The Health Benefits of Coconut Water

Coconut water is the liquid part of the young coconut. When coconuts are immature, the endosperm or kernel is semisolid and jelly like. As the coconut matures, the endosperm becomes more solid and fibrous, developing into the firmer coconut meat with which we are familiar. As the coconut matures, the water inside is replaced by more coconut meat and air, so it best to harvest the water when the coconut is young.

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 is low in sugar, but pleasantly sweet. It's 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 it is very similar to blood plasma and has been used intravenously in emerency situations for more than 60 years. Cytokinins found in coconut water have been found to exert an anti-aging effect on human cells and tissues. When human cells are exposed to cytokinins, aging slows down considerably. Cells treated with cytokinins don't undergo the normal degenerative changes. Researchers have suggested that if you consume a diet rich in cytokinins, you may experience anti-aging effects and have less risk for degenerative and age related diseases. Coconut water is the richest natural dietary source of cytokinins.

Cytokinins have also been found to have anti-thrombolytic properties so may lower your risk for blood clots. According to Dr. Bruce Fife, "In regulating cell growth, cytokinins prevent the mistakes that may lead to the development of cancer. Normal cells are kept healthy while cancerous cells are programmed to die, preventing them from growing and spreading. Subsequently, the anti-cancer effects of cytokinins have been well documented." High levels of mineral ions, especially potassium, in coconut water have been found to help prevent heart attacks. In one study 71 percent of people who drank coconut water experienced lower blood pressures.