Tender Coconut : Nutritious and Wholesome Beverage

Tender coconut is considered as the wholesome beverage by nutritionists. People living in tropical regions like India feel that the nature has gifted this amrit to beat sultry and heat. I have taken tender coconut whenever I go around during day time. It is safe despite it total dissolved solvents (TDS) 3000 ppm. Believe me! your body fluid excreted as sweat is compensated with the natural isotonic fluid (technically the liquid endosperm) of tender coconut. Do you know this natural isotonic fluid has the same level of electrolytic balance as we have in our blood? It's the fluid of life, so to speak. For this it is being given to children, convalescent patients.

Nutritional Properties

The fluid's caloric value is 17.4 per 100gm. The major chemical constituents of coconut water are Reducing sugars (4.4%) in the forms of glucose and fructose; and most of the minerals (0.6%) such as potassium (290.0 %), sodium (42.0 %), calcium (44.0 %), Magnesium (10.0 %), phosphorous (9.2 %), iron (106.0 %), copper (26.0 %) and minor ones are fat and nitrogenous substances. Tender coconut water being rich in potassium and other minerals plays a major role to increase the urinary output.

Tender coconut water contains both ascorbic acid and vitamins of B group. The concentration of ascorbic acid ranges from 2.2 to 3.7mg per ml, which gradually diminishes as the kernel surrounding the water begins to harden.

Coconut water contains small amounts of Protein (0.01%). The percentage of arginine, alanine, cystine and serene in the protein of tender coconut water are higher than those in cow's milk. Since it does not contain any complex protein the danger of producing shock to the patients is minimised. The Fat (0.01%); the acidity level is (120.0 pH). (Coconut Board) (wikipedia)

Medicinal Properties

Ayurveda has meticulously documented the medical properties of the kernel and water of tender coconut. This divine beverage is blessed with aperient, laxative, diuretic and antihelmintic properties. It is a nourishing tonic. The water has amazing detoxifying properties and it will certainly help you to flush out toxins from your body. It drives away stress and fatigue and always refreshes you with rejuvenated vigor.

This tasty water acts as a cleansing agent and flushes out the toxins from your urinary bladder. It relieves you from nausea and vomiting sensation as well as pitta induced hiccups. It is a sure remedy for pitta. It is a panacea for increasing your semen count. You will become an appetizer soon and your digestion power will be promoted. If you are suffering from urine retention and scanty urination due to heat, then coconut water will answer your problem. Coconut water is found effective for problems arising from liver. Taking tender coconut daily is good for the kidney function.

The ripened coconut is an excellent remedy for acidity, flatulence, and similar stomach disorders arising out of pitta dosha. The saline like properties encourages quick healing of wounds. The topical application of coconut heals any type of wound and typically prevents the appearance of scar. If you are suffering from the burning sensation in your palms or leg feet, you are sincerely advised to drink coconut water. You may also extract milk from ripened, desiccated coconut. The consumption of coconut milk will also help you in cooling your palms and feet. (Discover Ayurveda)

Tender coconut Recipe 1

1. Coconut water - 100 ml
2. Honey - 2 spoons full (10 ml)
3. Milk - 50 ml

Mix the three ingredients thoroughly & consume.

Tender coconut Recipe 2

1. Coconut water - 150 ml
2. Lemon juice - few drops

The ingredients need to be mixed well before consumption

Tender coconut Recipe 3

Tender Coconut Kheer

1) tender coconut (kernal pieces) - 0 .5 kg

2) ghee - 50 gm

3) jaggery -700 gm

4) coconut milk (1st and 2nd milk ) -3 cups

5) cashewnuts -50 gm

6) dry grapes or kismiss - 50 gm

7) coconut-sliced and roasted in ghee - 1 tsp

8) cardomom - 10 nos

9) rice flour - 2 tsp

Preparation:

1) Heat thick bottomed vessel and add 25 gm of ghee. Add tender coconut kernal pieces and stir for 15 minutes in low heat.

2) Prepare jaggery syrup by dissolving jaggery in 500 ml water and heating the liquid till it reaches thick and sticky.

3) Add this thick syrup of jaggery and stir for another ten minutes .

4) When jaggery stick to the tender coconut pulp well, add the second milk of coconut.

5) For thick consistency add rice flour mixed in little cold coconut milk through a sieve and stir well.

6) Continue stirring and when about to boil add the first milk.

7) Remove from fire and add roasted cashewnuts, dry grapes or kismiss, sliced coconuts and cardomom powder.

8) Serve hot

Source:

1) Coconut Products http://coconutboard.nic.in/tendnutr.htm

2) Discover Ayurveda - Diet & Digestion - Tender Loving Coconuts http://www.discoverayurveda.com/diet/diet_tenderlovingcoconuts.html

3) HOW Tender Coconut water is safe despite its TDS is 3000ppm http://cr4.globalspec.com/thread/26441/HOW-Tender-Coconut-water-is-safe-despite-its-TDS-is-3000ppm

4) Coconut water http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coconut_water