Water and oxygen are essential to our existence . Water is LIFE and our bodies are made up of over 70% water. Water is also essential in aiding the body in carrying out all of its necessary bodily functions. Drinking an adequate amount of water keeps things moving and it helps in moving waste and toxins out of the body. A few years ago I learned about the benefits of coconut water and my life hasn’t been the same. I drink coconut water a few times a week as well as distilled water and it is one of my primary beverages during my seasonal fast. I also provide it to clients who participate in my detox program and share detailed instructions on how to open up coconuts in my hands on classes for those who are intimidated by the process of doing so.

WHY COCONUT WATER?

Coconut water is living water and it contains vitamins, minerals and is the ultimate source of electrolytes. It also helps to cleanse the blood and stands above the rest with regard to its nutritional value. Coconut water also helps with intestinal worms and in extreme cases of dehydration. Due to the cooling effect that coconut water has on the body it is the perfect drink to enjoy after a strenuous workout to help restore internal balance.

WHERE TO FIND COCONUT WATER?

Coconut water can be found at your local health food store or your local international market. You can also find it online and I’ve personally purchased it from a vendor in Florida (www.florida-coconuts.com). The vendor in Florida will even provide you with a tool to open the coconuts if this is something that intimidates you. You can also find delicious coconut water in your travels to warm tropical clients. Don’t miss out on the opportunity of trying it when you do so.

MY FAVORITE BRANDS

I like the young green coconut for fasting, it’s just PERFECT.  I like the young Thai coconuts for desserts, dessert drinks and mylks and they can be easily found at your local health food store or international market or online. The brown coconuts are the mature coconut and contain very little water and the flesh is usually hard. However, the meat within these coconuts can sometimes be used for raw vegan desserts. I also recently found a bottled brand of coconut water that is fresh and not pasteurized that I love that is made by HARMLESS HARVEST (http://www.harmlessharvest.com/WORLD-S-BEST-COCONUT-WATER). HARMLESS HARVEST is the real deal and can also be found at your local health food store or ordered on line and is very similar in taste to the wild green coconuts. It’s not as sweet and can be used during a cleanse. Lastly I use ZICO brand or ONE brand as an alternative and they are in a box container and have been lightly pasteurized but can be used to make your nut mylks or as an alternative when the others are not available.

HOW TO OPEN A COCONUT

The young green coconut will require the use of a special tool or a machete to open. The young Thai coconut will require the use of a cleaver to open. The bottled version is readily available in the refrigerated section of your local health food store for you can grab and go. However, nothing beats the real deal and it is definitely worth the extra effort. When opening a coconut you can expect to get anywhere from 8oz – 16oz of fresh living water. It’s the best thing ever!!!!

MY TOP 3 WAYS TO ENJOY COCONUT WATER

1. Drink it alone, it is DELICIOUS
2. Drink it with lemon or lime juice and add 1 to 2 tablespoons of Spirulina (quick and easy green juice)
3. Use it as a base for nut mylks and smoothies for extra nutritional value

COCONUT FACT OF THE DAY

Coconut water is very similar in make up to human blood and it was used intravenous in World War II to treat patients in need of blood transfusion.

Check out my earlier blog post on dairy alternatives for a nut mylk recipe that uses coconut water. Please leave me a comment on how you currently use coconut water or how you will use it. If you have any questions be sure to leave them below and please feel free to share this post with those who can benefit