Coconut Water Nutrition

Coconut water nutrition facts, health benefits, and history are good to know because it's becoming a very popular sports drink and healthy lifestyle beverage.

Coconut water has been receiving a lot of positive press in 2010, because it's wonderful health benefits. It's mostly recognized for its ability to rehydrate the human body and is highly touted as an ALL NATURAL, isotonic sports drink.

An isotonic beverage is one that replaces fluids and electrolytes that are lost during physical exercise or extended, strenuous activity. 100% pure coconut water is all natural and has a long, and interesting history.

Here's a couple of historical notes that showcase its health benefits.

1. It's been used by hunters, gatherers, laborers, fisherman, farmers and warriors for thousands of years across Southeast Asia, the South Pacific Islands and South America, to help them stay hydrated in their labor intense lives.
2. During World War II, coconut water was injected into the veins of soldiers when medics were out of blood plasma because it has the same electrolyte balance as our blood. It truly is, "the fluid of life."

The reason coconut water is such a great sports drink is because of its high concentration of electrolytes, most notably, sodium and potassium, while magnesium, phosphorous and calcium are also included.

Sodium helps the body stay hydrated because your body will retain more fluids. Not only will your body lose fluid through sweating during your activities, but your body is also going to produce urine, and burn additional liquid through your respiratory functions.

Potassium helps your heart function and helps regulate your blood pressure, keeping it at lower levels during peak performance. This helps your body temperature stay lower, which in turn, will help you retain more fluids. As a result, it will help you stay more hydrated, staving off headaches and cramping.

One 8.5 ounce serving has more potassium than two and a half bananas and has 15 times more potassium than other leading sports drinks on the market. In theory, you could say that coconut water re-hydrates you 15 times better than any other sports drink on the market.

In addition to helping your body stay hydrated during physical activity, coconut water has other health benefits that are sometimes overlooked. Aside from being best hangover cure ever, it also has antiviral properties that help your body fight disease and sickness, and give you, a stronger immune system. Claims have also been made that coconut water helps combat cancer.

Increased circulation is another health benefit that helps clean your blood and detoxify your system. With cleaner blood and a cleaner system, you'll also be rewarded with more clear, vibrant skin. Furthermore, it can also help boost your metabolism, helping shed, and keep off those unwanted pounds.

The nutritional facts about coconut water are also very impressive because it's a very healthy beverage, especially, if you're trying to watch your weight and steer towards the "all natural," diet and lifestyle.

For an 8.5 ounce serving of 100% all natural coconut water, the nutritional facts are as follows:

• 45 calories
• Total fat = 0 g, saturated fat = 0 g, trans fat = 0 g
• Cholesterol = 0 g
• Sodium = 30 mg
• Potassium = 515 mg
• Total Carbs = 11 g
• Sugars = 11g natural sugar
• Vitamin C = 175% based on 2,000 calorie diet
• Magnesium = 8% based on 2,000 calorie diet
• Calcium = 4% based on 2,000 calorie diet
• Phosophorous = 4% based on 2,000 calorie diet

In addition to rehydrating your body better, coconut water is a healthier alternative to other sports drinks, because it's lower in calories, strengthens your immune system, detoxifies your body, and is 100% natural.

Want to know Where To buy Coconut water? Click here now!

Thank you for checking out my article about the history, nutrition facts and health benefits of coconut water!!! If you found this information useful, please check out my coconut water breakfast shake, shaved ice, and hangover recipes at the links down below.

http://www.benefitsofcoconutwater.info
http://www.vitacocococonutwater.info

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Sbicca

Time to Discover Coconut Milk

This delicious ingredient is often mis-understood and under utilized. Come on a culinary journey and discover Coconut Milk.

I was taught as a young child that the clear liquid inside the coconut is the milk. However, I and many others were told wrong. This clear liquid is in fact coconut juice or coconut water.

Coconut milk, is actually the liquid extracted from the grated flesh of a mature coconut.

Unlike other nuts coconuts are actually fairly delicate and do not have a long shelf life. This is especially so after the outer husk is removed. Because the outer husks are thick and difficult for consumers to remove, they are generally discarded before you see the coconut in the store.

When purchasing a coconut in the store, choose one that is heavy. You don’t want one that is cracked or punctured. Give it a shake to be sure you are getting one that is still full of coconut juice. Also check that the eyes are not moldy.

Inside the shell, the thick flesh should be a pure white color. If the flesh is a yellowish color it is probably too far gone.

If you squeeze freshly grated coconut through a piece of muslin, you will discover the real coconut milk.

Today, you don’t need to squeeze your own, as good quality coconut milk is now available in the cans and cartons. You can also get coconut cream, which is thicker than the milk.

Your can of coconut milk, once opened must be refrigerated. It will generally keep for a couple of days. But if it is left at room temperature it will quickly sour and spoil. Alternatively it can be frozen for future use.

At extreme high temperature it may curdle, so avoid boiling it rapidly. Make sure you stir it to a simmering point.

Coconut is very high in fat, however you can now buy reduced fat varieties. Coconut oil contains monolaurins which have been found to be very powerful antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal agents.

Coconut milk is a staple ingredient of South-East Asian cooking. In most western countries coconut milk is used in curries for flavor, in hot sauces to regulate the heat and in desserts for added richness. You will also find coconut milk can be used as a substitute in many dishes – sauces; stocks; emulsions such as mayonnaise; hollandaise sauces.

Coconut milk is also fantastic in biscuits and cakes, ice-creams and confectionery.

Next time you have a recipe that calls for coconut milk, click here to discover one of the most delicious brands that you can use with confidence.

Happy Cooking
Lisa “The Crock Cook”

Published At: Isnare.com Free Articles Directory - http://www.isnare.com/
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Coconut Oil Benefits Explained

2010 is a good year to be talking about coconut oil benefits as prices continue to climb. The Philippines, which is the world's largest exporter of coconut oil says prices have already shot up and more price rises are inevitable. By August 2010 the price in the world market had gone up by 44 percent when compared to first quarter prices. Ouch!

I think the best advice is to get in early and get your products before the prices jump even further.

In case you are fence sitting, remember that coconut oil benefits include:

• It is healthy and good for you
• It can improve heart health
• It is low in calories
• It converts fat into energy
• It speeds up metabolism
• It smells great
• It tastes great
• It is organic - minimal processing
• It can make you look younger
• It can make your skin smooth and soft
• It moisturises your skin
• It can last for years
• It is great for your hair as well as skin as it strengthens your hair giving it shine and body
• It is fantastic as a massage oil
• It can give you more energy

To get the maximum out of these benefits, you need to be using the organic virgin version. Even if it is a little more expensive, you will reap the extra rewards from using that product.

The jury is back in with its verdict well and truly. You should replace any oils in your kitchen with coconut oil as it's much better for you and lasts a lot longer than those other inferior oils. Then, take a look at all the other uses for it - hair, heart, skin etc. The list goes on and on and explains why more and more people worldwide are picking up on coconut oil benefits and doing something about it.

To see one of the most popular brands of organic extra virgin coconut oil then click here.

Graham Kelly has more information about coconut oil benefits at his website including videos and other articles you may be interested in. Coconut Oil Benefits

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Graham_J_Kelly