Nature’s alternative to glucose

Apr 17, 2011 - Naini SetalvaD

According to Ayurveda, “‘the wonder drink’ coconut water is unctuous and sweet, helps in increasing semen, promoting digestion and clearing the urinary track”. Having a caloric value of only 17.4 per 100 gm the coconut’s liquid endosperm is the most nutritious, wholesome beverage that nature has provided for people in the tropics to fight the sultry heat.

Young coconuts are prized for their sweet, revitalising juice. The thin, soft and delicately sweet cream of the tender coconut is a natural electrolysing agent because of the minerals it contains. It helps lower blood pressure and is excellent for muscle cramps.
In times of medical emergencies water from a tender coconut is used as a substitute for glucose. During World War II, tender coconut water became the emergency room glucose supply when there was no other sterile glucose available. Within a self-contained vessel, coconut water is free of impurities. John Canady survived on an island for 8 days on the coconut water and its pulp and on returning to office he kept the coconut as a prized possession on display.

The writer is a Mumbai-based nutritionist

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