Coconut juice is the thin liquid found in young coconuts; it is not coconut milk, which is squeezed from coconut meat. Coconut juice, more commonly called coconut water, has a mild flavor and is a clear liquid. Coconut juice provides various health benefits, as it is high in potassium and magnesium, promotes hydration and replacement of electrolytes, and can even be used as an intravenous fluid. (a common myth amongst health foodies is that it was used as a blood transfusion: this is NOT TRUE, but it could be used for hydration through IV if necessary)
Nutrients
Coconut juice has no cholesterol or fat, is low in carbohydrates and calories, and contains more electrolytes than other fruit and vegetable juices. It is full of various vitamins and minerals that are essential for the body, including copper, phosphorous, sulfur and vitamin C. Coconut juice also contains niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, riboflavin, folic acid and thiamin. The juice helps carry these nutrients and oxygen to different cells and parts of the body, making it an important resource for nutrient absorption.
Natural Sports Drink
Coconut juice is an isotonic solution that naturally re-hydrates the body by replacing lost fluids and minerals after exercise, according the Department of Physiology at the University of Malaysia. Fresh young coconut juice provides better total body re-hydration and blood volume restoration compared to carbohydrate-electrolyte sports drinks and plain water. Additionally, due to its physical makeup, coconut water naturally restores plasma glucose in the body, making it beneficial for reducing nausea and upset stomach after intense exercise.
Supports Digestive Health
Coconut juice contains lauric acid, which the body converts into monolaurin, according to HomeRemediesWeb.com. Monolaurin has antiviral and antibacterial properties that help fight against intestinal worms, parasites, viruses and gastrointestinal tract infections. As an antibiotic, it can help fight intestinal worms, constipation, diarrhea and other common digestive problems.
One of my favorite brands is Amy and Brian's Coconut Juice. I get it with pulp because I like the taste and coconut pulp/meat has great nutritional benefits. Honestly, the rest taste like cardboard (what they're packaged in) and I only drink them if there's no other option (O.N.E. Coconut is the best of those and actually tastes delicious. They have lots of options for athletes and even for KIDS! It's one of the best things you can give your family! I keep one in my gym bag and diaper bag at all times!).
My son LOVES coconut water and calls it "coco". He slurps it up and now I know I have to buy two coconuts when I buy one for myself because he will absolutely without a doubt drink the entire thing.
My absolute top choice though is to buy a REAL coconut and chop it open myself! (you have to be very careful doing this, I've cut myself pretty badly before and I've even been "trained")
I drank coconut water almost every day for the first 2 months of breastfeeding, and now that my body is getting used to it I drink it when I'm feeling very dehydrated or tired. It's a great natural energy boost too!!!
You can also use coconut water as a base in smoothies instead of a "mylk" or water. It makes the smoothie taste so refreshing and light. Check out our recipes section for smoothies made with coconut water!