Latest news with #coconutwater


Daily Mail
14-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Trendy soft drink loved by millions could 'protect against bowel cancer' in some people, study reveals
Coconut water might do more than quench your thirst—it could help ward off a disease that increases the risk of cancer, a study has found. Speaking of the findings on Instagram, Dr Kunal Sood, an anaesthesiologist from Maryland, USA, said: 'Even though the study was just for ulcerative colitis patients, it may be a gentle, food-based tool to support gut health with your doctor's guidance.' Ulcerative colitis is a long-term condition where the colon and rectum become inflamed, causing ulcers to develop on the lining of the large intestine. Now, experts believe that coconut water could help keep symptoms of the painful condition under control and reduce the risk of complications like bowel cancer. Common symptoms of the condition—which affects around 300,000 people in the UK—include debilitating diarrhoea, severe abdominal pain, fatigue, and weight loss. Symptoms can also worsen and affect other parts of the body causing fat to swell under the skin, painful joints and even weakened bones. The researchers, from All India Institute of Medical Sciences, analysed 97 patients with mild to moderate ulcerative colitis to see whether coconut water would have anti-inflammatory effects on patients' gut microbiome. They found that drinking 400ml of coconut water a day for eight weeks led to higher rates of clinical remission—where symptoms lessen to the point that they're almost gone—compared to a placebo. In a video posted to Instagram, Dr Sood who was not involved in the study, added: 'Researchers also found that it shifted the gut microbiome, increasing beneficial bacteria while reducing inflammatory bacteria. 'Its high potassium content and anti-microbial peptides may play a role in that effect,' he added. Most concerningly, patients with ulcerative colitis also have an increased risk of bowel cancer, with the risk becoming more severe the longer a patient has lived with the disease. Living with the condition for 30 years can increase the risk of bowel cancer by 18 per cent, according to studies. But now researchers say drinking just 400ml of coconut water daily could help manage symptoms and ward off the deadly disease. Coconut water has surged in popularity in recent years for its supposed health benefits as a natural source of electrolytes, vitamins and minerals for as little as £2.20 a bottle. The water is the clear substance found inside green, unripe coconuts and just one cup of it is said to contain an impressive 600mg of potassium. According to the NHS, adults should aim for around 3,500mg of potassium a day. This essential mineral helps keep fluid and sodium levels, reducing inflammation in the body. Coconut water also contains high levels of antioxidants, which can help to neutralise oxidative stress which leads to cell damage. Ulcerative colitis patients are at higher risk for developing bowel cancer because chronic inflammation can result in the continuous turnover of cells in the intestine. This rapid turnover increases the chance of abnormalities that may lead to cancer. In order to reduce the risk of the condition developing into bowel cancer, patients are currently recommended under NHS guidelines to eat a balanced diet, including plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables—like coconut water. Unfortunately, many patients are often unaware that their condition has developed into bowel cancer as the initial symptoms of the disease are similar. These include blood in the stool, diarrhoea and abdominal pain—all of which are common symptoms for ulcerative colitis patients. To try and catch the disease early, patients with ulcerative colitis are invited for regular check-ups to look for signs of bowel cancer from 10 years after their first symptoms develop. This involves examining the bowel with a camera inserted into the rectum—known as a colonoscopy. The findings come amid a surge in bowel cancer cases in young people—many of whom are perfectly fit and healthy. While research is yet to identify a specific smoking gun, groups of scientists have posed a variety of theories, including rising obesity levels, poor diets and microplastic pollution. Common symptoms of the disease include needing to go to the toilet with more urgency, rectal bleeding, blood in the stool—which may appear red or black in colour—and change in consistency. Some patients may also experience abdominal pain, bloating and unexplained weight loss. Overall, just over half of bowel cancer patients are expected to be alive ten years after their diagnosis, with 90 per cent of people diagnosed at stage 1 surviving for at least five years.


Fox News
09-07-2025
- Health
- Fox News
Viral 'cloud coffee' trend can boost health with unusual ingredient: How to make it
A caffeine-packed drink has gone viral on social media this summer – and it contains an ingredient that could provide a health boost. Videos of "cloud coffee," made by placing coffee foam on top of coconut water, have generated millions of views on TikTok and other social platforms. The drink gets its name from the presentation of the coffee foam over the transparent coconut water, giving it a cloud-like appearance. On TikTok, the drink caught the attention of curious viewers. "I'm skeptical but I kinda want to try," one person wrote. "I have never heard of this and I am very intrigued," another person observed. Fox News Digital spoke with Bryan Quoc Le, Ph.D., a California-based food scientist with Mendocino Food Consulting, to discuss the latest craze. "Cloud coffee is made by whisking, either by hand or with a handheld mixer, equal parts sugar, granulated instant coffee and ice-cold water," he said. After the instant coffee is mixed into a thick foam, the substance is then added to a glass of ice-cold coconut water. "It can take some time to whisk the mixture by hand, so a handheld mixer is recommended," Le added. At that point, coffee lovers are welcome to mix the foam into the water on their own. If not, Le noted, the coffee foam will still dissolve in the water. "The coffee foam slowly dissolves into the coconut water to create a creamy coffee mixture at the interface of the foam and coconut water," he said. Cloud coffee is similar to dalgona coffee, said Le, which was a social media trend during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. The coffee resembles dalgona – a Korean sugar candy – but is not related to the treat. "Dalgona is very similar to a cloud coffee, except that milk is used instead of coconut water," he said. "Coconut water can be swapped out with any number of other ingredients, like iced water, dairy milk, almond milk or oat milk." Coconut water also serves a health purpose: Its electrolytes can help you rehydrate faster. It's also been known to help lower cholesterol and blood pressure, according to studies. For those who might be wary about enjoying coconut water with their morning joe, other liquids will work just fine, said Le. "Coconut water can be swapped out with any number of other ingredients, like iced water, dairy milk, almond milk or oat milk," he said. Cloud coffee is one of many caffeine-packed trends that have generated momentum on social media. Last summer, TikTok users tried out a viral "cracking latte" that some people complained was disappointing. More recently, mushroom coffee has gained popularity, with Fox News host Dana Perino noting that she enjoys the beverage.
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
A coconut-water maker's stock soared at its IPO, defying China's consumer spending slump
Thai coconut-maker IFBH's stock surged 67% on its Hong Kong debut. IFBH's IF coconut water has one-third of the market share in China. Coconut water is a fast-growing market in China as consumers are increasingly health-conscious. Stock of a China-focused coconut-water beverage surged on its first day of trade, showing that niche consumer brands can still capture attention and money in a sluggish Chinese economy. On Monday, shares of Thai coconut water maker IFBH leaped as much as 67% on their debut on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. IFBH's initial public offering was priced at 27.80 Hong Kong dollars a share, or $3.54. The shares surged as much as HK$46.50 minutes shortly the opening bell and closed at HK$39.50. Investor enthusiasm for IFBH was clear even before trading began. The offering was 2,682 times oversubscribed. Cornerstone investors included UBS Asset Management and ICBC Wealth Management. The strong debut comes despite a broader slump in Chinese consumer spending that has hit luxury sales in the country. However, some sectors, like sports and lifestyle, are still raking in the big bucks. IFBH, which makes the IF range of coconut water, has been the top coconut water brand in China for five straight years, according to research firm Baiguan in a post earlier this month. In 2023, IF held a one-third share of the market. Once seen as a niche hydration product for athletes, coconut water is now a fast-growing category. It's being served in mainstream dining venues like restaurants and cafés, Jason Yu, the managing director for Greater China at the UK-based consumer research group Kantar Worldpanel, told Business Insider. "Coconut water is seen to have multiple benefits that are good for consumers and for sports without being sugary," Yu said. "Like yogurt drinks, it's seen as a good alternative to soda and other sweetened beverages when dining. Coconut water also pairs very well with hot and spicy food," he added. Baiguan analyst Nina Chen credited IFBH's success in part to the popularity of Luckin Coffee's coconut latte and brand collaborations, including tie-ups with Labubu-maker Pop Mart and celebrity endorsements. "IF exploited a unique market gap: high Chinese demand for a product (coconut water) the country couldn't easily produce," wrote Chen. Driven by rising demand in China, IFBH revenue hit $157.6 million in 2024, up 80% from the year before, according to its IPO prospectus. The company plans to use the proceeds to invest in product development, marketing, and expansion into new markets, including the Americas and Australia. Despite the intense competition in the sector, Yu said the market for coconut water is likely to continue growing as it's still an emerging market. "Chinese consumers today are more than ever willing to spend on their health and well-being," he said. Read the original article on Business Insider


Forbes
30-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Thailand's Coconut Water Giant IFBH Soars In Hong Kong IPO Debut
IFBH, the Thai company behind the IF-branded bottled coconut water, started trading in Hong Kong on June 30, 2025. Shanshan Kao/Forbes Asia IFBH, the Thai company behind China's largest coconut water brand IF, saw its shares jump 42% in its Hong Kong stock market debut Monday, boasting a market cap of $1.3 billion. IFBH ended its first day trading at HK$39.5, up from its HK$27.8 per share set for the initial public offering. The company, a subsidiary of Bangkok-based General Beverage, raised HK$1.16 billion ($145 million) from the sale of 41.7 million shares at the top end of a marketed range of HK$25.3 to HK$27.8. The stock surge gave Pongsakorn Pongsak, IFBH's founder, CEO and largest shareholder, a net worth of $807 million, propelling the 45-year-old into the ranks of Thailand's wealthiest people. Forbes estimates Pongsakorn's wealth based on his 60% stake in IFBH, which he holds directly and through General Beverage. Pongsakorn holds a 91% stake in General Beverage, which in turn owns 60% in IFBH. IFBH's IPO has attracted a roster of big-name cornerstone investors, including Black Dragon, an investment fund backed by Soopakij Chearavanont, the chairman of Thai agriculture-to-telecoms conglomerate Charoen Pokphand (CP) Group and the eldest son of billionaire Dhanin Chearavanont; HongShan's HCEP Management; Jain Global, the U.S. hedge fund founded by former Millennium co-chief investment officer Bobby Jain; U.S. trading giant Jane Street; and UBS Asset Management. The company's pre-IPO investors include Singaporean sovereign wealth fund Temasek. IFBH said it will use the IPO proceeds to bolster fulfillment capabilities, strengthen its presence in mainland China and expand operations in Australia, the Americas and Southeast Asia. 'Over the years, we have grown into one of the leading ready-to-drink natural coconut water brands in Asia,' Pongsakorn said at the listing ceremony in Hong Kong on Monday. 'Looking ahead, we are excited to continue investing in innovation, strengthening our sourcing capabilities and growing our brand sustainability.' Pongsakorn Pongsak (right), founder and CEO of IFBH, attends the company's listing ceremony at Hong Kong's stock exchange on June 30, 2025. Shanshan Kao/Forbes Asia IFBH is best known for its IF-branded bottled coconut water—a clear and slightly sweet beverage derived from coconuts that some people believe is good for health. The company posted $362 million in retail sales value in China last year, making it the country's largest coconut water producer, according to its prospectus, which cited China Insights Industry Consultancy. With a global retail sales value of $374 million in 2024, IFBH said it's also the world's second-largest coconut water company after New York-based Vita Coco. The company generated more than 92% of its revenue from mainland China in 2024, with 4.6% from Hong Kong and the rest from places including Australia, Cambodia, Canada, Kuwait, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and the U.S. Its sales surged 80% year-on-year to $157.6 million in 2024, while net profit nearly doubled to $33.3 million during the same period. IFBH attributed the growth to the increased sales volume in mainland China. Despite its business scale, IFBH has a lean team of 46 staff, thanks to its 'asset-light' business model. IFBH outsources its manufacturing and distribution to parent General Beverage and other third parties, freeing the company to focus on marketing and R&D. Pongsakorn founded General Beverage in 2011 and launched the IF-branded coconut water two years later. He started selling the beverage in Hong Kong in 2015, followed by mainland China in 2017. Pongsakorn has continued to innovate over the years, launching plant-based snacks such as coconut crispy rolls, as well as products that cater to local preferences, like coconut black tea in China. In late 2022, he formed IFBH to run General Beverage's operations outside of Thailand. IFBH's listing comes amid Hong Kong's IPO market revival. The city is on track to reclaim its crown as the world's top listing venue in 2025 following a five-year dry spell, driven by renewed investor interest for Chinese tech stocks following the rise of AI startup DeepSeek and U.S.-China tensions that are prompting more Chinese companies to pivot toward Hong Kong listings. Since the beginning of 2025 through June 26, there were 41 listings in Hong Kong raising a total of more than HK$104 billion, according to data from the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing. Among the companies going public in the city includes gold jeweler Zhou Liu Fu Jewellery, whose shares soared nearly 70% over the first two trading days on Friday, catapulting its chairman into billionaire status. MORE FROM FORBES Forbes Chairman Of Chinese Gold Jeweler Zhou Liu Fu Becomes A Billionaire After Stock Surge By Zinnia Lee Forbes Billionaire Brothers' Chinese Bubble Tea Giant Mixue Surges In Hong Kong Debut By Zinnia Lee Forbes Ex-Baidu AI Scientist Becomes A Billionaire After Shares Of His Self-Driving Tech Startup Jump 16% By Zinnia Lee


South China Morning Post
30-06-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Can Singapore's bourse regain its allure, as more companies flock to Hong Kong for IPOs?
Hong Kong's vast lead over Singapore as a listing venue appears unassailable, with even the Southeast Asian city's home-grown companies heading north to raise funds, but the city state remains determined to improve its allure, according to bankers and analysts. IFBH, a Singapore-incorporated Thai firm that is the world's second-largest bottler of coconut water, started trading on the Hong Kong stock exchange on Monday after completing a HK$1.16 billion (US$147 million) initial public offering (IPO) . The bottler of the If brand had planned to list in Singapore but changed course and applied in Hong Kong in April, citing strong connectivity with mainland China, its most important market. IFBH's debut in the city followed that of Mirxes, a Singaporean biotechnology company that raised HK$1.09 billion and saw its shares surge 28.8 per cent on the first day of trading on May 23. The Singapore Exchange (SGX) recorded just one IPO this year, raising US$4.5 million, while the Hong Kong stock exchange raised US$13.2 billion through 38 deals, according to data from the London Stock Exchange Group. Last year, SGX had four deals totalling US$34.2 million, compared with Hong Kong's US$11.3 billion from 67 deals. IFBH and Mirxes underline the valuation upside and deep liquidity in Hong Kong's stock market, which has a market capitalisation of US$6.5 trillion – up 37 per cent from a low point last September – and a daily trading volume of around US$30 billion. Meanwhile, Singapore's stock market is worth about US$488 billion and has a daily trading volume of about US$1.1 billion. Despite US-China trade tensions driving some Chinese firms to expand in Southeast Asia and consider listings in Singapore, analysts said the impact on Hong Kong's appeal as a listing venue remained minimal.