Fun Fact: Coconut Water, The Best Drink

Coconut H2O

We all know that water is important. We're supposed to drink something around half our weight in ounces. So I weigh about 190 lbs and I'm supposed to drink about 95 ounces per day. However, do any of you know the benefits of coconut water? It's a lot more than I realized. For example, did you know that coconut water is nearly identical to human plasma? Due to this, coconut water can be injected directly into the human bloodstream.

What's Coconut Water?

Coconut water is the clear liquid typically found in young coconuts. Coconuts are the fruit of the coconut palm tree. They are harvested as young green coconuts directly from the trees. Coconuts that have fallen are not used as they make be contaminated with insects or rot. The picture above is actually not what you would want the coconut to look like if you were harvesting it for water. The Irony doesn't escape me.

Coconut water is a very popular drink and has been for a long time in areas such as India, the Brazilian coast, Pacific Islands,the  Caribbean, and other tropical areas. Coconut water is typically sold fresh and chopped in front of the customers, however it can also be bottled or canned. The shelf life of bottled coconut water is a respectful 24 months.

Why is Coconut Water The Best Drink?

Bottled Coconut water can actually be used in more ways than just supplementing regular water. It has been used as a type of sports drink as well. This is largely due to it's high potassium levels and  minerals. Thus making it a natural energy drink. The staggering amount of antioxidants make it a great substitute for other artificial drinks claiming the same benefits.

During World War II armies from Britain and Japan actually set up coconut IV drips since coconut water is very similar to human plasma as I mentioned before. They mainly did this because saline was in short supply and coconut water was, at the time, the best alternative. That being said, doctors today would be less enthusiastic to set up such a system. This is because coconut water, while replacing plasma, could also raise calcium and potassium level and that can be very dangerous. However, in a pinch, it would be wise to keep this knowledge if you ever end up stranded on an island.

Coconut water is an amazing natural treat. Tons of uses and can certainly replace the nasty sports drinks you're drinking.

That's you daily brain gain!