Sunday Times E-Paper

Doctors at Badulla hospital find perfect thirst quencher, coconut water

After a tired ward round or an exhausting long surgery, doctors at the Badulla General Hospital have found the perfect thirst quencher, coconut water!

Daily, coconut water is collected from the hospital’s kitchen and filled in a clay pot (guruleththuwa) in the doctor’s cafeteria.

“Initially about 30 litres of coconut water collected were just discarded. But after this practice became quite popular among doctors, other staff members too are following suit,” Dr. Palitha Rajapaksa, head of the Badulla district Government Medical Officers’ Association, said.

“Coconut water contains 93-96 percent water and essential minerals and vitamins making it rich in electrolytes and a natural source of minerals. It has high levels of antioxidants too. With its natural sugars, one can easily replace sugary, frizz drinks, energy drinks and juices with coconut water. It has the amazing power to reduce cholesterol, boost fertility and control acne. If one needs a youthful appearance then coconut water is the next best beverage after water,” he said.

He said coconut water is safe for all except for patients suffering from renal failure.

Dr. Rajapaksa said while in

Sri Lanka only a few have realised the value of coconut water, US-based Vita Coco, a leading coconut water brand has seen their profits skyrocket through the sale of coconut water worldwide.

“Do not discard the coconut water whether it is from one coconut or hundreds of coconuts. Hospitals, camps, hostels, prisons that have big numbers of coconuts used can follow what we do in the hospital,” he said.

PICTURE CORNER/NEWS

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2022-07-03T07:00:00.0000000Z

2022-07-03T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://sundaytimes.pressreader.com/article/281887302004485

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