I love coconut water! My favorite way to drink it is straight out of a young coconut but now days you can find coconut water almost anywhere. Touting to be nature’s sports drink and the celeb drink of the summer this electrolyte-laden beverage is popping up everywhere.
But what is coconut water?
Coconut water is the clear liquid found in the cavity of a young green coconut. Different from coconut milk which is the creamy liquid derived by squeezing the fatty white meat of a mature coconut. Coconut water is anything but new and has long been a popular drink in the tropics where you can find people commonly drinking coconut water straight from the coconut.
Hype or Healthy?
Most of the buzz over coconut water is due to its electrolyte content, particularly potassium. Electrolytes are minerals that help keep the body’s fluid levels in balance so that the body is hydrated. Proper hydration is essential for everything in the body to run smoothly since the majority of the body is water. Hence why it is so important to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
When water is lost from the body, electrolytes are too and both need to be replenished to prevent dehydration. Most people don’t lose enough water or electrolytes that they really need to worry about specifically replacing them if they are drinking plenty of water throughout the day. But for people who sweat heavily during activity and especially during these hot and humid months, coconut water may be a beneficial beverage to help replace the lost fluid and electrolytes.
So coconut water is healthy. Of coarse it is – I think any food that comes naturally from the Earth tends to be healthy. After all Mother Nature is a nurturer. But use it wisely and when it makes sense – like during long hard workouts or in hot humid weather when you are prone to get dehydrated.
An 11 oz serving of 100% pure coconut water contains about 60 calories, which is fairly low compared to other beverages but will still add up if mindlessly consumed daily. Also stick with plain coconut water, which has less calories, sodium, and sugar compared to flavored versions.
Lastly I just want to add that coconut water is a nourishing beverage but just like anything else it is not the magic bullet to optimal health. Drink it if you like it to stay hydrated but don’t be mislead into thinking it will speed up your metabolism, give you younger skin, or detox your body.
Bottom Line:
Coconut water is healthy (I’m a fan). Remember to:
Stick with the 100% pure coconut water or better yet drink it straight out of a young coconut.
Drink it when you need it to rehydrate not just to casually throughout the day. Remember it still contains calories.
Have a wonderful day!
Love,
Renee
Do you recommend a specific brand of coconut water? Is there one that you like the best?
I don’t necessary recommend any specific brand. Just make sure you pick the pure coconut water. The flavored versions tend to have more calories and sugar. It is also really delicious straight out of the coconut but it is definitely more of a hassle to get the coconut water.
Love,
Renee