in humid countries specially stand to benefit from it as it contains nutrients that fight the heat of tropical regions. And great news for weight watchers – consumed in its natural form, it has just about 16 – 18 calories per 100 grams.
Coconut water is considered as a “fluid of life�. The complex composition of coconut water comprises ascorbic acid, vitamin B,iron, protein, fructose, nitrogen and some basic minerals like potassium, phosphoric acid, calcium and magnesium. It’s best to consume it in its natural form because any kind of process done on coconut water may destroy its nutrients.
Health benefits of tender coconut water:
Helps in managing urinary symptoms: Tender coconut water helps to relieve to controlurinary infections. The diuretic quality of coconut water increases flow of urine and dissolves kidney/urethral stones in a natural way, thereby keeping the urinary passage clean. In case of a urinary tract infection, coconut water works as an antiseptic that helps to remove poisonous minerals.
Fights dehydration: The isotonic qualities present in coconut water help to regain natural salts and fluids that are otherwise lost by physical activities and exhaustion. Coconut water is considered better than commercial sports drink because it is the richest source of electrolytes and contains more potassium than a banana.
Helps in intestinal disturbances: It even treats intestinal disturbances in all age groups. Coconut water taken with one teaspoon of olive oil for 3 days will kill the worms present in the intestine thereby improving the digestion. Coconut water is sweet and a little oily in nature It’s especially recommended for the old and sick who are facing problems in digesting solid and semi solid foods.
Good for pregnant women: Tender coconut water is helpful to pregnant women who usually suffer from acidity, heartburn and indigestion. It is an outstanding energizer that helps a woman keep up with the changes that come at different points of the pregnancy. It helps to boost the levels of amniotic fluid, which plays a vital role in the overall wellness of the baby.
Increases immunity: Tender coconut water is a good source of Lauric acid, which is believed to have antimicrobial properties. It helps in the prevention and treatment of bacterial infections caused by pathogenic bacteria and viruses like Herpes, HIV and flu. In fevers like malaria, typhoid, measles and chicken pox vomiting is common, the electrolytes present in coconut water help to settle the stomach and thereby control nausea.
1. Cucumbers: The flesh of cucumbers is primarily composed of water but also contains vitamin C and caffeic acid, both of which help soothe skin irritations and reduce swelling-which is why cucumbers are often used to help swollen eyes and sunburn.
2. Tomato sauce: It may vary depending on the brand, but most store-bought tomato sauces are about 90 percent water. Plus, one half-cup serving of tomato sauce has only 50 calories and zero grams of fat, while the same amount of creamy Alfredo sauce weighs in around 200 calories and 18 grams of fat.
3. Eggplant: Eggplants have all the qualities of an excellent weight-loss food: They’re high in fiber and water but low in calories . Just avoid recipes that involve frying. Eggplant’s spongy texture means it will absorb a lot of oil and as a result, negate the calorie advantage.
4. Watermelon: A 2009 study at the University of Aberdeen Medical School found that the combination of salts, minerals and natural sugars in some fruits and vegetables can actually hydrate people more effectively than water or even sports drinks. Watermelon was on top of the list, thanks to its 92 percent water content and essential rehydration salts calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium.
5. Pineapple: This exceptionally juicy fruit is packed with bromelain, a mixture of compounds with potent anti-inflammatory powers. In other words, eat pineapple now and you may avoid pain meds in the future.
6. Apples: You’ve heard it before: An apple a day keeps the doctor away. But this juicy superfood has also been linked to lower cholesterol levels, weight loss and preventing a host of chronic health woes—cardiovascular disease, asthma, diabetes, and even certain cancers.
7. Celery: Crunchy celery is 96 percent water, but it also provides a combination of mineral salts, amino acids and vitamins that research shows may hydrate your body twice as effectively as a glass of water.
8. Chicken noodle soup: This flu-fighting formula can seriously hydrate you when you need it. Each cup has about 840 milligrams of sodium to help you retain the broth and 14 grams of carbohydrates to help you absorb it.
9. Mango: Mangoes provide a lot of bang for your caloric buck (only 135 calories per mango), and they’re a good source of vitamins A, B6, and C, plus fiber
10. Mixed green salads: Most lettuce greens contain 94 percent water, making it a low-energy density food. In other words, you’ll feel fuller on fewer calories and lose weight faster
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