The various health benefits of green coconut


green coconuts photo – Free 9 Image on Unsplash

Green coconuts are young and are not entirely ripened. They are prized for their refreshing and healthy water. It typically takes about twelve months for them to fully mature and ripen. Till the time of maturing fully, they are mostly green in colour. Since the meat of the green coconuts is still in the developmental stage, they are primarily composed of pure water. Find herewith the various uses and health benefits of tender green coconuts:

Health benefits:
Both the water and meat of the green coconut offer impressive health and nutritional benefits. The green coconut’s water and meat are packed with necessary micronutrients and electrolytes for supplying instant energy. Coconut tender renders oral rehydration solution through replacing fluid loss resulting from mild diarrhoea. Based on a recent study conducted among eight cyclists, it was concluded that those participants who took coconut water were able to exercise for a longer time duration, experience less dehydration and achieve a higher heart rate.

Metabolic syndrome includes a series of conditions such as high blood pressure, a spike in blood sugar, an accumulation of belly fat and an increase in harmful cholesterol levels. Regular consumption of coconut water will help to drastically recover from this metabolic syndrome, which plays a significant role in the development of heart disease. Even several kinds of research have indicated that the antioxidant activity caused in our body by drinking coconut water, aids in safeguarding us from oxidative damage to the blood vessels.

Various micronutrients and vitamins present in coconuts such as copper, zinc, selenium and manganese support our human body’s natural antioxidant defence system. In short, the tender flesh and water of tender coconuts are very nutritious. Hence it can be rightly used as a natural sports recovery drink as well.

Usage:
Drinking the water of green coconuts is a natural and fresher way for enjoying its goodness. Both the meat and water of the coconut is completely sterile, and hence they can be enjoyed without processing or adding any form of preservatives. It is recommended to choose a heavy coconut. While shaking, it must not produce a splashing sound of the water. Only then, the coconut is assumed to be full of water and tender.

Here is the right way to drink the coconut water:
i. Pop off the coconut’s top with a knife.
ii. Cut around the area which is covered with the petal. Alternatively use a pointed opener for poking the end of it into the twist and the petal area.
iii. Pull out the core an either drink the water through a straw or pour it into the glass.

For checking the fleshiness of your coconut, cut it in half lengthwise with a sharp cleaver or knife. If there is any meat left-over, you can simply scrape it out with a spoon. If required, you can even add green coconut to a protein shake for preparing a perfect post-workout recovery snack. Even green coconut meat can be used for making ice cream-like desserts.

Conclusion:
The softness and tenderness of the meat of the green coconut is a treat to eat, provided you choose the right mature one. They act as the perfect food for preventing dehydration. So, if you wish to add this refreshing, tropical delicacy to your diet, we suggest you go green the next time you hit the supermarket by buying green coconuts.

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