You Want Me to Drink Water From What?

There's a buzz around town, have you heard it? Everywhere I turn I'm being asked about the benefits of coconut water. I bet by now you're wondering if it's worth all the hype. First of all let's look at what coconut water really is. Don't get it confused with coconut milk; coconut water is the liquid from young unripe coconuts. Whereas coconut milk is a sweet, milky base derived from the meat of a mature coconut.

The claims regarding this sweet water have been plentiful, some evidence based and others not so much. The nuts and bolts are it contains about 60 calories with no added sugar, no cholesterol or fat, is 100% natural and is chock full of 5 essential electrolytes:

- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Phosphorus
- Sodium
- Calcium

Vita Coco is one of the leading coconut water companies and they claim that their water contains as much potassium as 2 bananas, boosts your immune system, eases digestion issues, and can even clear up your complexion. Some research reveals that coconut water was used in third world countries as a blood plasma and according to the Journal of Clinical Hypertension; individuals suffering from high blood pressure often have low levels of potassium in their diet as well. By drinking coconut water on a regular basis it can reduce their risk of hypertension. Locals from the tropical regions have enjoyed the many benefits of coconut water for centuries using it as a detoxifying agent.

Other research claims coconut water can eliminate all forms of kidney and bladder stones; however, I did not see any evidence regarding this claim. With all this mounting evidence, you may wonder what could possibly be bad about it. Well I must say it holds an attractive position as a solid all natural drink. I like all the benefits this drink possesses. However, you need to know how it stacks up against your favorite post workout sports drink before making a final decision.

When we work out and sweat we actually lose a lot of sodium and potassium. Actually more sodium then potassium (ever wondered why your dog likes to lick you after a run-it's the salt sitting on top of your skin) Anyways back to what I was saying, coconut water although an extremely great choice it does not contain as much sodium as a regular sports drink does. In my personal opinion, I say enjoy the variety of wonderful flavors of coconut water if you are participating in a good intense workout, however, for those of you that are serious athletes training for a couple of hours at one time out in the heat, you may want to stick with the sports drinks as a post workout drink due to the extra sodium content.

I would love to hear your reviews of the flavors you have tried and what your own personal experience is so please leave a comment.

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