Coconut water is the clear, refreshing liquid inside young coconut. Tender Coconut Water (TCW) is the most nutritious wholesome beverage that the nature has provided to mankind. It contains several biologically active components namely sugars (glucose and fructose), proteins (globulin, albumin, glutellin and prolamine), amino acids (L-arginine, glutamate, leucine, aspartic acid and proline), vitamins (ascorbic acid and B-complex), minerals (potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, chlorine, sulphur, phosphorous, iron and copper) and growth promoting factors (cytokines mainly zeatin). Our studies revealed that TCW has significant hypocholesterolimic, antioxidant, antithrombotic and cardioprotective effects in rats induced myocardial infarction. Comparative studies using TCW with streptokinase showed that both TCW and streptokinase posses similar thrombolytic effects, while the antioxidant effects were more with TCW. Comparative studies using TCW with lovastatin proved that TCW can lower cholesterol levels similar to lovastatin.
Studies indicate that TCW has significant blood pressure lowering action. The cardioprotective and antihypertensive properties of TCW is mainly due to the presence of L-arginine, potassium, calcium, magnesium and vitamin C. Studies conducted by us proved that consumption of TCW has significant beneficial effects when compared to synthetic drinks like coca-cola. The consumption coca-cola increases the lipid levels and promotes lipid peroxidation while, TCW consumption significantly decreases atherogenic lipids and lipid peroxidation thereby decreasing the risk for the occurrence of CHD. Studies demonstrated that TCW has significant antioxidant, antithrombotic and hypolipidemic effects in experimental myocardial infarction. These beneficial effects are comparable to that of the novel cardioprotective drug, carvedilol. TCW is also posses significant protective role in reducing the toxic effect induced by chronic ethanol administration in rats.