Nowadays, I’ve noticed young coconut water is gaining popularity as the “energy drink” of choice. According to Mortin Satin, Chief of the United Nation’s Food & Agriculture Organization, “Coconut water is the very stuff of nature, biologically pure, full of natural sugars, salts, and vitamins to ward off fatigue... and is the next wave of energy drinks BUT natural!”

Loading “delicious and nutritious” into a single drink, young coconut water is fondly known as the “fluid of life.” It’s a natural isotonic drink with electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, and chloride, which help balance pH and regulate fluid. They also increase the metabolism, making young coconut water attractive to people who are interested in weight loss. The water from one coconut has almost twice as much potassium as a banana, and, compared to most sports drinks, three times as much chloride, which aids kidney function and helps regulate fluid levels.

As summarized in the table below, the water from one coconut has more potassium and chloride and less sodium and sugar than most sports or energy drinks. The potassium in coconut water helps to lower high blood pressure; and lauric acid alleviates digestive problems, in addition to improving skin condition. With the same electrolytes as human plasma, coconut water is even said to have been used in emergency transfusions in wartime.

Young coconut water is “antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant” and effectively counters dehydration and fatigue. It’s also great for moms-to-be. (Find more facts about coconut water at www.living-foods.com.)

I became an enthusiastic fan of its incredibly refreshing taste after a few failed attempts and a Google search on “how to open a young coconut.” Since then, I’ve become an expert at opening them and can do it with the corner of a large knife in 30 seconds.

When I drink coconut water, I’m always awed by Mother Nature. Not only is it an edible reminder of the Earth’s perfection, it reminds me that when we connect with, and protect, nature and our inner perfection, we can savor
heaven on Earth.            

— Genia Sullivan