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There are undoubted fresh coconut health benefits. But is it good to drink coconut water everyday? And when is the best time to drink coconut water? They are interesting questions, but not as interesting as, have you heard of death by coconut falling?
When I try to put my life into perspective I am always cognisant of the many strange experiences I have had. One such experience occurred on a visit to one of the many outdoor markets which you will find all over Thailand.
And indeed most Asian countries.
I made a suggestion, actually a throw-away remark, that coconuts make Thailand markets hazardous. And some of them should have air-raid warnings.
It may be a strange request to suggest outdoor markets in Thailand should have air raid warnings. Thailand has never been at war with any country capable of launching an air raid. But, if you read further, you will understand.
Thailand outdoor markets are a good place to drink coconut water
Outdoor and indoor markets in Thailand are considerable in number. They vary from large permanent structures, through various stages, to random temporary arrangements.
The main purpose of these markets is to supply people with clothing, bric-a-brac, fresh produce and freshly cooked food every day. Most markets display some clothing, and some are set up specifically for that purpose.
But food is the main attraction and a place where many people drink coconut water and enjoy the fresh coconut health benefits.
Vegetables and fruit are brought in every day, with wet fish, meat and poultry. Some traders rise early, around four am, to cook a wide variety of packaged basic meals and Thai delicacies.
Many markets open early to catch people on their way to work, while others open in the afternoon, for those who prefer to shop in the evening.
The overall quality of the offerings is good. The prices of vegetables and fruit depend on the market location and how far the produce has had to travel.
The Phuket market I refer to later in this article sells fresh local produce. Much of it is grown in the neighbouring province of Phangna, across the Sarasin bridge. This where the North of the island is connected by road to the mainland.
What are the fresh coconut health benefits?
Coconut water contains natural electrolytes and is excellent for rehydration after exercise, loss of body fluids, or diarrhea. This abstract was published online by Cambridge University Press: 07 March 2012
Coconut water (Cocos nucifera L.) is an ancient tropical beverage derived from coconuts. Its popularity on the international market has been continuously increasing in recent years.
Besides its various traditional uses, this refreshing liquid is extracted from the green coconut fruit. It has recently been described as a “sport beverage” and has drawn the attention of manufacturers as a natural functional drink.
Coconut water mainly comprises sugars and minerals. Dwarf varieties are the most suitable cultivars to obtain a tasty product.
The quality of coconut water can not only be attributed to sugars and minerals because it also has a typical flavour and some original properties. Many authors have cited medicinal uses or growth-promoting activities. But only a few publications have clearly identified the components responsible for these properties.
Cambridge University Press
When is the best time to drink coconut water?
There is no best time to drink coconut water. But it contains lauric acid, so in the morning drink it before breakfast . It can help your metabolism to kick in. It may also aid weight loss if drunk early in the day.
Is it good to drink coconut water everyday?
Fresh coconut health benefits are many. It and may help reduce blood pressure, re-hydration after exercise, the digestive system, improve your skin condition, weight loss and even hangovers. Because it is a natural raw food it is generally safe to drink coconut water daily.
But if you are not sure or you have health problems, like renal failure you should check with your doctor first, because of coconut water’s high potassium content.
The Market responsible for this article
By now, I am sure you are wondering what all this has got to do with air raid warnings. I do understand, but please humour me for a moment longer and all will be revealed.
Temporary markets are usually set up on plots of undeveloped land. They are often there for a lot longer than was originally intended. Rough wooden tables are knocked up, and remain in place permanently whilst the market is operating. Tarpaulins, which are realistic for the shorter Thais and too low for most Westerners, are erected as protection against the sun and rain and that is all, apart from unsafe temporary lighting.
Few markets consider the safety of conditions underfoot. They can range from navigable to virtually impassable when a tropical storm hits, as it does frequently in the monsoon season. This inconvenience can be overcome, and neither threatens life or limb. However, the particular market responsible for me writing this article was situated on a defunct coconut plantation which had a dozen or so live trees on it.
Coconuts galore
People go there in droves to buy cheap coconuts which are stacked high under the tarpaulins.
Coconut trees are benign chaps when they are in the lengthy process of growing. But their character changes dramatically when the growing stage is over. Here’s why coconuts make Thailand markets hazardous.
Mature trees can grow to over thirty metres in height. When the trees decide to abandon their fruit, which can weigh up to four kilograms the nut starts its twenty to thirty metre descent to the ground. The force of the landing is considerable.
When a number of trees are laden with ripe nuts at the same time the danger is obvious, as they begin to shed their fruit. When it happens in the middle of a tropical storm, the nuts turn into weapons of mass destruction. If British bomber command, during World War Two, had realised this they could have saved the Allied Governments a lot of money.
That’s why I’ve been very careful not to plant the variety that grow so high, in my garden. In any event the dwarf variety are much tastier and just as nutrtious as the gigantic ones.
So, what happened?
During a shopping spree, it started to rain heavily. Many shoppers took shelter from the storm under the market tarpaulins and then the reign (or should I say rain?) of terror began. At roughly two second intervals, what could well have been meteorites, ripped through the tarpaulins, smashing tables to smithereens and scattering produce everywhere.
Mercifully no-one was injured, let alone killed, but several holidaymakers lost their suntans in an instant. Tourists may be excused for not wandering around looking skywards but it is inconceivable that the traders were unaware of the impending danger.
Death by coconut falling
Is it good to drink coconut water everyday? Well, coconuts are healthy in many ways , but they also kill and injure people and animals. It doesn’t take much imagination to picture the damage a four kilogram coconut falling twenty metres from the sky, would do if it hit someone. Serious injury and more likely death.
There must be many a death by coconut falling, as it is an everyday occurence in the tropics. But there is little in the way of reliable statistics, I can find, to support any figures. Some studies put deaths at around 200, but they appear to be based on small samples extrapolated using the estimated number of trees worldwide. I would take any figures as purely guesstimates.
But I would take the danger of death by coconut falling seriously, and strongly advise anyone who visits an outdoor market to carry out a coconut investigation first.
Check for air raid sirens and wear a crash helmet if you are unsure.