Young green coconuts are harvested before developing the characteristic brown, fibrous outer shell and inner white pulp. Young green coconuts have a smooth, green, and very hard outer shell. Young green coconuts are specifically harvested for their high water content as they have not yet begun developing edible pulp. Fresh coconut water is drunk straight from the coconut or can be used in both cooked and raw recipes. The coconut water has a slightly sweet, very clean and refreshing taste.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Coconut water | Raw coconut meat |
| Calories | 18 | 354 |
| Protein | Less than 1 gram | 3 grams |
| Fat | 0 grams | 33 grams |
| Carbs | 4 grams | 15 grams |
| Fiber | 0 grams | 9 grams |
| Manganese | 7% of the Daily Value (DV) | 75% of the DV |
| Copper | 2% of the DV | 22% of the DV |
| Selenium | 1% of the DV | 14% of the DV |
| Magnesium | 6% of the DV | 8% of the DV |
| Phosphorus | 2% of the DV | 11% of the DV |
| Iron | 2% of the DV | 13% of the DV |
| Potassium | 7% of the DV | 10% of the DV |
| Sodium | 4% of the DV | 1% of the DV |
Potential Health Benefits of Coconut
Historically, people have used coconut as part of traditional medicine. The meat is said to, among other things:
- Counteract some poisons
- Protect against disease
- Ease inflammation
- Kill bacteriaboost energy levels
- support digestion
- improve cognition
- reduce joint pain
- manage weight
- prevent kidney stones
- regulate body temperature
- reduce the occurrence of headaches
- improve heart health
