Coconut Water - Next Wave of Energy Drinks

Coconut water is liquid found in young coconuts. Coconuts are rather misleading in their nomenclature: they are not nuts at all, but rather large seeds. Coconuts are the largest seeds known to be produced. It takes about 12 months for the fruit to mature, although the tree produces 13 blooms a year, with an average annual yield of 60 coconuts. In the early stages of development (6-9 months) the coconut meat has not yet formed and is more like a gel. Coconut water comprises about 80% of the fruit, at approximately 750 ml or a quart and a half. When matured, the coconut water becomes the meat and more familiar coconut milk. The components of the liquid are altered through the aging process. However, coconut water electrolytes are very close to that of human plasma. In fact, during world war II both sides of the fighting, when traditional medical I.V. solution were scarce, used coconut water to infuse injured soldiers.

Coconuts are the fruit of the coconut palm, botanically named cocos nucifera. They are native to Polynesia, southern Asia and Malaysia. Because of its tendency to drop nuts which float away to other regions and propagate, the trees now proliferate in India, South America, Florida, Hawaii and the Pacific Islands. It is common in these areas to find roadside stands vending coconut water, where they open the coconut right in front of the customer to prove its freshness. Coconut water has also been sold in cans and bottles in some geographic areas, however most have other ingredients for preservation or may contain pulp.

Coconut water has different tastes, depending on where it was grown. Brazilian coconut water is sweeter, for example, while Indian coconut water tastes saltier. The same applies to the mature fruit with its meat and milk. Every region varies according to the soil, water and sunlight, but the basic components of the coconut water varies little.

Coconut water is a refreshing drink which has found favor by naturalists for its chemical characteristics, as well as its favorable comparison to current energy and sports drinks. Individuals may lose up to three quarts of fluid when perspiring during a heavy workout. Coconut water can replace the electrolytes, perhaps with greater efficiency than the others which generally have preservatives, dyes and processed sweeteners. As a comparison:

	Coconut Water	Energy Drinks (average)
Potassium	294	117
Sodium	25	41
Natural Sugars	5	0
Refined Sugars	0	10-25
Chloride	118	39
Calories (8 oz)	46	63

With our 5 warehouse distribution system affords our customers the opportunity of the maximum on-time delivery of their orders. This geographically dispersed distribution system in conjunction with our connection to the manufacturers, offers the highest quality product with the fastest available delivery time.

AHD International has been in business since 1998 and has years of experience in selecting, selling and distribution of the highest quality ingredients available. Our select distribution relationships afford AHD access to the best product in the shortest time providing our customers the best resources available.

We are strictly a bulk supplier to manufacturers – we do not sell to re-sellers or individuals. Our minimum order size is approximately 25 kilos. AHD International LLC is classified as an importer, exporter and distributor of nutritional ingredients depending on the ingredient specified. AHD has 5 warehouse locations across North America and sales agents in over 10 countries. We are the only ingredient company to be awarded the Dun and Bradstreet's fastest growing company in America twice in 1999 and 2002.

For quotes please click here

*"These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease."