What is Coconut Water?
Not to be confused with the high-fat coconut oil used in cooking or coconut milk from a traditional brown and hairy coconut, coconut water is a low-cal, fat-free, cholesterol-free beverage that not only hydrates but also packs a major potassium punch. Many individuals are turning to coconut water an an alternative to soda and fruit juice because it is slightly sweet but with significantly less sugar and calories.
It is also often used as an alternative to traditional energy drinks. This is because it is able to replenish electrolytes as well as prevent cramping due to its high potassium content. This is particularly true for athletes engaged in extremely long bouts of activity, such as marathons, as they are much more likely to require additional hydration, electrolytes, and potassium than someone who just went for a short jog.
There is also another reason to consider ditching the sports drink in favor of coconut water: your teeth. One obvious factor is the sugar. Sugar is bad for your teeth and can lead to cavities. However, sports drinks are also extremely acidic and begin to cause irreversible damage to your tooth enamel after just 5 days of consistent use. This damage is even worse with energy drinks.
3 Tips for Choosing Your Coconut Water Wisely
With all of these benefits over traditional sports drinks as well as being significantly better for you than soda, you may be ready to run out the door and buy the first coconut water you see. However, there are a few things you need to know before making a purchase. Coconut water’s rise in popularity has led to a number of options: bottled, powdered, frozen, flavored, sweetened, and more. Coconut water is $2-3 a bottle, so you want to make sure you are putting your money behind a quality product.
- Always be sure to buy coconut water that is truly fresh. If it has been made from a concentrate, then it lost most of its nutrients in the process.
- Make sure you are getting coconut water from young, green coconuts and not mature coconuts. As coconuts age, the water inside seeps into the flesh. What is left behind is often used to make coconut oil or coconut milk, but should not be used to make coconut water as it lacks many of the nutrients that it once had.
- Lastly, make sure your coconut water does not contain any sweeteners or added flavors. If your coconut water came from young coconuts, then it should be slightly sweet and have no need for additional flavoring or sugar. However, if your coconut water was sourced from mature coconuts then it will be acidic in taste, thus why companies have to add sugar to mask the taste. Plus, added sugar defeats the purpose of choosing coconut water as a healthier alternative to other sugary beverages.
Brands to Avoid
This may seem like common sense, but avoid any branded coconut water that is made by a soda company. They are simply trying to cash in on coconut water’s popularity and are more focused on their bottom line than on providing the most healthful option on the market.
Here are some examples:
- Pepsico. Pepsico owns a number of brands that provide less than stellar coconut water. Naked Juice Coconut Water is made from mature coconuts. Another Pepsico brand to avoid is O.N.E. Coconut Water as it contains flavors and added sugar.
- Coca-Cola. Coca-Cola also carries a brand of coconut water called Zico. The bottled variant is made from concentrate, while the boxed variant is heated to extreme temperatures to lengthen its shelf life. This heat also kills all nutrients.
- Organic. Don’t fall for the organic trap. Many brands may be organic, but they don’t always follow best practices. Purity Organic, for instance, carries organic coconut water made from concentrate as does Coco Libre.
Always be sure to check the label and make sure your coconut water is fresh (not concentrate) and contains no added sugar or flavorings. It may also be worth your time to do some research to ensure a brand you are interested in only sources young coconuts. This way, you can be certain you are getting the healthiest option for your money.
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