Better than water – when you’re exercising
Better than water – when you’re exercising
The juice of green, unripe coconut is a refreshing drink rich in minerals but low in carbohydrates and calories. The whitish liquid is not as high-fat and aromatic as the juice gained from ripe, brown coconut – but it has a whole range of known benefits.
The best natural refreshment if you are sweating
Coconut water is a very effective isotonic drink that allows you to replenish minerals you may have sweated out in the heat and/or during exercise. 100 ml of coconut water contains only about 15 calories, less than 5 grams of sugar and yet it has more potassium than 4 bananas. It’s also packed with calcium, magnesium and phosphorus – but it has barely any fat.
It’s mostly mixed with some other fruit juice to boost the flavour. It beats commercial sports drinks by miles because it’s full of genuine, natural nutrients instead of artificial colours and synthetic vitamins. Yet, it’s widely available in supermarkets and shops.
In some cases, coconut water is better than water too because its composition mimics that of human blood plasma. This quality proved particularly useful in Japan during the World War II when coconut water infusion was a common procedure to treat dehydrated patients.
Latest medical research has shown that while it may not the best for intravenous treatment, coconut water beats isotonic drinks as well as water as a sports drink. The reason: you can consume more coconut water without risking stomach pain.
Long distance runners, tennis players and hikers, be advised: coconut water is your best choice in extreme heat.
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