Why is Coconut Water So Good For You?

Coming from the young green coconuts before they have developed into the brown shell that we all know and recognise coconuts to be, coconut water is a pure source of hydration and nutrition. In it's raw state, it is known as 'isotonic' meaning it is one of closest things to the composition of the fluids in our bodies. Due to it being a natural source of potassium which helps maintain normal muscle function and it also has no added sugar to the natural occurring sugars of the coconut. It is also great for a hangover!

I'm sure you're all going on your work Christmas parties at some point this month and the alcohol will be flowing when the next morning you will have an almighty hangover! Coconut water = the perfect solution! When you're hungover, you tend to be dehydrated as alcohol is a diuretic, you need to keep hydrating your body with fluids. Too much alcohol can have an effect on other body parts such as kidneys, liver and stomachs as they cannot handle the impact of alcohol, therefore, they need to quickly recover.

Other benefits of coconut water:

• Improves digestive systems
• Helps in prevention of viral infections
• Temperature control – water is the body's cooling system so water helps the body when it starts to overheat. Minerals can sometimes be lost through sweating and need to be replaced quickly for hydration which is where isotonic drinks prove to be the best.

Any Side Effects?

Because coconut water is one of the healthiest drinks around, it doesn't have any side effects unless anyone has a severe allergic reaction to nuts. It is perfectly fine for pregnant women, children and women that are breastfeeding.

Coconut water can also be made into alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails and my 2 favourite are below:

Coconut Colada

• 2 ounces Cîroc Coconut Vodka
  
• 2 ounces coconut water
  
• 2 ounces Coco Lopéz Coconut milk
  
• Mini umbrella
• 1 cherry
• Fresh coconut, with top cut off

Combine vodka, coconut water and coconut milk, and serve in fresh coconut with umbrella and cherry as garnish.

Non-Alcoholic Xcalacoco Welcoming Drink

• 1 peeled fresh coconut
  
• 1/3 ounce lemon grass
  
• 1 tablespoon sugar
  
• 3 cups water

Boil the coconut and the lemon grass with 1 cup of water. Once it has completely boiled, add remainder of water and sugar. Strain the liquid and cool in the freezer before serving.