Coo Coo for Coconut Water

It’s getting rave reviews from influencers in the health and fitness world, advertised in every women’s magazine across the country and sweeping the selves of groceries stores. I have recently joined the craze myself and am sipping on a bottle of it as I write this article. What is this amazing beverage everyone is talking about? It’s coconut water.

Coconut water is not a new found drink; it has actually been around for centuries and has often been enjoyed by native to the tropics. Recently over the past two years, it has become known as one of the most natural and hydrating beverages on the market. In this article I’m going to share with you the benefits of coconut water, where it comes from and when is the best time to have a swig.

Coconut water is harvested from young, pre-mature coconuts, like the ones in the image above. The water is found inside the young coconut and, if left to ripen, would help to create the fleshy inside of a mature coconut. The best way to drink this water is right from the coconut itself however, finding coconuts in the middle of an urban area maybe difficult. That is why companies like Zinco, Vita Coco, ONE and Naked have all found ways to create pasteurized coconut water options. These products are usually bottled in recycled plastic or juice box like containers, that have up to a 3-week shelf life. In order to preserve the coconut water, companies heat the water to get rid of any bacteria, add in flavors or additional pulp and then bottle the final product to be sold around the world.

Now what exactly makes this beverage so special? The hydrating and replenishing vitamins found within the water. Coconut water is high in potassium, sodium, fiber, calcium and vitamin C. Coconut water is also gluten free and low in calories making it the perfect go to for a healthy rehydrating beverage.

Since coconut water is packed with vitamins and minerals that help with hydration many companies are proposing that it is a sports drink. For this reason many runners and athletes turn to coconut water after a long work out to help restore their bodies. On the antithesis of that theory, nutritionists have performed tests saying that coconut water is good for after a work out but doesn’t not provide any additional benefits compared to regular tap water. There is a major price difference between tap water and coconut water (free and $2) so, I guess it’s your call to decide. Coconut water has also been touted a great natural hangover reliever, a replacement for coffee and an alternative to soda or other sugary beverages.

Some tips I would give to those new to coconut water, definitely drink it cold or over ice. I had my first coconut water warm and it was difficult to get myself to try it again. Currently, my favorite flavor is the Zinco Dark Chocolate. Have any of you given into the coconut water craze?