Likes:
- It’s a natural electrolyte
- Contains very little sugar
- It comes in an earth-friendly, non plastic container
Dislikes:
- It’s expensive
I can’t honestly recall where I first heard of coconut water. There has definitely been a buzz about it for a few years now. I first used it after an intense Bikram yoga class. Anyone who has ever done a Bikram yoga class knows that it’s 90 minutes of sweating to the point of ridiculousness. And although I chug water like crazy as much as I can while inside the class, whenever I’m done water just doesn’t seem like it’s enough. My body feels completely depleted of any and all electrolytes. So Gatorade, or G2 specifically, was my drink of choice for post-yoga hydration.
But my main goal lately has been to cut out as many preservatives, additives, and anything chemically-sounding that I can. I don’t have the science to prove it but I just think natural is better. And Gatorade is a product with a list of ingredients. So when I did find out about coconut water (however it was that I did, I think I just saw it at the supermarket and decided to try it) and saw that the only ingredient was, well, coconut water, I made it my post-Bikram session electrolyte replacer.
Coconut water is just the liquid from unripe coconuts. Once the coconut ripens the liquid becomes part of the meat, which is the white flesh that is used for coconut oil and milk. Although I have read feedback that the water tastes sort of metallic, I disagree. I like the taste and I was hesitant at first, I didn’t think that I would. But it’s got a pleasant, slightly almond flavor. There are at least five brands of coconut water competing in the market place. I have only tried O.N.E. Coconut Water. They also make flavor-enhanced versions with fruits such as guava and passion fruit. I’m not a fan of either, plus those just add sugar. Benefits of coconut water are many, and the impressiveness increases with the fact that it’s only about 60 calories per serving.
- Has more potassium than most sports drinks
- Lower sodium than most sports drinks
- Contains less sugar then most sports drinks
I really like that coconut water is a natural, low calorie electrolyte replacer. And each serving, claiming to contain the liquid of one green coconut, comes in an earth-friendly, non-plastic container. It’s small, so taking it with you in a purse or bag is no problem. It’s definitely a lot less liquid than a bottle of G2, so the value per dollar is less. Depending on where you buy it, a bottle of G2 can be a lot cheaper than a container of coconut water (which runs between $1.50 to $2.00, depending on where you buy it). But Gatorade containers can hold anywhere from 2 to 4 servings, so it’s not impossible to drink 200 calories worth of Gatorade in one sitting, especially if it’s after a hard workout or on a hot day.
I try to save the coconut water for events like Bikram yoga or intense cardio work when I have been sweating a lot continuously. I would not recommend reaching for coconut water or any other sports drink after every single workout. In all honesty there probably hasn’t been enough of an electrolyte deficiency to need the extra calories. There’s nothing like good, old water. I was doing Bikram yoga religiously for about 2 weeks and the cost of the coconut water added up quickly. But if you are in need of a sports drink to replace valuable electrolytes to balance your body, coconut water is a great, effective, and natural option.
