This liquid has always been a popular drink right from the early centuries. People with access to coconuts will cut them open for the syrupy liquid. In recent years, coconut juice is also being packaged and branded for sale. It can also be integrated with other food and fruits. It has less sugar compared to other fruit juice, soda drinks, and sports drinks.

Origin of coconut water

Coconut has always been a well-known drink over the centuries. Its presence is prominent in many tropical countries like Indonesia, Philippines, India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Thailand, Tanzania. The first significant step is the harvesting of fresh green coconuts from the trees. Then, an opening is drilled to get through to the coconut liquid and the pulp. 

Not everyone had access to coconut trees; therefore, people also hawked fresh coconuts and cut them open for people to buy. To this present day, coconut water is now being packaged in plastic and glass bottles. Possibly, other supplements are added to it as well.

Nutritional value

From an 8 oz. glass of coconut juice, the following nutrients are present:

• 46 calories
• 1.7 grams of protein
• 57.6 mg of calcium
• 252 mg of sodium 
• 600 mg of potassium
• 8.9 grams of total carbohydrates
• 0.5 grams of total fat
• 0.4 grams of saturated fat
• 0 mg of cholesterol
• 2.6 grams of dietary fiber
• 6.3 grams of sugar

It is natural and has significant health benefits. Recent research has shown that adding this to your diet may have the following health benefits:

• It may possess antioxidant properties.
• It could be beneficial against diabetes.
• It may be capable of preventing kidney stones.
• It might be an excellent means of relieving dehydration.

However, it’s vital not to consume it in excess. Drinking too much could result in the presence of excess potassium in the blood. This could, in turn, potentially lead to acute kidney failure, heart arrhythmia, and loss of consciousness.

Application

If possible, this water should be consumed fresh. However, if you need to store it, the best thing is to refrigerate or freeze it immediately. There are ways to combine this with other fruits and drinks to make delicious blends. You could try making lemonade. All you need is:

• Four cups of canned coconut juice
• Five tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice 
• Three tablespoons of sugar 
• Two cups of ice 
• Mint leaves 
• Two sliced lemons 

Mix the water, lemon juice, and sugar in a pitcher. Then, add sugar, sliced lemon, and ice. You would need to stir well to mix. Pour the drink into glasses and then embellish with mint leaves.

Another great treat you can make is a coconut juice cocktail. All you need to do is to mix the water with fresh lime and rum. Shake the liquid with ice cubes to get instant coolness. You may also place the juice in the refrigerator to chill instead. 

Coconut water recipes

There are innumerable ways it can be used in foods. Here are some popular recipes:

• Strawberry Gin Cocktail 
• Skinny Piña Colada
• Buko Pie
• Tropical Fruit Salad
• Curried Okra

FDA regulation

The Food and Drug Administration does not have any identification or direct rule addressing coconut water. However, they have regulations concerning its additives and sweeteners.

References

“Nutritional value of coconut water,” https://www.verywellfit.com/coconut-water-nutrition-facts-calories-and-health-benefits-4110619

“Recipe for coconut lemonade,” https://rasamalaysia.com/coconut-water-lemonade/

“Health benefits of coconut water,” https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/8-coconut-water-benefits#section4