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nature’scoolestthirst quencherDeliciously rich in vitamins and minerals
ContentsIntroduction 03Brief history 04The many uses of the coconut05Nature’s energy drink 06What’s in coconut water?07The health benefits 09The main markets for coconut water10Recipes 112Coconut Knowledge Centre12Convenience in a carton13Background on Tetra Pak14
IntroductionWhite, sandy beaches dotted with swaying coconuttrees set against a dipping sun. That is a scene thatmany are familiar with.But nestled in the swaying fronds are coconuts – anut in reality, and not a fruit as widely believed –that contain what many have referred to as “miraclewater”. So dubbed for its numerous uses, fromsimple rehydration to even intravenous drips (more ofthat later!), coconut water is more than a staple foodto the numerous people living in tropical countries.It is a life saver!3
Brief historyThe coconut – fruit of the coconut palm (cocos nucifera) – has been around for hundreds ofyears. Its origins has been claimed by many, from South Asia to South America but regardlessof this, the coconut has certainly spread across much of the tropics, probably aided in manyinstances by sea-faring peoples. The nut itself is light and buoyant and this presumably helpedit traverse significant distances by ocean currents – it has been reported that coconuts havebeen collected from the sea as far as 0top 10Coconut co15,510,0001,414,522Sri Lanka2,619,000Malaysia458,450Brazil3,445,108did you know?In certain parts of India,the coconut tree isreferred to as “kalpavriksha”, which looselytranslates as “the tree thatgrants all wishes (providesall the necessities of life)”.4Papua NewGuinea1,495,000Indonesia16,332,240Historically, the coconut has been – and still is to many – a source of food, fuel, currencyexchange, trade and even medicinal aid. And because of its continual production – eachbunch of coconuts can contain between 5-12 nuts – it is readily available all year round.Today, the main coconut producers* in the world are Indonesia, the Philippines and India.Source: Asian & Pacific Coconut Community & Statistical Year Book 2010*
THE MANY USESOF THE COCONUTBreak open a coconut and you will find asimple structured nut. But each part of thenut can be fashioned into a useful object orsource of nourishment; from cooking utensils(shell) and stuffing for pillows or mattresses(from the husk) to food (white flesh insidethe wall of the shell) and medicinal (water)purposes, the humble nut has even beenused as currency for trade purposes in theNicobar Islands in the Indian Ocean, as recentas the early part of the 20th century.FleshFoodCoconut milkAnimal feedVirgin coconut oilWaterHealth-givingliquidHusk (or coir)Ropes and yarnsCar seat coversSoundproofingMulch for plant growingHeat insulationBrushes, bristlesMattresses, rugs, carpets.ShellFood for thoughtCoconut water is not the same as coconut milk. If you shakea green coconut, you will hear liquid sloshing about within.That is coconut water, which develops naturally inside and canbe consumed straight away.Activated carbonfilters5
Nature’senergy drinkWhat do Madonna, Courteney Cox, Mischa Barton, Gisele Bundchenand Sienna Miller have in common? Aside from being famous as asinger or actress, they have been seen sipping this nutrient-packeddrink. Aside from the celebrity factor, coconut water has beengaining notice over the years as a dependable source of beveragefor many people. It is even considered an excellent tonic for theelderly and sick.In its native lands, the coconut tree has been called“the tree of life” for its many uses, from root tolustrous fronds, while the coconut water hasbeen referred to as “miracle water” for itsnumerous health-giving benefits.6
What’s in coconut water?Many of the health benefits attributed tococonut water can be traced to its mineralcontent. Analytical studies have shown thatcoconut water contains nutrients such asglucose, amino acids and electrolytes such aspotassium, calcium and magnesium.Rich in essential electrolytesThe green coconuts can containup to 500ml of coconut water. Andits creamy white, jelly-like meat isdelicious! Just scoop out with aspoon and enjoy.All of these minerals are in the form ofelectrolytes so they are easily absorbed by thehuman body. Analytical studies have shownthat coconut water contains nutrients such asglucose, amino acids and electrolytes such aspotassium, calcium and magnesium.Electrolytes are minerals in your blood andother body fluids that carry an electric charge.They have an effect on the amount ofwater in your body, your blood pH,and muscle function.Common electrolytes include: Bicarbonate Calcium Chloride Magnesium Phosphorous Potassium SodiumPotassium is one of the most importantelectrolytes there is and its functions inthe body include regulation of fluids andmineral balance in cells, maintaining of bloodpressure and transmission of nerve impulsesas well as muscle functions. As it is able tohelp draw water into cells and into the blood,the body is thus able to rehydrate quickly.Hence, drinking water can hydrate you, butit does not have that speed of hydration [ofcoconut water] because it doesn’t have theelectrolytes in it. Electrolytes can also preventmuscles from going into cramps and spasms.Think of it as “nature’s sports drink”, butwithout all the caffeine and sugar in it.did you know?It is has been suggested that coconut water, extracted from a nut that has no cracks or damage, is sterile. Andbecause of this coconut water has been used as blood plasma substitute. Coconut water intravenous (IV) therapyhas been in use for more than 60 years, as far back as World War II. There are reports dated up to 1976, whichdocumented similar usage when coconut water was effectively used in emergency situations as a temporaryalternative where standard medical supplies were not readily available.7
Nutrient composition of 100ml fresh coconut waterCalories22 kcalCarbohydrates5.6 gPotassium198 mgSodium1 mgCalcium14 mgPhosphorus12 mgSource: Food Composition Guide SingaporeCONTAINS vitamins and mineralsCoconut water is a source of vitamin C and B-complex vitamins suchas riboflavin, niacin, thiamin, pyridoxine and folates. Vitamins help youmaintain healthy cellular function, boost your immunity and promoteyour metabolism.ESSENTIAL AMINO ACIDSIt contains essential amino acids that make up the building blocksof protein that is necessary for the growth and repair of yourmuscles, bones, hair, skin and eyes, as well as digestion and thecreation of antibodies.LOW CALORIES AND NO ADDITIVESThe fat content of coconut water is so low, it is essentially fat-free.Coconut water is also additive-free since its one and only ingredient isjust coconut water.Cholesterol-freePotassium is a mineral that plays a vital role in your body,especially in functions such as muscle growth, nervetransmission and brain operation. They also help balance theamount of water in your body and the acidity of your blood.Only natural SWEETNESSPyridoxine (vitamin B6) aids in the balancing of sodium andpotassium in blood, the production of red blood cells, mayhelp balance hormonal changes in women and strengthensthe immune system.As it contains no fat or trans fat, coconut water also containszero cholesterol.Coconut water is relatively low in sugar compared to other fruit juicesyet it has a mildly sweet and pleasant taste, making it an excellentalternative thirst quencher.8Folate (vitamin B9) is required for bodily functions, celldivision and growth, especially in infancy and pregnancy, andfor the production of red blood cells.
The health benefitsCoconut water has been dubbed the “fluid of life” and the Hawaiianscall it “dew from the heavens”. These are rather apt descriptions ofcoconut water given the immense benefits it carries within it. Sincecoconut water is all natural, fat-free, and low in sugars and calorieswhile being rich in essential electrolytes and vitamins, it is safe foralmost anyone to drink.Besides being highly nutritious, green coconuts also have medicinalqualities for heart, liver and kidney disorders. Research shows thatcoconuts are a great blood purifier as the coconut water is identicalto human blood plasma. Plasma makes up 55% of human bloodand drinking coconut water has been likened to an instantblood transfusion.Coconut water is believed to be useful in preventing and relievingmany health problems including dehydration, constipation, digestiveproblems, fatigue, heatstroke, boils, diarrhoea, kidney stones, urinarytract infections and even sterility.RehydrationCoconut water has been dubbed “Nature’s Isotonic” for its uniqueability to rehydrate the body because of its nutritional content; fluidsand electrolytes are absorbed quicker and more efficiently into thebody than other beverages.Cools the bodyConsidered a natural stress-buster in Ayurvedic therapy, a holisticsystem of medicine in India, coconut water is also widely used invarious ways such as removing “heat” from the body, thus effectivelytreating pimples, prickly heat, boils, sun burns and even hot flashes inmenopausal women.developing degenerative and age-related diseases. There arestudies that have demonstrated that coconut water could beuseful in prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease* inpost-menopausal women.Digestive health boosterAs a digestive soother, coconut water is also combined with spiceslike cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, garlic cumin, coriander andturmeric to promote better metabolism.Keeps the liver healthyA detox helps rid your body of toxic substances – many foods andbeverages in our modern diet are loaded with preservatives, additivesand artificial ingredients – that can create cell damage, which in turncan lead to a range of diseases. And since coconut water aids inkeeping the body hydrated, your body is able to replace and retainfluids while gently removing toxins for your body. What you get isclearer skin and a stronger immune system.Tummy comforterUsed to treat those suffering from digestive problems, it has beenproven effective in treating diarrhoea as it effectively and swiftlyreplaces lost fluids.Boosts heart healthIt is shown to have cholesterol-lowering effects as well reducing thechances of blood clot formation in the blood vessels; its beneficialeffects could be due to the presence of nutrients such as the mineralsand vitamins mentioned before as well as free amino acid L-argininethat is known to be heart protective.A natural diureticAs a diuretic, coconut water increases urine flow, which helps flush outwaste products from the body.Beauty is more than skin deepCoconut water is rich in cytokinins, which is a group of hormones thatregulate growth, development and ageing. Research has suggestedthat consuming a rich source of cytokinins may produce an antiageing effect on the body, which in turn could lead to a lower risk of9
THE MAIN MARKETS FORCOCONUT WATERBrazil is by far the largest market* for packaged coconut water and Kero Coco is the country’sleading brand. Over in the United States, coconut water brands such as Vita Coco, O.N.E. andZico lead the market while in Europe, coconut water is making steady inroads as more peoplebecome aware of the health benefits of this nutrient-packed beverage.In building brand awareness, many of the larger brand owners are tapping on the vast networksprovided by social media, such as Facebook, and online sites like Amazon, to reach theirconsumers and to get their message across – that coconut water is more than just a beverage.It is a lifestyle choice of the new generation.Get me somecoconut water!If you are lucky enough, you canget fresh coconut straight fromthe trees. But if you live outsideof the tropics, whole greencoconuts can be hard to find.Asian markets often sell shrinkwrapped version with their husksremoved and by punching ahole through, will allow you todrain out the water.Within the last few years, theantioxidants and electrolyticproperties have broughtattention to several beverageproducers and coconut wateris now widely distributed inpackaged form to supermarkets,health food stores and somegrocery stores.10Source: Euromonitor International*Photos courtesy of Vita Coco & O.N.E.Food for thoughtNo age limitsEven babies benefit! For thousands of years, mothers in tropical regions likeSouth East Asia, India, and South America have been drinking coconut water topromote good health, especially during and after pregnancy.Dehydration during pregnancy can cause various complications, includingheadache, cramps, edema and even contractions that can cause pre-term labour.Hence, the electrolyte-rich coconut water is perfect for keeping the body hydratedand supplied with essential vitamins and minerals.And for breast-feeding mothers, it is heartening to know that young coconutwater also contains lauric acid, which is similar to that found in breast milk. Itsanti-fungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties help keep diseases at bay inmother and baby.
RECIPESCoconut jellyA second helping withoutthe guiltCranberry &coconut flushTo maintain good urinary health1 cup coconut water1 cup cranberry juiceBlend well and servedimmediately.Strawberries &Pineapple SmoothieFor a shot of electrolytes tohelp your body rehydratequickly and safelyJump start your day with anutritious, low-fat smoothiethat’s also packed withantioxidants and otherimmune-boosting propertiesServes 2Serves 22 cups coconut waterGreen tea (tea bags will do)In a saucepan, bring coconutwater to a boil. Take it off theheat and steep the green tea init for 3-4 minutes. Enjoy whileit’s hot.2 cups strawberries, halved1 cup pineapple chunksSome coconut meat, cubed1 cup coconut water2 cups crushed ice1 teaspoon honey (adjust to taste)Hangover cureGreen helperTo balance an “over acidic” body6 carrots6 stalks of celery1 cucumberI large red apple2 cups coconut water, chilledHandful of ice cubesRun the first four ingredientsthrough a juicer. Mix well withcoconut water. Add ice cubesand serve immediately.Combine all ingredients in blenderand process until smooth. Dividesmoothie between 2 glassesand serve.You can substitute other fruits in thissmoothie. For a thicker smoothie,freeze the fruits in a single layer tillfrozen, before blending. Substitute the liquid used tomake your favourite jelly recipewith coconut water. Pour intoindividual moulds. Chill tillrequired. To serve, drizzle overfreshly squeezed coconut milkand melted palm sugar (or gulaMelaka). Garnish with toastedgrated coconut.Watermelon &Coconut WaterCoolerYour answer to a hot andhumid dayServes 4-64 cups fresh watermelon chunks,seedless or seeds removed1 cup coconut waterJuice from 1 fresh lime2 tablespoons honeyBlend watermelon, coconut water,lime juice and honey until smooth.Discard foam before serving.Chicken &Barley SoupA nourishing and soul-warmingsoup that is a meal in itselfServes 4-61 chicken, cut into large pieces8 cups coconut water2 large carrots, chopped2 stalks leek, chopped½ cup pearl barley1 onion, choppedPowdered chicken stock, to tasteSea salt flakes and freshly groundpepper, to tasteChopped parsley for garnishFill a large pot with coconut waterand add the chicken pieces. Cookon low heat until chicken is tender.Remove chicken from broth and setaside until cool enough to handle.Cool broth and skim off fat. Removemeat from bones; discard bonesand shred meat. Set aside. Addthe vegetables and barley to thebroth and bring to a boil. Reduceheat; cover and simmer for 1 houror until vegetables and barley aretender. Add shredded chicken tobroth during the last 10 minutes ofcooking. Season to taste. Serve hotwith chopped parsley.Adjust the amount of sugar accordingto the sweetness of the watermelon.Replace liquid used in cooking rice or other grainsUse as a braising liquid for pork or beefSubstitute water used to make soups and saucesAs an ingredient in salad dressingsIn cocktails (coconut water replenishes as thealcohol dehydrates you)11
COCONUTKNOWLEDGECENTRECollaborative efforts for onecommon goal: aided by TetraPak’s expertise in processing andpackaging know-how, the CoconutKnowledge Centre is another steptowards helping its various partnersand customers ensure the stabilityof the quality of coconut water.12
Convenience in a cartonLet’s take a quick tour of how coconut water is processed and packaged before it hits the supermarket shelves.Chilling andBlendingSeparatorIt passes througha separator toremove the fat fromthe liquid toavoid rancidityfrom occurring.After it is chilled, otheringredients can be addedduring the blending stage.Aseptic storageand fillingInline filtrationand UHTThe heat treated coconut wateris transfered to aseptic storagebefore it is packed.The coconut water is heat treatedat 140 oC for few seconds.Preserving nature’s giftOnce the coconut is opened, its water beginsto lose its nutrients as well as its flavour. It is dueto the naturally occurring enzymes – peroxidaseand polyphenol oxidase – found in coconutwater, which when they come into contact withoxygen begin reactions that cause the nutritionaland flavour losses.Tetra Pak has the technology to process andpack coconut water in aseptic packages topreserve the qualities of this natural beverage’sdelicate aroma, taste and nutritional values.13
background ontetra pakTetra Pak is the world’s leadingcompany for food processingand packaging solutions.Working closely with ourcustomers and suppliers,we provide safe, innovativeand environmentally soundproducts that each day meetthe needs of hundreds ofmillions of people aroundthe world.EnvironmentallyresponsibleOur solutions are specificallydesigned to be as economicalwith resources as possible;thus, our commitment torunning our business in anenvironmentally sound andsustainable way.STRONG R&D, BETTERSOLUTIONSOur investments in technologyand new products are inresponse to our customers’needs for faster, better andcheaper developments toreduce their operational costsand to increase performance inorder to remain competitive.14INNOVATION DRIVESPROGRESSAt Tetra Pak, innovation isthe result of the total processof developing an idea intoa product or a new way ofworking which adds value tothe business.RESPONSIBLE INDUSTRYLEADERSHIPWe set goals for continuousimprovement in ourdevelopment, sourcing,manufacturing andtransportation activities.Our motto,PROTECTSWHATS GOOD,reflects ourvision to makefood safe andavailable,everywhere.
Source:1) Dr. Bruce Fife, ND. Coconut water for health and healing2) Asian & Pacific Coconut Community & Statistical Year Book 2010 FoodComposition Guide Singapore3) Radenahmad N, Saleh F, Sawangjaroen K, Vongvatcharanon U, Subhadhirasakul P,Rundorn W, Withyachumnarnkul B, Connor JF., Br J Nutr. 2011 Mar;105 (5):736-464) Euromonitor InternationalCoconut Knowledge CentreTetra Pak South East Asia Pte Ltd19 Gul Lane Singapore 629414www.tetrapak.com15
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that contain what many have referred to as “miracle water”. so dubbed for its numerous uses, from simple rehydration to even intravenous drips (more of that later!), coconut water is more than a staple food to the numerous p
