FMI - For Mama's Information

The Amazing Power of the Coconut

As we start to see glimpses of summer weather, a new set of concerns are looming in our minds. Sun exposure is the main one to think about because we can see the physical effects of it so easily, but equally important and perhaps more difficult to keep a look out for is dehydration.

The February issue of Fit Yoga magazine has an article on coconut water that includes some facts that are startling and fascinating. The water, which is the liquid you hear sloshing around inside a whole coconut, has only been available outside the tropics since 2004 when the processing and packaging technologies advanced enough to handle this fragile and volatile liquid.
Coconut water is actually the perfect hydrating liquid. Like manmade sports drinks, it has all the essential nutrients (potassium, chloride, calcium and magnesium) that we lose through sweating, but being nature-made, it also has fewer calories and less sodium, protein and sugar and is fat and cholesterol free.
Even more surprising (though less applicable for most of us) is that it can be used as a substitute for human blood. The electrolyte levels are the same as found in human plasma, and doctors have actually used this liquid for blood donations or injected it directly into the body in cases of dehydration.
Coconut water also reduces bad cholesterol levels, promotes digestion, increases libido, fights urinary tract and bladder infections, and dissolves kidney stones. At a cost of $3.69 for a 330mL container, the cost in prohibitive for making this a daily drink, but if you are feeling concerned after a particularly hot day with yourself or your children, or just for a treat during the hot days to come, try it out.

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