The functions and sources of minerals
Minerals are found in coconut water and have a range of health functions. In the medical practice, these minerals have been applied as an intravenous fluid to address dehydration-related ailments such as influenza, cholera as well as dysentery. Fife (2011, p.42) states that the fundamental mineral elements found in coconut water are essentially similar to those in the same in human blood; thus, based on this ground, doctors directly inject coconut water into the recipient’s bloodstream.
Beyond the dehydration-related diseases, the patient can be treated for malnutrition (Fife, 2011, p.42). Coconut water is gaining popularity among athletes. Athletes are increasingly using coconut water as a natural rehydrating beverage instead of the alternate commercial ones (Fife, 2011, p.42).
Fife (2011, p.42) while citing the USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference notes that coconut water is rich in minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron as well as sodium in the corresponding amounts of 24 mg; 250 mg; 25 mg; 0.3mg and105 mg, respectively. These are measured in quantity per 100 grams of the edible part.
Mofidi (2003, p.1650) has provided over 15 nutritional body minerals and trace elements; their functions as well as food sources. Fife (2011, p.42) explains that natural coconut water can be obtained as a readily packaged product in food health stores as well as sold by groceries in its natural form. Calcium is in important for bone and teeth development; muscle function; blood clotting and pressure as well as proper nerve activity.
Potassium functions in checking the acid-base body ratios and osmotic pressure; stimulate intracellular enzymes as well as muscle and nerve coordination. Magnesium provides ion balance within the nerves and muscles; bone mineralization and teeth longevity. Iron forms part of the blood hemoglobin that plays important role in the translocation of oxygen during body activity. Sodium plays a part in ion balance for optimal pH balance; stimulation of intracellular enzymes as well as nerve and muscle activity coordination.
The function of water in the body
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (2012) diagrammatically include some of the functions of water in the body including a check of body temperature; lower constipation as well as facilitating the excretion of body wastes from the kidneys and liver. Other water functions in the body include delivery of oxygen and nutrients to remote body cells; dampening body tissues like in the mouth, the eyes, and the nose; protecting body organs and tissues as well as acting as a solute for minerals and other nutrients to dissolve in order them readily accessible to the body.
Fife (2011, p. 42) implies that there is a general lack of awareness on the importance of coconut water as a natural provider of healthy water for rehydration and nutrition. Coconut water is prepared by crushing and pressing out from the coconut white. The coconut water appears like dairy milk and its taste may be indifferent from that of the coconut white (Fife, 2011, p. 42). The quantity of coconut water per 100 grams of an edible portion is 95gms. Other body nutrients derived from coconut water include carbohydrates and sugars, vitamins and proteins (Fife, 2011, p.42).
The general effect of dehydration on the body
The general effects of dehydration on the body include (but are not limited to) nausea, fatigue; lack of energy; headaches; thirst, dizziness as well as reduced metabolism. Others are reduced sweat or urine; heatstroke; poor concentration as well as the swollen tongue.
References
Fife, B. (2011). Coconut Water by Bruce Fife, ND. Natural health & Vegetarian Life, 42.
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (2012). Nutrition and Healthy Eating. Web.
Mofidi, S. (2003). Nutritional Management of Pediatric Food Hypersensitivity. Pediatrics 111(3), 1645 -1653.