Coconut water: A current health trend, but is it worth it?

Coconut water:  A current health trend, but is it worth it?

 

 

The clear liquid from the center of a coconut has been ascribed as a healthier alternative to sports drinks because of its ability to hydrate.  So is this current heath trend worth the cost?  You decide.

	Coconut Water	Water
Fat	0	0
Cholesterol	0	0
Calories	60 (11-oz.)	0
Potassium	569 mg. per serving	0
Cost	$2-$3 per bottle (about 25 cents per oz.)	$0-$3 per bottle

 

Clearly, water is a better choice of beverage in terms of calories, though coconut water has less sugar than many sports drinks and fruit juices and it has much less sugar than sodas.

We can’t ignore the real health benefit of coconut water, it’s high potassium content of 569 mg per serving.  Most Americans do not consume enough potassium which is necessary for heart health.  However, one large banana contains almost as much potassium at 422 mg; and the consumption of 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day will help you meet or exceed your daily potassium needs. 

Plain coconut water could be a good choice for adults and kids who struggle to get their daily servings of potassium from fruits and vegetables or for people who are looking for alternate ways to stay hydrated. But since it is not a calorie-free beverage, don’t overdo it. One a day is more than enough.

So, if you are tempted to purchase some coconut water, consider a banana and a glass of water instead; they’re a fraction of the cost with comparable benefits. 

 

If you are going to buy some coconut water, here are a few brands that I recommend:

-Taste Nirvana (my favorite), http://www.tastenirvana.com/

-365 Everyday Value Coconut Water, http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/

-Harmless Harvest, http://www.harmlessharvest.com/