The flesh contains valuable vitamins as well as minerals, fatty acids, and fiber. It can be eaten raw, cooked, or dried. The dried pulp is called copra, and coconut oil can be pressed from it.
The coconut water contained inside the nut is used as a cooling and isotonic drink (due to its high electrolyte content), which is great for quenching thirst. Its composition is similar to human blood plasma, so under special conditions, it can be used as intravenous liquid hydration. Until the fruit is opened, coconut water is sterile.
