Reasons to Hydrate with Coconut Water

I have been asked why I sometimes recommend coconut water after massage rather than just plain filtered water.

Well, I was introduced to coconut water as a medicinal fluid by a couple of nurses who serve as medics for events held in the dessert. They explained to me that if one has coconut water handy and is out of medical supplies such as the standard intravenous fluids (lactated ringer solution or a dextrose/water solution); one can safely start an IV with fresh young coconut water.

In my own research I found that during World War II, in the Pacific, wounded soldiers were treated with emergency transfusions of coconut water. If the coconut is only punctured to draw out the fluid (not broken open) the young fresh water inside is sterile. This fluid easily mixes with blood without side effects.

In getting the health benefits from coconut water one must start with a fresh, tender, young, undamaged and healthy Coconut. The coconut will be green in color and must be harvested between 5-7 months of age.

Depending on the cultivation type and the size of the nut, it will contain approximately 200-1000 ml of water.

The question is why can it be used as an IV fluid? The answer is it has an electrolyte (ionic mineral) make up similar to human plasma. Coconut water is the life blood of the nut’s embryo and can also be that for humans. Like human plasma, coconut water has a mixture of sugars, minerals, amino acids, vitamins, hormones and other necessary substances for growth and development.



There has been much research done on coconut water especially due to the fact that ten years ago the U.N.’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) sought and was granted a patent for bottling coconut water in a way that preserves its nutrients. In this process an FAO official noted that the fluid of the nut contains the same five electrolytes found in human body fluids. These electrolytes are Phosphate, sulfate, calcium, magnesium and potassium. It has also been found that coconut water contains trace elements such as zinc, selenium, iodine, and manganese (to name a few).

On the level of vitamins coconut water is a good source of riboflavin, niacin, thiamin, pyridoxine and folates. Why is this especially important when considering re-hydrating the body? The answer is; the body cannot replace these vitamins on its own. They must come from an outside source.

When we massage we are affecting the connective tissue, circulation, digestion and metabolism to name a few systems. Within coconut water  there is a plant hormone, cytokinins, which regulates growth, development and aging of the plant. Research has shown these hormones  to be similar to the human hormones cytokines. It is probably this similarity that allows the plants cytokinins to stimulate cell division of human connective tissue in a way that allows the tissue to replace old damaged cells and take on the functionality of younger tissue. Also, when we massage one releases dead cells and other metabolic waste into the system. By drinking coconut water which contains, bioactive enzymes such as acid phosphatase, catalase, dehydrogenase, diastase, peroxidase, RNA polymerase, all of which aid digestion and metabolism; one is providing the body a better means of removing toxins from the system. There is also evidence that coconut water helps to dilate blood vessels, improves blood flow and reduces muscles cramps. The nut’s water, high potassium content is the reason for the reduction in muscles cramps.

We all know water is important for the body to function. Every cell, tissue and organ in the body requires water to function. Through water, the body maintains its temperature, removes waste and lubricates joints. The body also needs the right combination of electrolytes (minerals) for water to efficiently enter the cells in every fiber of a person.

Plain filtered or tap water lacks electrolytes and therefore cannot aid the body in replacing them when they are depleted due to exercise or other exertional activities. Too much plain water (more than half the body weight in ounces over a 24 hour period) can also dilute the blood to the point of causing electrolyte imbalance and depletion. Another reason to choose coconut water over plain water is the fact that coconut water’s chemical make- up allows it to be absorbed through the intestinal wall quicker than water, which allows the body to recover faster.



In summary when the body has been taxed and needs to recover quickly I prefer coconut water to plain water because Coconut water is:

· A natural isotonic beverage, containing the same level of electrolytes as found in human blood

· an excellent electrolyte replacement after exercise, heat stress and illness

· improves circulation

· improves digestion

· Restores strength and elasticity of the skin

· Enhances healing of wounds and lesions

· Is high in potassium reducing muscle cramping.



In the states we can not get fresh coconuts year round. We can now get processed coconut water year round. As we know processed is not an ideal choose but the right processed coconut water is better than some other alternatives. Two of the biggest things I look for when selecting processed coconut water
1. no added flavors
2.  it should say no sugar added. Ideally it should contain less than 14 grams of sugar. I usually go for below 9 grams when possible.

Currently, my favorite is Harvest Bay. And for me Chilled is always best.
Happy re-hydrating!