The latest health trend in America, coconut water, is a natural drink abundant in immune boosting vitamins and nutrients that can significantly improve your overall health. The liquid from tender, unripe coconuts is a natural isotonic beverage, low in calories, and zero fat and cholesterol. It also contains easily absorbed carbohydrate in the form of sugar and electrolytes.
Providing more electrolytes than most sports drinks, and more potassium than bananas, coconut water promotes hydration by stimulating the plasma, which accounts for 55% of human blood.
Plus, the lauric acid found in coconut water is the same as human breast milk. It is completely free of chemicals, which makes it completely safe for children, even babies.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF COCONUT WATER
WHY YOU SHOULD DRINK COCONUT WATER ON AN EMPTY STOMACH
It has been found that regular consumption of coconut water on an empty stomach can boost your immunity, stimulate your metabolism, reduce LDL cholesterol and detoxify the body, all in a completely natural way.
Only one cup of coconut water in the morning can regulate your electrolyte status, the imbalance of which can sometimes lead to hypertension or high blood pressure. Plus, it offers maximum hydration for your body and skin.
Regular consumption of coconut water can also significantly improve intestinal function.
Some of the health benefits of drinking coconut water on an empty stomach include:
HOW TO PREPARE COCONUT WATER AT HOME
Today there are several ready-to-drink coconut waters available on the market. Some popular brands include Vita Coco, Zico Pure and O.N.E. However, store-bought coconut water comes in bottles and cartons, and is generally liable to altered nutritional profile due to the fact that it contains additives and preservative for longer shelf life.
Therefore, your best option is to buy young, tender coconuts, which you can keep for about 5-10 days at room temperature. To prepare coconut water at home, use a long sickle to cut open the outer layer of the coconut either at the top or bottom end, and then to cut open the inner hard shell. You then sip the water inside the nut using a straw. Enjoy the coconut drink without any additions!