Coconut Water - Best Sports Drink Ever?

Coconut water is all the rage amongst the yogis and fitness enthusiasts these days. It’s been touted as nature’s sports drink that is significantly better at hydrating and replenishing electrolytes lost when sweating.

This tropical drink has been a popular choice in many countries such as South America, Southeast Asia and the Carribbean that’s been making all the news in sports fitness circles in North America.

Coconut water is made from the liquid that’s found inside a young “green” coconut. The liquid eventually matures and is replaced by coconut meat and air. It contains the same electrolyte balance as human blood and is positioned as a healthy beverage alternative to sugar-laden sports drinks.

Not only is it fat-free and low in calories, it contains significantly higher potassium and minerals than any other drink on the market. In fact, one cup of coconut water contains more potassium than two bananas. For example, the average Gatorade drink contains about 95 mg of potassium while a serving of coconut water contains 670 mg of potassium. That's a big difference!

Recent studies have shown that coconut water can keep the body cool, carry nutrients and oxygen to the cells, replenish lost fluids, boost your metabolism and promote weight loss. Naturally sweet and with a clean, refreshing taste, coconut water is the dominant sports drink in the market today.

Looks like the big wigs have already bought into it - CocaCola, PepsiCo, Dr Pepper Snapple have invested in competing coconut water drinks. Celebrities such as Madonna, Mathew McConaughey, Demi Moore, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Anthony Kiedis have launched their own brand that will be available in Whole Foods in the near future. Hey, if it’s good for Madonna, it’s good enough for me!