• Nutritional properties
• Fast and effective hydration of the body
• Relief from abdominal pain
• A tasty alternative to ready-made soft drinks

Coconut palms are common in many tropical coastal countries. And although coconut water may seem like a newfangled beverage to us in Poland, it has actually been known and loved around the world for thousands of years.

Coconut water is the slightly cloudy, colorless liquid found inside a fresh coconut. Its flavor is very distinctive: nutty and fruity at the same time, very refreshing. However, it's important to note that coconut water and coconut milk are two different substances: the former is the liquid naturally found in coconuts, while the latter is made by mixing coconut meat with water and then squeezing the resulting liquid. Coconut milk is one of the best substitutes for cow's milk and is loved by vegans and lactose-intolerant people for this reason, but it's coconut water that has recently become a beverage with almost magical properties. Right? Let's take a look!

Nutritional properties

One cup of fresh coconut water contains about 46 calories, 10% of the daily value of vitamin C, less than half a gram of fat, and 2.6 grams of fiber, as well as a healthy dose of magnesium, manganese, and other minerals, including the B vitamins essential for maintaining proper cellular metabolism. Coconut water also contains bioactive enzymes such as acid phosphatase, catalase, dehydrogenase, and diastase—substances that have a positive effect on digestion and metabolism.

Fast and effective hydration of the body

Studies on athletes have shown that drinking coconut water hydrates the body more effectively than drinking plain water—at a level comparable to that shown by various types of "sports drinks." Importantly, coconut juice contains no added sugar or other sweeteners, artificial colors, preservatives, stabilizers, or other suspect substances! So, if you exercise regularly, especially in the sun, and you find plain water boring, it's a good idea to replace it with coconut water. Coconut water replenishes your electrolyte stores and gives you a dose of healthy carbohydrates, giving you energy to keep training.

Relief from abdominal pain

Mothers in South America have long given their babies coconut water when their little ones complain of stomach aches. Coconut water helps soothe an upset stomach in many ways. Its antibacterial properties can help a little if the cause of the problem is a mild bacterial infection. The high potassium content helps replenish electrolytes that may be depleted due to loss of appetite, and the tannins in coconut water reduce inflammation.

A tasty alternative to ready-made soft drinks

Even if coconut water didn't have these additional beneficial properties, it would still be worth considering simply because it's a delicious, natural liquid that can compete with carbonated drinks or concentrated juices packed with sugar and preservatives. Once you try delicious coconut water, you'll never want to go back!