CHAPTER ONE
The coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) is a tropical plant which belong to the order Arecales and family Arecaceae. It is widely grown in about 90 tropical regions of the world (Peggy, 2007).Every part can be utilized roots, husk, leaves and fruit.
The cavity of the endosperm contains watery fluid called coconut water which begin to form around two months after the natural opening of the inflorescence (Janick and Pull, 2008). It is rich in vitamins, amino acids, minerals and sugar (George, 2001). The coconut water is isotonic in nature. It’s biologically pure with pleasant sweet taste which is of immense health benefits to human (Adams and Bratt, 2000).
Coconut water contains both macro and micro minerals which play vital roles in body metabolism. Examples of these minerals are Mg, Na, K, P, Fe, Zn and Cu (Jean et al., 2009). The fluid has long been used in different parts of the world. During the second world war coconut water was used in place of saline solution during emergency surgeries (Aragao, 2000). It is used in controlling hypertension, intestinal problems and weight reduction. Coconut water is also used for intravenous rehydration and electrolyte replacement in a wide range of situation (Ferraz et al., 2003).
The aims and objectives of this research work was to analyze some mineral content of coconut water.
