COCONUT WATER – NATURES SPORTS DRINK
When strolling through the juice aisle or natural section at Viking Village Foods, you may notice a drink that is booming in demand. This drink has been referred to as “Mother Nature’s sports drink” by marketers and promises to not only hydrate the body but also help with a whole list of conditions. This “miraculous” drink is coconut water. Countless claims and advertisements have held this water high above other juices and concoctions but is it capable of delivering on all the promises or is it hype?
WHAT MAKES IT SO GOOD?
Coconut water is naturally refreshing water that has a sweet, nutty taste. This type of water differs from coconut milk or oil. It is the clear liquid in the fruit’s center that is tapped from young, green coconuts. This drink is comparable to sports drinks because of the easily digested carbohydrate in the form of sugar and electrolytes in the water. It has fewer calories, less sodium, and more potassium than the average sports drink however.
This option also has less sugar than sports drinks and much less than sodas and some fruit juices. Although it does contain fewer calories than sodas, juices, and sports drinks, it is important to remember it is not to be used as a substitute for plain water. Over consumption of will amount to unwanted weight gain due to the amount of calories.
HYDRATION
Sports nutritionist Nancy Clark, MS, RD and author of Nancy Clarks Sports Nutrition Guidebook says coconut water won’t rehydrate the body unless you can drink plenty of it. A study published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise shows that coconut water replenishes body fluids as well as sports drinks. Many athletes have issue drinking coconut water because it is not as flavorful as sports drinks. If you enjoy the taste and can tolerate large amounts, it could help keep you hydrated.
If participating in prolonged activity, your body may need more than what coconut water has to offer your body. When exercising vigorously for long periods of time, your body will need easily absorbed carbohydrates for quick energy and replace lost electrolytes like sodium and potassium. Pair a banana or salty pretzels with raisins with the coconut water if exercising prolonged to provide nutrients to replenish your body.
When selecting coconut water at the store, try choosing options that do not have added sugar or juices. It is important to be mindful about beverage choices and reading labels to choose plain coconut water.
BENEFITS
Bottom line, there are some health benefits to consuming coconut water. It is a great and natural way to stay hydrated while reducing sodium and adding potassium to a diet. Potassium is a nutrient that is low in many Americans diets because they are not eating enough fruits, vegetables, or dairy.
Beyond these benefits, there is not enough supporting documentation or studies that can support the hype of coconut water. More research needs to be conducted to support the claims. Overall, if you enjoy the taste of and your budget allows for it, this water is a nutritious and relatively low-calorie way to add potassium to your diet and keep you hydrated!
Dishin’ Out Healthy- Health Educator: Nichelle Hoege
“There is no diet that will do what eating healthy does”
