12 - NEERA: A Nonalcoholic Nutritious Beverage from Unopened Inflorescence of Coconut Palm

Abstract

The coconut tree (Cocos nucifera) is considered a tree of life. A sweet, oyster white, and translucent sap resulted by tapping the unopened inflorescence of coconut palm is a natural health drink common among the South Asian countries. Coconut inflorescence sap is identified as a nutritional bio-beverage rich in carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, and amino acids. The most significant characteristic of this health drink is that it is diabetic friendly due to low glycemic index (GI 35), a very less amount sugar is absorbed into the blood. This nonalcoholic beverage is hailed as highly rejuvenative in traditional medicinal systems; it is recommended for the cure/prevention of various diseased continous. Recently it has been published that they possess a high nephroprotective and hepatoprotective action which in turn has increased its current demand in the market. It acts as a natural detoxifying agent, frequent consumption maintains the human system cool, and is considered a balanced food that improves the digestion. This coconut nectar is attaining world attention with its valuable products like coconut honey and coconut sweeteners.