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ARTICLE
New Product Highlight
In case you haven’t heard episode 138 of Sue’s Healthy Minutes, I want to share with you about a new product we have recently discovered and are now offering at Bread Beckers. The product is Ciao Bella 100% Pure Coconut Water.
In my many travels to Haiti I was often offered a fresh coconut from the tree that had been cracked open and the top cut off to get to the delicious coconut water inside the coconut. The drink was refreshing and helped protect me from dehydration from the excessive sweating in the tropical heat. So, when the local owner of Halo Palms reached out to me about her all natural 100% coconut water, I knew I was interested.
While coconut water has garnered great attention and publicity in the past few years it has actually been a drink of choice for some throughout history that extends way beyond the fad of today. Tropical locations around the world have known about the hydration ability of coconut water for thousands of years. Warriors, hunters and farmers exposed to the extreme heat of the tropics have been drinking pure coconut water for years. And in some remote villages it has even been used as an IV fluid when normal saline fluids were not available.
Since being introduced to Ciao Bella coconut water, I thought I would do some research on its benefits to share with you.
Coconut water is the clear, naturally sweet liquid inside green coconuts. It should not be confused with coconut milk, which is made from the coconut water mixed with the flesh of the mature coconut.
Coconut water contains important electrolytes, particularly potassium, sodium and even calcium and magnesium. These electrolytes, in this natural balance, give coconut water its excellent ability to boost hydration. Coconut water also contains other vitamins and minerals.
In my research I came across an article that I found interesting. The article shared the account of 53-year-old woman who was rushed to the hospital when she suddenly became delusional. Her family panicked and rushed her to the emergency room where it was found that her blood sodium levels were extremely low. The article went on to state that though we often talk about other nutrient deficiencies such as iron, B12, vitamins D and K, two electrolytes that often get ignored are potassium and sodium.
These two electrolytes are critically important for our bodies to function properly. They play an important role in proper hydration even at the cellular level, in maintaining proper blood volume and in the functioning of our nerves and muscle contractions.
We get these electrolytes in their proper balance from whole foods such as fresh fruits and vegetable and fresh food drinks such as fruit juices and milk. And another great natural source of these critical electrolytes is pure 100% natural coconut water.
There are several factors that can cause an electrolyte imbalance in our body, such as excessive sweating from physical activities, especially in high temperatures, not eating or drinking enough, some medications, such as diuretics, heart or kidney disease and of course bouts of vomiting and diarrhea.
Any drop or rise above or below the normal range for sodium or potassium can cause serious, even debilitating side effects in the body depending on how acute or severe the change. Getting these electrolytes restored to the proper balance is very important.
Most Americans consume too much sodium due to our over consumption of commercially processed foods and even restaurant foods. They are typically heavily salted to improve flavor.
I remember years ago when I worked for Kraft foods, the regular slice cheese they sold was nothing in saltiness compared to the slice cheese they made for a fast-food restaurant. It was inedible as a stand-alone cheese due to its saltiness but it gave the extra flavor that you experience when eating a fast food cheeseburger.
Nevertheless, Sodium is needed by our bodies to regulate fluid balance and support healthy neuron and muscle function. Severe depletion of sodium, such as in excessive sweating or heat exhaustion can cause nausea, fatigue, muscle weakness and spasms. If not corrected it can lead to lethargy, confusion and disorientation.
I experienced this confusion and disorientation first hand in Austin, TX about 15 years ago. It was 112 degrees that day and I was outside for several hours with out proper hydration. I did not adequately prepare for being in the heat by bringing enough water along. So, the effects of electrolyte depletion is real.
Potassium is necessary for the normal functioning of ALL cells. Potassium helps remove excess sodium from the body. It helps regulate the heartbeat, ensures proper function of the muscles and nerves and is vital for the synthesis of certain proteins and supports the metabolism and breakdown of carbohydrate. It has also been shown to lower blood pressure if it is too high.
100% coconut water can be a great source for both of these important electrolytes. And Ciao Bella coconut water is just that. It is 100% coconut water with no added anything. Its sweetness comes from the green Siamese Coconut, known for its exceptional sweetness. You will be amazed at the natural sweetness of the Ciao Bella coconut water.
A few facts about Ciao Bello 100% Pure Coconut Water
It is a locally owned company, (for Bread Beckers anyway) right here in Woodstock GA.
Ciao Bella is manufactured in an FDA registered facility in Vietnam and has received the highest ratings for safety and quality standards. Once extracted, the coconut water is filtered through multiple layers to remove any impurities. It is then pasteurized with heat or high pressure to ensure the elimination of any harmful bacteria to guarantee food safety while preserving its delicious natural sweetness and flavor.
Ciao Bella coconut water has undergone thorough nutritional testing and has received a certificate of Authenticity verifying the product’s natural quality. It is certified non-GMO and has absolutely no add sugar or preservatives. It is shelf stable for 2 years.
One additional point worth mentioning is that coconut water is one of the best natural hydration options for nursing mothers and Ciao Bella was proud to be partnering with the Northwest GA Breast Feeding Coalition as a sponsor for their 10th annual Express Your Super Power 5k/10k event that took place in October. Of course, Ciao Bella 100% pure coconut water is the perfect beverage to keep you hydrated during any run or activity.
Numerous studies are claiming even more benefits of coconut water than simply hydration. Studies are finding it may help lower blood pressure, boost energy, reduce occurrence of some types of kidney stones, help prevent muscle spasms and cramps and even seems to help beautify the skin.
I know that when I teach class, especially the long ones, or speak for hours at an event, I often get dehydrated from talking and forgetting to drink my water. I noticed that I started getting muscle cramps and spasms afterwards or even while teaching. Since I started drinking Ciao Bella before or after, I have not experienced these spasms. It really helps get me hydrated quickly and to get those electrolytes back in balance.
You might all be familiar with some of the popular sports drinks that are coconut water based. But what sets Ciao Bella coconut water apart from these sugary drinks is that it is simply 100% coconut water. No added sugar, no colorings or flavoring and unlike these sugary sports drinks no ADDED sodium. It is naturally high in the exact proportions of sodium to potassium found in other whole foods. With more than 2x the potassium as sodium. It naturally provides 300 mg of potassium and only 100 mg sodium.
Of course water is always a perfect option for staying hydrated – but for super hydration especially when needed to get a good balance of potassium and sodium naturally, Ciao Bella 100% pure coconut water is a really great and delicious option.
Ciao Bella might also be a great choice for the elderly as dehydration can often be a common concern as their thirst mechanisms diminish with age. Drinking water might not always be very appealing, so getting their electrolytes in balance with great tasting Ciao Bella pure coconut water, might be an easy solution.
I am very excited about the nutritional benefits of this new product at Bread Beckers. We are offering Ciao Bella both in store and online and on our co-ops
Ciao Bella 100% pure coconut water comes in a 11.6 oz can with a food safe lining and is securely packaged in a case of 12. We will offer cases only online and in the co-ops. But in store we will offer it both as cases or individual cans for you to try.
Item#: 10240 - Ciao Bella Coconut Water Case of 12 (11.15 fl oz. each)
Ciao Bella is an Italian phrase meaning “Hello Beautiful” – so who knows – maybe drinking it will make us all a little more beautiful.
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