Young coconut water, when drunk fresh, tastes sweet due to its total sugar content of 5.6%. In addition to a number of macro- and microminerals, it also contains vitamins and protein, albeit in small amounts. Although the protein content of young coconut water is only 0.1%, ARG (12.75%), ALA (2.41%), CYS (1.17%), and SER (0.91%) are four types of amino acids that are higher than those found in cow's milk protein.
Furthermore, of the 12 amino acids in coconut water, seven are essential: ARG, LEU, LYS, TYR, HIS, PHE, and CYS. Glucose is the most abundant amino acid, and as explained in the nutritional value of young coconut flesh, it is also the highest, an amino acid that is essential for the brain.
According to Kemala and Velayutham (1978), the nutritional value of young coconut water, particularly its mineral composition, is highest when the fruit is 8 months old, with the highest concentration of potassium. Therefore, various studies have shown that consuming coconut water can cure several diseases.
Table 1. Composition of young coconut water from the West Coast Tall variety
Source: Rindengan, Barlina. 2004. Potensi Buah Kelapa Muda Untuk Kesehatan dan Pengolahannya. Balai Penelitian Tanaman Kelapa dan Palma Lain.