If you are trying to be a bit healthier and are looking to make some lifestyle changes, such as improving your diet and increasing your exercise then coconut water is a great place to start as it has a number of health benefits and it’s now easier than ever before to get hold of at affordable prices.
What is coconut water?
For those of you that have never had, or heard of Coconut water before, it is the clear liquid found inside a young green coconut grown in the tropical regions. It is 100% natural and can be drank straight from the coconut, or bought in the supermarket if you haven’t got a coconut tree handy! The average green coconut can provide between half a cup and a cup of coconut water which is full of nutrients, antioxidants and has multiple health benefits. Coconut water should not, however, be confused with coconut milk which is made from the white coconut meat which is not considered to be as healthy. The benefits of drinking coconut water have been highly publicised and discussed in recent years with some individuals even referring to it as a super food (or drink) leading to its increased popularity.
What does coconut water taste like?
If you haven’t tried coconut water before then it is worth noting that it does have a very unique taste. It’s hard to describe as there is nothing I can compare it too. It’s a clear fluid that is thicker than tap water and a bit sour, which doesn’t sound appealing but is actually is really nice and refreshing. Bizarrely, it doesn’t actually taste like coconut, or at least not like the white coconut meat that you are probably more familiar with. If you haven’t tried it before the I would recommend that you start with a small carton to see how you get on. If you find that you don’t like the taste or texture of coconut water then try using it as the base for a healthy smoothie and add some fresh fruits and ice and bled them all together, that way you can still reap the benefits.
What are the health benefits of coconut water?
There are a number of potential benefits of drinking coconut water, especially if you make it part of your daily routine, which is why it is becoming increasingly popular. Here are some of the most popular ones:
High nutritional value
One cup of coconut water contains the following essential nutrients
- Carbs: 15 grams
- Sugar: 8 grams
- Calcium: 4% of the daily value (DV)
- Magnesium: 4% of the DV
- Phosphorus: 2% of the DV
- Potassium: 15% of the DV
You can also buy coconut water that has been premixed with various fruits and other fruit juices which will also contain added vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, to further enhance the nutritional value.
Contains antioxidants
Coconut water is believed to have high antioxidant properties which are good for protecting you against free radicals, reducing the risk of disease and preventing health issues.
Heart Health
Studies suggest that coconut water can be good for heart health, with results showing that those who drink it regularly can experience lower blood pressure readings if they previously suffered from high blood pressure. Other studies have also shown that it can reduce the risk of strokes too.
Kidney health
Studies suggest that coconut water can help prevent kidney stones, with some believing it is even better than regular water, as it promotes urine alkalization and flushes out chemicals. However if you suffer from chronic kidney disease or other kidney problems then always consult your healthcare provider before trying these.
Replenishes electrolytes
Coconut water is a popular choice by athletes as it helps to replenish natural electrolytes which aid sport recovery. It is also healthier and contains less sugar than typical sports drinks so more parents are encouraging there active teenagers to try these too.
Bone Health
It can improve bone health
Great for hydration
Staying hydrated is important for both physical and mental health and coconut water can also help aid hydration. If you struggle to drink enough plain water then try swapping one glass of regular water for a one cup of coconut water.
High in potassium
People don’t tend to get much potassium in their diets, if that’s you then this can be a great of increasing it.
Contains magnesium
The naturally occurring magnesium helps many functions within the body, including making protein which is good for building and repairing muscles, regulating blood sugar levels and managing nerve and muscle function.
Weight loss
Coconut water is low in calories and low in fat with no added sugar, so it can be used to aid weight loss if drank instead of drinks high in fat or calories like fizzy pop, milkshakes and milk based coffees.
Tastes great
As well as all the heath benefits it also helps that coconut water tastes great, especially when you start trying the different flavoured coconut water drinks.
Overall, coconut water is not just a trendy beverage but a delicious, electrolyte filled, nutritional drink that may have numerous benefits when consumed regularly as part of a healthy lifestyle.
(some of the above studies that have been referred to were animal studies and not human based ones, so more research in to the benefits of coconut water is still needed).
Are there any negative side effects to drinking coconut water?
No, coconut water is safe to drink on a regular basis and even make it part of your daily routine as it does not have any negative side effects unless you suffer from chronic kidney disease, other kidney issues, or diabetes and then it is advised to speak to your healthcare advisor first.
Our coconut water recommendation Vita Coco
Vita Coco is a brand of coconut water drinks that I do personally recommend. I was first introduced to them when they sent us a selection box of their flavours to review, which was also when I actually realised that coconut water was available in a variety of different flavours from fruity to coffee.
When shopping for coconut water you should always ensure that you opt for a brand that is clearly labelled as being ‘100% natural coconut water’ which Vita Coco is. This means that it has been made with no added sugars or preservatives and is full of naturally occurring essential electrolytes which is when you will truly reap the benefits. It’s also what makes it a great choice for after sport, or to help with a hangover! So whether you go with our recommendation of Vita Coco or nut be sure to check the packet before you buy.
Which ones are the best Vita Coco drinks?
Having tried all of the Vita Coco flavours my favourite two are the peach and the café latte, both are absolutely divine but completely different as the peach is more like a fruit juice consistency where as the latte is more thick and creamy and the sour taste of the coconut water is less prevalent. Although both the peach and latte are refreshing, nutritional, thirst quenching and hydrating, everything you need from a drink, for me the cafe latte is more of a morning pick me up and the peach is more of a post run drink. That being said I’m yet to find a flavour I don’t actually like and will quite happily drink them morning, noon or night!
Anther reason why I recommend Vita Coco over some of the other brands of coconut water that I have tried is because I love how they come in 330ml cartons with screw tops so you can drink them on the go but you don’t have to finish them all one go. These handy screw top cartons also make them great for travelling or, as they are a good choice when it comes to the morning after the night before,they are perfect for packing for nights away and festivals. They also make great alcohol free alternatives in the evening served in a nice glass over ice when you want something a bit different.
If you are looking for a drink that is natural, delicious and tastes like fruit juices (or coffee0 )and that also offers up health benefits then coconut water is worth a try. If you like the idea of having additional flavours to choose from or you want to encourage your children to get the benefits of drinking coconut water too then the Vita Coco brand is a perfect place to start.
If you want to enjoy some of the coconut water benefits then you can buy Vita Coco in lots of grocery stores including Tesco and boots, you can also order it online from Amazon or direct from the Vita Coco website. It’s available in handy ? of cartons to enjoy on the go or in larger ? cartons to keep in the fridge at home.