Coconut Water: Miracle Drink?

Is there a difference between coconut milk and coconut water? Yes, a big one. Coconut water is a thin clear liquid found at the center of the nut before maturation, while coconut "milk" is made from the liquid extracted from the actual flesh of the coconut. The milk is much thicker and richer, and maintains a very high fat content. The water of a young green coconut is sweet and light. As the nut ages, the nutrients in the water are absorbed by the flesh, leaving the water bitter and lackluster. Therefore, to reap the natural health and flavor benefits of coconut water, the coconut must be harvested while it is still green.

Aside from crucial electrolytes, coconut water contains calcium, potassium, magnesium, vitamins, sugars and proteins. A typical serving offers 569 mg, which is almost twice the amount in a banana. For centuries, it has helped hydrate, cool body temperature and maintain immune system balance. Due to the saline and albumen content, it is used to ease symptoms of cholera, urinary tract diseases, kidney stones and dysentery.

According to the Coconut Development Board, it helps promote weight loss, relieves rashes when applied externally, can be used as an antiseptic or as an emergency substitute during a blood transfusion and may aide the body's immune system when fighting AIDS, cancer and diabetes. Coconut water has also proven beneficial for alleviating nausea, as it naturally settles the stomach. Therefore, it's also an ideal hangover cure in lieu of the raw egg and milk.

Where do I find coconut water?

It can be found pretty much in any grocery store, including Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, Mother's Market and Sprouts. Different vendors carry different brands however, and each brand can have a different taste to it...so if you buy one brand and don't like the taste, buy a few different brands to see if there is one you enjoy. Personally, I have become a huge fan of the C20 brand, it tastes the best out of all the brands I've tried. However, this C20 (found in a can, not a box) label can only be found in certain places - mainly at Whole Foods Market.

Go give this new "water" a try, and feel the benefits!