If ever there was a drink made especially for a sports person or even someone wanting a boost of extra energy then this is it.

Coconut milk is the liquid found inside the coconut. This refreshing water will re-hydrate and help keep you cool as you exercise.

It's name comes from coco which is taken from the Spanish/portuguese word "monkey". This is no surprise if you think about it. Look at the coconut shell - it has the head of a monkey and the eyes of a monkey.

Is a coconut a fruit? Well yes the coconut is a fruit. It's the fruit of the coco palm tree. Although there are some who argue that it is a nut and not a fruit. In the strictest terms the coconut is actually a seed. After it falls off the tree; it lies on the ground for some time before shoots start growing out of it and the circle of life begins again. I am not sure the question " Is a coconut a fruit ?" important to me, because I just love the taste of coconut and it always brings back memories of wonderful holidays in hot climates, sitting on a beach drinking out of a coconut shell. Bliss!

An amazing fact - coconut water is nearly identical to blood plasma and was used during the Second World War War for transfusions.

Some of the coconut water health benefits are:

• helps keep you cool, which is perfect for any sports
• re-hydrates, again perfect for exercise
• boosts your immune system
• boosts circulation
• helps balance the ph in blood

Coconut water is loaded with potassium and minerals: in fact far more than a banana or any sports drink. Another great fact about this water is that it is cholesterol free.

Coconut water is made up of

• water
• potassium
• magnesium
• iron
• phosphoric acid
• nitrogen
• natural sugars

How Do I Open A Coconut?

Sometimes it's difficult to open a coconut. The best way is to take a hammer and a nail and make a hole through one of the natural indents or monkey eyes.

When you have made the hole, pour the coconut water into a cup or bowl. Of course it's not just the coconut water that we can consume - it's the lovely coconut meat as well. What other plant on the planet gives us not only water but food as well, all neatly packaged in one ball. Almost like a convenience food!

So go ahead and take the hammer and give the shell a few knocks until it cracks open. Now all that's left to do is enjoy the coconut water health benefits!

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