Coconut Water-Based Products from Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a leading supplier of coconut to the global market. The quality of Sri Lankan coconuts and coconut-based products is highly valued by global consumers mainly due to their superior quality.

As a result, the coconut exports sector enjoys an average annual turnover of more than USD 500 million. The industry has diversified into various sub-sectors resulting in the production of a wide range of products. Almost every coconut-based product enjoys high international demand as long as they are manufactured using Sri Lankan coconut.

The kernel, shell, husk, trunk and coconut water are what is mainly used to manufacture many coconut-based products. Coconut water is the liquid endosperm. It accounts for 25% of a coconut’s weight. Due to its mildly sweet and acidic flavour, there is a high demand for coconut water-based products in the global market as a substitute for carbonated beverages mainly due to overpowering evidence of health benefits of coconut water against the unfavorable health effects of carbonated beverages.

Coconut water is also the best natural drink for athletes due to its low-calorie content (17.4 cal / 100g). The nutritional component of the liquid may differ based on its maturity. Overall, it contains minerals, amino acids, phytohormones, and bio compounds such as Vitamin C, Vitamin B, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Glumatic acid, Lysine, etc.

Behind the rising demand for Sri Lankan coconut water-based products are the numerous health benefits backed by cogent research evidence.

Tender Coconut Water

Widely known as TCW, it is the liquid derived from the green-coloured tender coconut, which is yet to ripen. Coconuts usually take 10 - 12 months to fully mature.

Tender coconut water is a nutritious, wholesome beverage that first became popular among people in the tropic, who drank it to fight the heat. It is known best for its cooling properties. It is a proven Pitta Pacifier.

The electrolytes present in tender coconut water generate an osmotic pressure similar to blood. Therefore, it is also the best alternative for short-term intravenous rehydration. Coconut water producers from Sri Lanka supply bottled tender coconut water to the markets in the USA and the EU along with other value-added versions including flavoured coconut water and fizzy coconut water.

Health Benefits of Tender Coconut Water

Most consumers experience some common health benefits from tender coconut water consumption.

Improves Digestive Health
Tender coconut water serves as a tonic. It contains all the nutrients necessary to fulfil a person’s daily intake. When food gets digested, the unwanted portion is passed through the bowels. When this function is hard to be performed, it is generally termed as “Constipation”. Tender coconut water can help treat this condition as it contains soluble fiber which eases up bowel movement. Regular consumption of this tender coconut water can help in avoiding any issues related to bowel movements.

Rich with Antioxidants
The unstable molecules produced in body cells during metabolism are known as free radicals. They can create stress or injury. Too many free radicals can lead to oxidative stress, which can damage cells and increase the risk of diseases. According to studies, tender coconut water contains antioxidants that modify free radicals in a manner that can no longer cause any harm. Its nutritional components can also treat inflammation both inside and outside of the body. It can be applied to rashes on the skin to reduce inflammation.

Reduce the Risk of Kidney Stones
It is a known fact that drinking enough fluids can lower the risk of getting kidney stones. Although we can simply drink water to support this matter, coconut water consumption is identified to be a better choice. Kidney stones are formed when calcium, oxalate and other compounds combine to form crystals in urine. Tender coconut water possesses the ability to reduce free radical production in response to high oxalate levels in urine.

Natural Coconut Water Vinegar

There are two types of coconut-based vinegar, namely “Coconut sap vinegar” and “Coconut water vinegar”.

Sap vinegar is made using the sap taken directly from the coconut flower at the top of the coconut tree. Coconut water vinegar is made using coconut water and added sugars.

It is known to contain the same nutritional components and healing properties as coconut water. It is further used as a natural preservative and a flavouring agent in the preparation of pickles, salads, sauces, and many other condiments.

Vinegar is rich in minerals and vitamins such as beta carotene, calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium since it is naturally fermented. Still, it has to be noted that there are types of synthetic vinegar available in the market.

Therefore, the better choice is to always go with naturally fermented vinegar made in Sri Lanka to experience the nutritional benefits.

Health Benefits of Natural Coconut Water Vinegar

Reduces Risks of Obesity 
Obesity is a chronic health problem caused by multiple endogenous and environmental factors. Excessive calorie intake from energy-dense meals is among these factors. Inflammation triggered by obesity can always lead to chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and even cancer.

Consumption of coconut water vinegar can reduce the risk of obesity. Coconut water vinegar contains acetic acid, gallic acid, and vanillic acid that promote anti-obesity, hypolipidemic, and anti-inflammatory effects. [1]

Reduce Blood Sugar Levels 
Coconut water vinegar consumption can also help lower blood sugar levels. This cause is supported by its main component, acetic acid. This benefit can be experienced at its best when vinegar is consumed with a meal.  Acetic acid further helps consumers to avoid blood sugar spikes after a carb-rich meal. This vinegar can also help treat type 2 diabetes. It supports the improvement of insulin sensitivity by 34 per cent. [2]

Helps Weight Loss 
Thanks to its major compounds, Coconut water vinegar can help its consumers lose weight. It helps to reduce hunger and feel satiated for a longer time than usual. Acetic acid helps the body to turn off fat storage genes and power up fat burning ones. It can also slow down the rate of bowel movement which also leads to feeling full.

King Coconut Water

King Coconut is indigenous to Sri Lanka. Locally known as “Thambili”, the big orange-coloured coconut is a top favourite of tourists visiting the island.

The water found in king coconut is sweeter than normal coconut water and has been popular among the locals as a health drink. Sri Lanka is the largest producer of king coconuts.

Sri Lankan exporters serve the global demand with bottled king coconut water. The organic liquid contains several types of natural sugar such as sucrose, fructose, and glucose, which provides it with its unique sweet flavour. King coconut water is also a good alternative to sports drinks since it contains fewer calories, less sodium, and more potassium compared to sports drinks available in the market. Its health benefits do not stop there.

Health Benefits of King Coconut Water from Sri Lanka

Rich in Electrolytes
King Coconut water consists of many ingredients that are essential to the human body. It supports metabolism. It contains electrolytes, which are chemicals that conduct electricity when mixed with water. But, the way they perform in the human body is quite different.

Electrolytes regulate nerve and muscle function. They hydrate the body, balance blood acidity, blood pressure, and also help repair damaged tissues. When engaging in sports and other tiring activities, the human body tends to sweat. With sweat, electrolytes including sodium, magnesium, chloride, and calcium get released out of the body. This means that vigorous activities can cause a decrease in the level of electrolytes in the human body. Consumption of king coconut water can help to regain this level of electrolytes while rehydrating the body.

Reduced Urinary Tract Infections
Consuming king coconut water protects against bladder infections, kidney stones, and urethral stones. Consumption of this organic drink can reduce the size of the said stones with time until they are completely expelled from the body. It can also help the body cleanse off any harmful drugs or toxins.

Rich Source of Vitamin
King coconut water is also a good source for a range of vitamins. Drinking this healthy water can provide the body with Vitamin C, Vitamin B1, B3, B4, B5, B6, B7, B8, and B9.

All these vitamins are known to improve the cellular function of the body. For starters, Vitamin B7 is a vitamin that supports hair growth, nail growth, and healthy skin. Doctors who practise Sri Lankan Ayurveda had discovered the therapeutic value of king coconut water before modern medicine.

The organic liquid is mixed with Aralu (a medicinal plant native to South-East Asia) powder to create an effective laxative that helps you cure constipation.