Monday, April 14, 2014

Finding Best Tasting Coconut Water

By Anita Ortega


Coconut water refers to a clear liquid found inside of young coconuts, which are fruits from the coconut palm trees. This is considered a popular drink in many parts of the world, including the tropics, India, Africa, Southeast Asia, Brazilian Coast, Caribbean and Pacific Islands. These are areas where it is widely available bottled, canned or fresh. There are many different types of this water available on the market today and individuals may be in search of the best tasting coconut water.

Like most things, this is subjective. It will depend on the preference of a person who is consuming it. Coconuts used for drinking are typically fresh, served chilled or packaged, and available at stores and restaurants. There are even vendors who work on the streets who will sell these, cutting them open in front of customers with a machete or similar knife. The drink may be sold in plastic bottles, tetra packs or cans too. When it is bottled, it is believed to have a shelf life of around 24 months.

More recently, this has been advertised as an all-natural energy or sports drink. This is because of its high potassium and mineral content. Marketers have been known to tout its low carbs, fat and calories. Still, there are claims that associate this drink with extensive health benefits that have not yet been proven.

Naturally, the water is known to have a nutty and sweet taste. It has easily digestible carbohydrates in the form of electrolytes and sugar. The clear liquid is found at the center of this fruit and is tapped from young, green coconuts only. This is not the same as the highly fatty coconut milk.

Generally, it is believed to include more potassium and less sodium than sports drinks that are sold today. Many manufacturers add extra ingredients to this, which actually makes it less beneficial to consume. In fact, there are some drinks containing more sugar than recommended and that are not healthy. Reading labels and becoming familiar with the manufacturers of a product is important.

People who have a sweet tooth may not find this to be the most satisfying. Still, this drink and water are great for quenching the thirst and providing the bodily organs with what they require for proper function. There are some who believe the best tasting coconut drinks are those with added flavors and sugar. Others prefer to have the coconut as fresh and possible and with nothing added to the water.

Each person will have his or her own preference when it comes to this. However, most doctors and professionals in the medical field would encourage individuals to drink this in a form closest to its natural makeup. This is important when it comes to reaping all of the potential benefits.

People who do not like coconuts might not prefer this drink, although there are some who say this does not have the same flavor as coconut meat. The drink may be mixed with fresh vegetable juices or diluted with water to change the flavor and make the taste more subtle. There are several options for making this drink appealing and they do not involve inclusion of sugar or chemicals, which are both hard for the body.




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