A PERSON who regularly consumes coconut water has a certain aura of robust health. Fish is said to be brain food, but have you ever noticed just how lucid, alert and retentive children who drink coconut water can be?

The coconut, a perennial palm from which the prized coconut water is extracted, is thought to have originated in the coastal areas of Southeast Asia.  Its botanical name is Cocos nucifera, and it has come to be very popular in tropical countries in all parts of the world, the Caribbean included.

A wonder plant, literally every part of the coconut can be used for some good purpose; but in the main, the coconut is grown for economic reasons, and so the primary product is the fruit, from which we extract the coconut water and a succulent jelly while it is still fresh and green. Also, having even greater economic value is the meat, or kernel (that same jelly in its mature and dried state), which is used to produce edible oil and other marketable by-products.

Thirst quencher
The fresh, rich and avidly sought after ‘coconut water’ is literally the pride of the Caribbean people, and there is perhaps no Caribbean country where the coconut is not grown. In Guyana, it is second to none as a pure, natural and wholesome cocktail beverage or sports drink for athletes.  The ‘wonder water’, as it is sometimes called, is an incredibly delicious and amazing drink, and apart from being a pure, trusted thirst quencher, it has amazing health and therapeutic properties.

For a lot of people, there is depth of meaning in the words ‘coconut water’, and  there is hardly a Caribbean person who would react indifferently and not look a second time on seeing a fresh coconut being chopped and the water spurting out, particularly on a blazing hot day, or after an athletic workout. If shopping on a hot day, or on the beach in the blazing sun, just say ‘water coconut’ or ‘coconut water’ in the presence of a Caribbean person, and test the reaction.

A delightfully refreshing cocktail beverage, the coconut water has made its way from road side vending carts to the bars and on platters of leading international hotels. Its increasing popularity is becoming more and more evident as tourists visiting Caribbean countries are becoming attracted to coconut water, so much so that, apart from being sold fresh in the shell, the bottling and export of coconut water is becoming big business for a country like Guyana.

Super hydrating
Long before saline had ever become easily accessible to hydrate patients suffering the effects of vomiting, diarrhea and severe night sweats, coconut water was used for rehydrating and pumping life back into such patients. Particularly in remote hinterland and riverine Guyana, it was the local saline, and brought many a patient back on his feet.

Coconut water is a great source of electrolytes such as potassium, necessary for hydration when a person’s body would have become considerably depleted of fluids containing important vitamins and micro-nutrients. Electrolytes are also necessary for proper muscle contraction, and to generate energy in the body. By using the water from fresh green coconuts, we can replenish the electrically charged particles needed to maintain fluid balance in the body, and aid the muscle and nerve functions.

Young green coconuts are also good for diabetes, and doctors have advised that the potassium in coconut water can counteract the potential hazards of hypertension as well.

Health benefits
Water from young, immature coconuts offers a long and growing list of health benefits, distinct from the benefits of its counterpart, coconut oil.

* Coconut water is a powerhouse of natural electrolytes, vitamins, minerals, trace elements, amino acids, enzymes, antioxidants and phytonutrients; and it is low in sugar but is pleasantly sweet.

* It is great for post-exercise rehydration, but also has anti-inflammatory properties, protects your heart and urinary tract, is a digestive tonic, improves your skin and eyes, supports good immune function, and can even help balance your blood glucose and insulin levels.

* Coconut water is the richest dietary source of cytokinins, plant hormones that have anti-cancer, anti-aging, and anti-thrombolytic benefits in humans.

* Because coconut water is isotonic and sterile (upon coming out of the coconut), it is very similar to blood plasma, and has been used intravenously in emergency situations for more than 60 years.