I was getting ready to write a post about the wonderful cleansing effects of coconut water, based on my experience, of course. But I also have to touch upon the fact that in NYC, coconut water is the rage…
Everywhere I went in NYC I saw coconut water – in the Chinese market in Queens, at the Food Emporium in Manhattan, at the Grand Central Market and even it was served at party I went hosted by a nutritional education program. Apparently, it’s the hot cool drink of the moment.
It’s funny, because here in Puerto Rico, we are very familiar with coconut water. Coconuts can be found anywhere and if you cut into one, more than likely it will have water inside. But us, city dwellers, do not cut out own coconuts in search for their delicious, sweet water – we go to the Plaza del Mercado, the closest thing to a farmer’s market we have in PR. At the Plaza del Mercado in Santurce, the one closest to my home, I go to the Juice stand and they sell the coconut water in ½ Gallon containers for $5, plus tax.
Coconut water is very rich in nutrients – potassium, calcium, among others. There are many sites describing the diverse health benefits of drinking coconut water. I have even heard that the higher the tree/plant where the fruit grows is, the more benefits it has for those who consume it… and you have seen how tall palm trees grow…
Coconut water also has a laxative effect when drank in larger quantities. I use coconut water to cleanse my digestive system to get ready for our yoga retreats. For these laxative properties to take effect you need to drink a ½ gallon of fresh coconut water (not the kind they sell canned or in aseptic boxes) in one sitting. Drink it slowly, but steadily in one sitting or until you can’t drink any more. You’ll start to feel how your intestines start moving and shaking. I usually top it off with a Kiwi Juice to complete the cleansing effect. Drink it when you know you’ll be able to stay home and with a bathroom nearby. This is not the moment to decide to run errands.
If you live in NYC – I saw fresh coconut water at the Grand Central Market. It was expensive – this little bottle was $2.99. But I am sure that if you visit Spanish Harlem or any other neighborhood market that caters to a Latin/Hispanic community you might be able to find it cheaper and mot probably in larger containers. Because you’ll need about 4- 5 of these little containers to get the desired cleansing effects.
I love this way of cleansing your system because you’re getting nourished while you’re cleaning. For people with constipation problems, I would urge them to drink 16-20 ounces of coconut water on a daily basis and see what happens. I am no doctor or medical practitioner, but I have seen the effects it has on me and believe me… you will become more regular if you drink this by the ½ gallon.
Try it… and let me know what effects it had on you. Plus, you’ll be all the rage… how cool is that?
KarmaFree Cooking 
I love coconut water. Since I’ve found it, in NYC, I’ve relied on it during all my marathon trainings. I have tried three different kinds, but find that One Natural Experience (O.N.E.) seems to be the freshest tasting, as well as the cleanest, most like cracking open a fresh coconut.
I’ve never tried coconut water, but it sounds really tempting. Got to try it as soon as possible:)
How cool that coconut water is getting so much attention now. I love it, along w/coconut milk, coconut oil, and coconut meat.
Being born and raised here in Brooklyn, in the heart of a multi-cultural community, coconut water was always visible in the markets. I have many friends from P.R. and the Caribbean who use coconut products for cooking. As for myself, between my yankee and southern roots, I’m still learning.
Thanks for further educating me.
Coconut water really has become the wonder drink for me. I started having heart problems several years back and until I found a genius doctor didn’t know what was going on. I found out that my blood was not retaining fluid which of course let to my heart not functioning properly. My doctor had me drink Gatorade constantly along with medication and it worked great but I didn’t want all the sugar. A few years back I discovered coconut water and drank those every once in a while. A couple months ago I decided to just drink coconut water and save the gatorade for “emergency” times. Life is all about taking risks right? I feel great and coconut water has helped me so much.
I just discovered Coconut Water. I have been drinking about 17 ounces a day for the last two weeks. My wallet and my stomach can’t handle it very well. I was hoping to replace Coca Cola with a healthier alternative. I just learned it helps with constipation from reading your blog. I didn’t need help with that:(
Try adding a squirt of lemon or lime juice to the coconut water to avoid the laxative effects. It has worked for me
As a young woman living in Puerto Rico I was also taught that coconut water worked to flush out any imminent yeast infection. It worked like a charm. Years later, when visiting Aruba, local friends told me they have a saying there that goes “coconut water, good for the daughter”.
I love, love coconut water. I drink it every day instead of sodas, energy drinks, sugary juices. I feel GREAT!!
I love it too Ella… and I don’t drink it as often as I should.