VietNamNet Bridge – Ba Moi’s vineyard has become a popular tourist destination in Ninh Thuan province’s Ninh Phuoc district. The vineyard, famous for producing high-quality grapes through the application of the VietGap cultivation model, has contributed significantly to new rural development in Ninh Thuan.
Standing on Mong Bridge, which spans the Dinh River, tourists can enjoy a panoramic view of Ba Moi’s vineyard. The best time to visit the vineyard is in the summer when the grapes are ripe.
A pioneer in grape and wine production, Ba Moi has helped create a trademark for Ninh Thuan grape. His products are safe and of good quality thanks to his application of VietGap or the Vietnamese Good Agricultural Practice model.
Moi received the VietGap certificate for his products in 2010. He told VOV: "VietGap is not a magic wand that can change Vietnamese farmers’ lives in a blink. It’s a passport to bring our products to the customers by ensuring the products’ quality and safety."
Ba Moi’s vineyard is harvested twice a year, yielding 15 tons each harvest. Each hectare of grapevines earns Ba Moi US$5,000.
He said: “In Ninh Thuan we have more than 200 hectares for growing grapes under VietGAP standards and we have established links between farmers in the region. We have developed a project to help 83 farming households in Phuoc Vinh and Xuan Hai commune obtain a VietGAP certificate. I believe growing grapes will help them reduce poverty.”
By producing safe grapes, grape wines, nectar, and jams, hundreds of farming households in Ninh Thuan have developed a grape growing area of 1,100 hectares, supplying quality products for Ba Moi processing facilities.
Ba Moi has been nurturing a dream of introducing Ba Moi and Ninh Thuan grape brand to the world.
He is working towards establishing a modern grape production chain under Switzerland’s Eurogap standards.
Ba Moi said combining grape growing and eco-tourism is one the channels to further spread the popularity of Ba Moi and Ninh Thuan grapes and a good way to promote other farm products of Ninh Thuan Province.
Did you ever wonder what the best fruits and vegetables are for juicing? While it's a matter of personal opinion, these top 15 cannot be rivaled for your daily diet. They also will be particularly good if you are juicing fasting or doing a juice cleanse.
While all fresh, raw and live produce are exceptional, there are some that stand out from the crowd. I've picked these as the best fruits and vegetables mainly because of thier health benefits and ease of juicing.
Note that they are not in any special order...how would that even be possible? :) Definitely give all of these best fruits and vegetables a try.
1. Apples
Antioxidant packed, these are one of the best fruits for juicing. They help to reduce cholesterol, cleanse digestive system and help to boost the immune system. They go well with almost any fruit or vegetable (softening any bitter or strong juice), making them my favorite base for juices. They are also chock full of nutrients that help aid in digesting fats.
2. Pineapples
Pineapples add a great tropical flavor to juices. They are anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial. They help to dissolved blood clots. They also contain a digestive enzyme called bromelain with is really important for the body to digest protein.
3. Papaya
Papaya is at the top of the list of the best fruits and vegetables when it comes to digestion. It contains papain, an enzyme that helps to breakdown protein. If you have digestion problems, try juicing some papaya juice daily, especially after meals. You don’t need a lot, but adding any type of mint to your papaya juice will strengthen the properties even more. Papayas also help to replenish vitamin C in the body, and protects against cancer. Note: Papaya doesn't juice well in a juicer, however, it works great for blender drinks and smoothies.
4. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are popular and are at the top for best fruits and vegetables to juice. They are fantastic for your health. Tomatoes lower your risk of cancer (especially testicular cancer in men) and is good for the heart due to its high amount of lycopene. They blend very well with many vegetables and are pleasant tasting. When cooked, they become acidic, so if tomato sauce bothers you, don’t assume that juice would do the same. It’s completely different when it’s raw.
5. Berries
Packed with antioxidants, these do so much for your general health. They are antiviral and antibacterial. Berries are good for the blood. Blueberries and blackcurrants help diarrhea and urinary infections. Raspberries are good for menstrual cramps. Strawberries have lots of lycopene and help the cardiovascular system. While berries aren't the easiest to juice on the best fruits and vegetables list, they should become a staple in your juicing regimen.
6. Cabbage
Cabbage is fantastic for the stomach. If you had or have ulcer problems cabbage is a must for you to juice daily. It’s a cancer fighter and full of indoles that aid in estrogen balance and regulating metabolism. It’s a great detoxifier. While cabbage doesn’t taste so great alone, it’s flavor can easily be masked by other yummier produce.
7. Broccoli
Broccoli is part of the cruciferous family. Loaded with antioxidants, it also has a good amount of vitamin C. If you are concerned about lung, colon or breast cancer, have raw broccoli a few times a week. If you can’t eat it, juice it so you can’t taste it. Mix it with some tomato juice. It has chlorophyll, so it helps to regulate insulin and blood sugar.
8. Celery
Celery is great at cleansing the digestive system of uric acid. So if you have gout issues, definitely include celery in your diet daily. It’s great for lowering blood pressure because of it’s high potassium content. If you retain water daily and have lots of bloating, celery is your #1 go to veggie! It’s diuretic effect is powerful. If you are starting a detoxifying regimen, be sure to make celery as a regular base to your juices- its diuretic properties will help to remove the toxins from your body with ease. There is potassium in the tops so juice them too. It helps to balance out the sodium in the stalk.
9. Carrots
Carrots are surprisingly (and deliciously) sweet when juiced. Don’t be afraid of them at all. They have too many good nutrients packed inside to be missed. They have a high beta carotene content making them great for skin, brain, fighting cancer, protecting arteries, fighting infections and boosting the immune. Many doctors believe (as well as studies have shown) that they help to eliminate putrefactive bacteria in the colon and help to rid of intestinal parasites. They blend very well with many ingredients, including one of my favorites….apples. Apple carrot juice is a powerhouse and one of the best fruits and vegetables drink combos.
10. Sweet Potatoes
Yes, they can be juiced. They have an exceptional amount of vitamin, in the form of beta carotene. They are a good source of vitamin C, manganese, copper, fiber, B6, potassium and iron. Sweet potatoes are anti-inflammatory and really can help people with arthritis and other types of inflammation.
11. Cranberries
Cranberries prevent bacteria from forming in the bladder, prostate and kidneys. It also deodorizes urine. They contain mannose, which is what helps to keep the entire urinary track from getting and infection. They also can help prevent kidney stones. They are antiviral and antibiotic. Because they are so sour, they need to be combined with either water, or another fruit to be palatable. I like to add apple or grape juices to the mix.
12. Parsley
Parsley has a lot of chlorophyll and is excellent for the blood. It gives you a spark of energy and has anti-parasitic properties. It helps with the kidney and gallstones, cleanses the liver and supports the heart. Many people also say it helps their arthritis. And one last thing- it helps to deodorize the body as well as your garlic or onion breath! Add it to any juice, but more generously to your green juices as you’ll hardly taste it when its mixed with other greens.
13. Dandelion Greens
Besides for its general leafy green benefits including chlorophyll, dandelion is specifically good for cleaning out the kidney, liver, gallbladder, bowel and pancreas. It’s a mild diuretic, and helps people with anemia, diabetes and hypoglycemia. Because of these things, it does help many people with acne problems as it helps to clear elimination blockages in the body. That’s not all- it has a good amount of calcium, manganese, potassium and iron.
14. Wheatgrass
Wheatgrass is one of the finest greens out there. It restores health to the sick and brings up red blood counts for a healthy body. It’s high in indoles, which helps to prevent cancer. It stimulates DNA repair, neutralizes the worst free radicals (called superoxides) and protects from cancer. It contains over 20 enzymes, including the enzyme catalase which breaks down harmful hydrogen peroxide in the body and prevents it from harming cells. Wheatgrass is very nutrient dense, and includes provitamin A, chlorophyll, potassium, magnesium, among many, many others. According to several studies, the only nutrient it seems to lack is vitamin D and B12. People have used wheatgrass to reverse cancer and many other health issues with success. It is easy to grow or find in markets these days. Unfortunately not all juicers can juice wheatgrass with ease. Many can, but if you have a model that cannot you can buy a special wheatgrass juicer. If I had to put an order to the list on this page, wheatgrass would be number 1 on the list for the best fruits and vegetables to juice- soley for it's health benefits.
15. Citrus Fruits
Citrus are one of the most popular of the best fruits and vegetables to juice. They contain carotenoids, bioflavonoids and oodles of vitamin C which help to fight cancer. They lower blood pressure and help to reduce plaque from arteries. Citrus are antiviral, antibacterial and super yummy. They had a burst of flavor to almost any juice. You’ll want to make sure your citrus fruits are not picked until ripe as they can be acidic if picked too early.
Honorable mention for best fruits and vegetables to juice
Okay, so, there are so many good fruits and veggies. Here are some that get special status, right below some of the best…
Spinach is full of many important vitamins and minerals. It does contain oxalic acid which can interfere with the absorption of calcium in the body, so since there are so many choices for things to juice, limit this to 2-3 times a week.
Kale, how awesome is kale? It has protein, minerals, calcium, very good...maybe I should have included this in the top 15!
Melons are super nutritious. Many are natural diuretics which make them powerful cleansers and detoxifiers. They have a high water content so they are great to re-hydrate your body, especially after a workout. Cantaloupes are high in beta carotene(the orange gives that away) and all of them are antiviral and antibacterial.
Peppers are rich in vitamin c and have lots of antioxidants. They help to keep arteries decongested and help conditions like asthma, bronchitis and the common cold. They also help the hair, nails and skin because they are high in natural silicones.
Coconut water, in fact, is the juicy secretion (collection) inside the cavity or endosperm of young, tender coconut. Its water is one of nature’s most refreshing drinks consumed worldwide for its nutritious and health benefiting properties.
The water of tender coconuts is a clear liquid, sweet, and sterile and composed of unique chemicals such as sugars, vitamins, minerals, electrolytes, enzymes, amino acids, cytokine, and phyto-hormones. It iscollected after opening a tender, green, healthy, and undamaged coconut. In general, young and slightly immature coconuts gathered from the coconut tree after they reach about 5-7 months of age for the purpose of reaping its drink.
Botanically, coconut plant belongs to the Arecaceae family of palm trees and has the scientific name: Cocos nucifera.
Each coconut may contain about 200 to 1000 ml of water depending upon cultivar type and size. Any nuts younger than five months of age tend to be bitter in taste and devoid of nutrients. In contrast, mature coconuts contain less water, and their endosperm thickens quickly into white edible meat (kernel). Coconut milk obtained from the meat, therefore, should not be confused with coconut water.
Coconut palm flourishes well under the coastal tropical environments. A coconut tree may yield several hundreds of tender nuts each season. Different species of coconut palms are grown all over the tropics. Naturally, their taste and flavor of water show variations according to saline content in the soil, distance from the seashore, and climate conditions.
Health benefits of coconut water
Coconut water is a very refreshing drink to beat the torching tropical summer thirst. Its liquid is packed with simple sugars, electrolytes, and minerals to replenish dehydration conditions inside the human body.
Research studies suggest that cytokinins (e.g., kinetin and trans-zeatin) in coconut water found to have significant anti-ageing, anti-carcinogenic, and anti-thrombotic (anti-clot formation) effects.
Coconut water is offered to patients with diarrhea in many tropic regions to replace the fluid loss from the gastrointestinal tract and to reduce the need for hospitalisation. The osmolarity of tender coconut water is slightly greater than that of WHO recommended ORS (Oral Rehydration Therapy) solution. The presence of other biological constituents like amino acids, enzymes, minerals, and fatty acids may account for this higher osmolarity. Nonetheless, unlike WHO-ORS, its water is very low in sodium and chlorides, but rich in sugars and amino acids. This well-balanced fluid composition, along with much-needed calories, would be an ideal drink instead of any other kind of soft drink beverages available in the markets to correct dehydration conditions.
Coconut water is composed of many naturally occurring bioactive enzymes such as acid phosphatase, catalase, dehydrogenase, diastase, peroxidase, RNA-polymerases, etc. In effect, these enzymes help in the digestion and metabolism.
Despite being very light in consistency, its water proportionately has better composition of minerals like calcium, iron, manganese, magnesium, and zinc than some of the fruit juices like oranges. (Compare the mineral composition of oranges).
Its liquid is also a an excellent source of the B-complex vitamins such as riboflavin, niacin, thiamin, pyridoxine, and folates. These vitamins are essential in the sense that the human body requires them from external sources to replenish.
Coconut water carries a good amount of electrolyte potassium. 100 ml of water has 250 mg of potassium and 105 mg of sodium. Together, these electrolytes help replenish electrolyte deficiency in the body due to diarrhea (loose stools).
Further, fresh coconut water has a small amount of vitamin-C (Ascorbic acid); It provides about 2.4 mg or 4% of RDA. Vitamin-C is a water-soluble antoxidant.
See the table below for in depth analysis of nutrients: Coconut water (Cocus nucifera), Fresh, Nutrition Value per 100 g. (Source: USDA National Nutrient data base)
Principle
Nutrient Value
Percentage of RDA
Energy
19 Kcal
1%
Carbohydrates
3.71 g
3%
Protein
0.72 g
1.5%
Total Fat
0.20 g
1%
Cholesterol
0 mg
0%
Dietary Fiber
1.1 g
3%
Vitamins
Folates
3 µg
0.75%
Niacin
0.080 mg
0.5%
Pantothenic acid
0.043 mg
<1%
Pyridoxine
0.032 mg
2.5%
Riboflavin
0.057 mg
4%
Thiamin
0.030 mg
2.5%
Vitamin-C
2.4 mg
4%
Vitamin-A
0 IU
0%
Vitamin-E
0 mg
0%
Vitamin-K
0 mcg
0%
Electrolytes
Sodium
105 mg
7%
Potassium
250 mg
5%
Minerals
Calcium
24 mg
2.4%
Copper
40 mcg
4.5%
Iron
0.29 mg
3.5%
Magnesium
25 mg
6%
Manganese
0.142 mg
%
Zinc
0.10 mg
1%
Phyto-nutrients
Auxin (Gibberlin)
Present
--
Carotene,ß
0 µg
--
Cytokines
Present
--
Lutein-zeaxanthin
0 µg
--
Leucoanthocyanin
Present
--
Selection and storage
Tender coconuts ready to use.
Fresh tender coconuts can be readily available in the markets in tropical regions year-round. However, they require importation into the semitropical and cold regions. Nowadays, ready to use tender coconuts, imported from Thailand and Malaysia, can be easily available in the USA, European Union, and Canada.
In the stores, coconut water also sold in packets, and bottles as well. However, its overall nutritional profile may not be the same and up to the mark in terms of vitamins and enzyme levels, since some additives and preservative need to be added to it to enhance shelf life.
At home, fresh tender coconuts can be kept at room temperature for about 5-10 days. Once opened, its liquid soon turns sour and off-flavored due to intense enzymatic activity. Instead, store it in the refrigerator if not used immediately.
Preparation and serving tips
Refreshing coconut drink.
Iced coconut juice with tender coconut meat topping. Photo courtesy:
To prepare, use a long sickle to cut open its outer layer (exocarp) either at the top or bottom end and break the hard inner shell to expose inner cavity hoding the coconut water. Some expertise and caution are essential to do this job and to avoid injuries. Its water is then enjoyed using a straw. Otherwise, the whole fruit is turn upside down to transfer its water into a wide mouthed bottle or bowl.
Enjoy the coconut drink without any additions.
Iced coconut water can be a refreshing drink.
Fresh water can be made special drink adding lemon slices, mint leaves, and orange zest.
Its gel-like meat (kernel) inside the young tender coconuts is very sweet and delicious.
Safety profile
Coconut water is universally appealing drink. There are no known reactions of any sort notified so far drinking it. It is not only cherished in healthy but considered safe in pregnancy, infants as well as in illness conditions.
Note:
The discussion on this page is solely dedicated to water (liquid) or solution of tender coconuts, and not about coconut milk, meat, coconut oil or any products of the coconut tree.
Coconut water is one of the universally appealing, pleasant drink. It composes many naturally occurring bioactive enzymes, simple sugars, electrolytes, and vitamins. It not only cherished among healthy but considered safe in pregnancy, infants as well as in some diseases.
Coconut water is popping up everywhere in a variety of healthy beverages and you may be curious if it really lives up to the hype surrounding it. But, do the benefits stand up to its actual nutritional value? Is coconut water good for you?
What is coconut water?
Coconut water is the clear liquid found inside a young, green coconut which is usually about the size of a basketball. Ideally, young coconuts are harvested at 5-7 months of age, to contain the most water.
As thecoconut matures, the liquid is replaced with coconut “meat”. The greatest nutrient health benefits of coconut water comes from drinking the water of the young coconut, not the mature coconut milk, which is generally lower in nutrients.
Coconut water has been consumed for centuries in tropical countries and is believed to treat a variety of health-related ailments. In Sanskrit, coconuts are called “kalpa vriksha” which means “tree which gives all that is necessary for living”.
In certain emergency situations, coconut water has been used for IV hydration due to its high electrolyte content and the fact that it is sterile if used directly from the inside of the coconut. People all over the world enjoy coconut water for its multiple benefits and sweet taste.
Recently, coconut water’s health benefits continue to be touted, as many marketers call it “nature’s sports drink” and a “life enhancer”. But, are the claims that coconut water is good for you really true?
Coconut Water Nutrition Facts
The liquid inside the coconut contains approximately 46 calories per cup, 10 grams of natural sugar, with little protein and it is fat free! It contains multiple vitamins, minerals, and phytochemcials that are ideal for human health.
The primary nutrient in coconut water is potassium. It contains approximately 600 mg (12% DV) making it a high electrolyte beverage. Coconut water also contains a small amount of sodium, about 40mg and up to 10% of your daily calcium and magnesium needs.
Electrolytes are critical to maintain blood volume, heart health, and well as to prevent dehydration. Maintaining electrolyte levels can help reduce fatigue, stress, and help maintain muscle relaxation.
There has also been some interesting research regarding the cytokinin content of coconut water which in the future may show some anti-cancer properties. Cytokinins are naturally occurring plant hormones that may help reduce the growth of cancer cells, although more research is needed at this time.
With these nutrition benefits is coconut water good for you? The answer is yes! If you really like the flavor, it can be a low-calorie, low-sugar alternative to soda. It is pretty refreshing to consume on a hot day, to help re-hydrate.
Other health benefits of coconut water include:
Lowered blood pressure
Weight loss
Increased athletic performance
Boosted energy
Lowered cholesterol
Reduced cellulite
Relax muscle tension
Coconut water is a safe, healthy beverage for most people. Those with kidney disease should limit consumption foods that are too high in potassium, including coconut water. Now let’s explore the research and science-backed benefits of coconut water.
Health Benefits of Coconut Water
1. Electrolyte Replacement: Coconut Water vs. Gatorade
Because coconut water is high in potassium, and such a great electrolyte replacement, it has even been used for IV hydration in certain emergency situations.
It is also lower in carbohydrates compared to other sports drinks. Coconut water is only about 4.5% carbohydrates whereas other sports drinks can contain 6-8% carbohydrate concentration. This is good for athletes trying to watch their sugar intake and hydrate after an event. For most casual exercisers coconut water is a great low-sugar hydration choice for after a workout.
A 2002 study, compared water, coconut water, and standard sports beverages to determine which beverage was best for post-exercise hydration. The eight subjects exercised in the heat and then were rehydrated with either water, coconut water, or a sports drink.
Researchers found that there was no difference in sodium levels, urine output, or fluid balance between the three beverages, meaning all three beverages were equally hydrating. But, there was significantly less nausea or fullness with the coconut water allowing the participants to drink more of the beverage.
Overall, coconut water can be an alternative to sports drinks, but it may depend on the type of sport and the intensity. Some long-distance endurance athletes may need more specialized products that contain more sodium and carbohydrates. But, for most casual exercisers, coconut water is a great option.
2. Lower blood pressure
A 2005 study found that when subjects were given coconut water for two weeks, their systolic blood pressure was 71% lower and their diastolic blood pressure was 29% lower than those who drank plain water.
The high potassium content of coconut water has led researchers to investigate the potential benefits for reducing cardiovascular disease risk.
Potassium counteracts the effect of sodium in the body, helping lower blood pressure.
3. Lower cholesterol and triglycerides
A 2006 study found that rats given coconut water had a decreased chance of having a heart attack. The coconut water helped decrease their total cholesterol triglyceride levels, and LDL cholesterol, specifically the cholesterol found in the heart.
Additionally, the health benefits of coconut water helped the rats recover faster if they did have a heart attack. Researchers believe that the benefit may be related to the potassium, calcium, and magnesium content in the water, all electrolytes that play a role in helping maintain heart health.
4. Cleansing / Detox
Our bodies have an amazing natural ability to cleanse and detox on their own, if provided the correct nutrients and hydration. Inadequate hydration leads to the build-up of toxins in our bodies because the liver and kidneys, the detoxifying organs, are unable to function properly without adequate water.
Dehydration resulting from water or electrolyte loss leads to fatigue, irritability, confusion, and extreme thirst. These symptoms result from the inability for the kidney to adequately flush toxins out of the system. Adequate fluid intake, ideally 8-10 cups per day, can help prevent dehydration and maintain the body’s natural detoxification ability.Although water is great, during very hot weather or strenuous exercise, more than just plain water may be necessary.
Coconut water contains a similar electrolyte profile to human blood, making it an ideal beverage to replace fluids and help remove toxins from the body. The electrolyte potassium, specifically, can help counteract some of the negative effects of a high sodium processed diet.
5. Reduce stress and muscle tension
It’s almost as good as a massage! Some of the electrolytes found in coconut water, specifically calcium and magnesium, may help with stress and muscle tension. Many of us are missing these critical minerals in our diets, making stress management even more challenging. Other than maintaining strong teeth and bones, calcium helps with smooth muscle relaxation. Adequate calcium intakes may help keep our all our muscles relaxed, including our heart muscle, lowering the risk of heart attacks.
Magnesium has been nicknamed the “relaxation” mineral. Its primary function is in the parasympathetic nervous system, the part of the nervous system that helps us relax. It also helps with the formation of serotonin, the feel good hormone.
Magnesium and calcium work together to help maintain muscle relaxation. Coconut water contains both of these minerals, so drink up on a stressful day to help you stay calm and stress-free.
Coconut Water vs. Coconut Milk
Many people confuse coconut water with coconut milk. Higher in fat and calories, coconut milk is extracted from the flesh of the coconut and is thicker, sweeter, and more dense. It also is packed with nutrition and healthy saturated fats, but it is also very high in calories. A cup of coconut milk is about 552 calories compared to a cup of coconut water which is only about 46 calories! Whew!
Coconut milk has many health benefits as it is a rich source of potassium, manganese, magnesium, folate, calcium and selenium.
One note too, while it is high in fat it is important to remember that the medium chain fatty acids of the saturated fat in coconut oil and coconut milk are very good for you! They can be used by your brain without going through your digestive tract and so they are easily accessed by your body.
Because of its great taste and texture it is a great dairy substitute for baking and cooking!
The Best Coconut Water To Buy
If available, look for coconut water in a fresh, green coconut, instead of the packaged variety, it may be difficult to open, but is really fun to drink! It also contains no added sugar, preservatives and is not pasteurized. It is the healthiest and most delicious choice by far.
Fresh coconuts are perishable and you may find them in the refrigerated section of health stores. If they are opened, the coconut water should be kept cold and consumed within 3-5 days.
If you cannot find a fresh, green coconut, your second best choice is cold pressured coconut water, which is only lightly processed via high pressure processing instead of heat. This exposes the coconut water to high pressure to eliminate bacteria, but maintains a greater level of vitamins and minerals.
If coconut water does not need to be refrigerated, it usually means it has been pasteurized to maintain its freshness. During the pasteurization process, liquids are heated to a high temperature to kill any bacteria, but this also destroys many of the natural vitamins and minerals in the product.
Avoid coconut water that is from concentrate. Generally, if any fruit or vegetable is made into a concentrate, it loses nutrients in the process therefore it is always best to choose options that are not from concentrate.
In order to make coconut water more “flavorful” many companies are adding sweeteners or other flavors to coconuts. Many companies also use flavors to cover up the fact they are not using young coconuts in their coconut water, but instead are using mature coconuts that have a more bitter and acidic taste.
Avoid coconut waters with added flavors or sugar. The primary ingredient should be 100% coconut water, there should not be any added fruit juices, natural or artificial ingredients, or anything that may indicate that the coconut water was modified in any way.
Ways to Enjoy Coconut Water
Combining Coconut Water with Probiotics
If you looking for a great way to boost your digestive and immune systems, then eating and drinking probiotic foods is the way to do it. And if you have a dairy sensitivity, then coconut kefir water is a great option!
Kefir is traditionally a cultured dairy product that is one of the most probiotic rich foods available. It has multiple health benefits due to its high probiotic content, for people with gastrointestinal issues as well as those who have been over prescribed antibiotics.
Traditionally, kefir has been made by adding kefir grains to dairy, such as milk. Kefir grains are not actual grains, but are small kernels that contain a specific balance of yeast and bacteria.
Although most people are generally able to tolerate kefir, even if they can’t tolerate dairy, some people may be sensitive to it or have a dairy allergy. Luckily, coconut water can also be made into kefir to help everyone reap the benefits from this amazing beverage. Here is a great recipe for coconut water that you can make at home!
Coconut Water Kefir Recipe
(Recipe adapted from Cultures for Health)
To make coconut water kefir, add:
1 quart coconut water
3 tablespoons water kefir grains
Optional: 1 cup fresh fruit of your choice
Directions
Activate grains by using sugar water first. Generally, this is done by adding ¼ cup sugar to 1 quart water and adding the grains and soaking for 24-48 hours. Once the grains are activated in sugar water, you can then use them with coconut water.
Place the kefir grains in the coconut water into a large jar with a lid. Cover the jar and allow it to sit for 24-48 hours.
Remove the grains before drinking.
To add fruit, blend the coconut kefir and the fruit in a blender.
You can continue to reuse the grains if you refresh them in sugar water between uses.
Recipe: Super Hydrator Juice
If coconut water alone is too plain for you, try mixing it with other fruit juices. Here is a recipe for my Super Hydrator Juice drink that contains coconut water as well as other fruit and vegetable juices for optimal hydration.
Ingredients:
4 ounces coconut water
4 celery stalks
1 whole cucumber
1 peeled lime
Directions:
Add all ingredients together into a juicer. Gently stir and drink immediately.
Coconut water has so many amazing health benefits, consider adding it to your daily routine as a beverage for ultimate hydration. It should not replace plain water, but it can be a great alternative to other beverages that is low in sugar and calories.
Be careful when buying commercial coconut water brands as many can lack the nutrients found in the natural water. Many brands have a significant amount of added sugar or preservatives that can modify the health benefits of this amazing treat.
Coconut water is good for you, it has multiple health benefits and may be cardio-protective as well as help prevent cancer and other diseases. So drink up!
and hydration. Inadequate hydration leads to the build-up of toxins in our bodies because the liver and kidneys, the detoxifying organs, are unable to function properly without adequate water.
