Coconut Water: Nature's Health Drink

Ranked #4,068 in Healthy Living, #73,128 overall

Coconut Water: The Next Big Health Drink

The latest in health drinks, coconut water, has become a sensation due to Madonna's February 2nd investment in this all natural, potassium and vitamin-rich drink. According to Daily Finance, Madonna has invested 1.5 million in Vita Coco, a company that packages and sells natural coconut water. Rhianna is another celebrity caught enjoying this healthy coconut juice. Of course, Madonna's investment and celebrity consumption is not the real reason to drink coconut water. Before running (or clicking) and buying cases of the stuff, it is important to understand what it is you are drinking and why it is so healthy for you.

Photo from Flicker.

About Coconut Water

Though enjoyed for its sweet taste over centuries by the natives of countries where coconuts grow, coconut water has only recently been recognized as a health drink on a global scale. In the last couple of years, three companies have profited from harvesting and selling coconut water. Zico , O.N.E., and Vita Coco are at the top. Since the media explosion over Madonna's recent investment, it is expected that Vita Cocowill be a challenge to beat over the next few years.

Contrary to what you may be thinking, coconut water is not the same as coconut milk. What is the difference?

Coconut milk is extracted from ripened coconuts. It is high in nutrition, but it is also high in fat and calories.

Coconut water is extracted from young, unripened coconuts. It has no fat and is low in calories.

Drink Coconut Water for Your Health

Some are calling coconut water "nature's energy drink". This is because it contains vital nutrients that increase energy and hydration without the nasty chemical ingredients that cause jitters and potential kidney problems.

Natural Qualities of Coconut Water:

  • High in Potassium - Replenishes the body when it is dehydrated; also, a great cure for a hangover!

  • Low in Sodium - Good for those who must watch sodium intake.

  • Contains essential vitamins - Boosts the immune system.

  • Contains five electrolytes found in human blood.
Important!

Coconut Water's Health Effects

* Coconut water is used to treat health problems such as urinary tract issues, kidney stones and stomach ailments.

* It has been shown to boost the body's immune system, making it a good supplement for those suffering from diseases affecting the immune system such as AIDS, Diabetes, and even cancer.

* Because it has the benefits of other health drinks with fewer calories, coconut water is useful as part of a weight loss diet plan.

Drink Coconut Water for the Potassium

Potassium is essential for proper functioning of the muscles and nerves in the body and this includes the heart. When potassium levels are low, as when you work or exercise hard for a considerable amount of time, been ill or have been taking a dieuretic, you will experience fatigue and weakness and may have muscle cramps as well as constipation. In order to feel better, you must replenish your body's supply of potassium.

While there are instances of hypokalemia (chronic low-potassium), the conditon is rare. However, running low on potassium due to other reasons is not rare. Besides exercise and diuretics, alcohol consumption can cause a drop in potassium levels. For this reason, bananas are a fantastic fix for a hangover.

What is better than a banana for a quick increase in potassium? You guessed it: coconut water! Vita Coco's coconut water contains 650 mg per serving. This is more than the potassium contained in an average-sized banana and because it is in drink form, it is absorbed faster.

Caution:
While potassium is good for the body, it is possible to take in too much potassium. One would have to drink more than a dozen servings of coconut water or consume several sources of potassium in a short amount of time, but it is possible to harm your body by consuming too much potassium.

Coconut Water on Amazon

Read more about the benefits of drinking coconut water and try it for yourself.
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Coconut Water Recipe

Virgin Pina Colada Smoothie

2 cups of coconut water
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1 cup of drained crushed pineapple or chunks
1 cup of ice
Optional Add-ins or Replacements:
1 cup of strawberries
1 cup of honey dew melon
1 cup of mango
Pour ingredients in blender and mix until frothy. Serves 2.

Try this: If you like coconut milk in your rice dishes, coconut water is a healthier alternative - lots of taste, without the fat and calories.

Coconut Water in the News

Fox News talks to the CEO of Vita Coco, top global seller of coconut water.
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More Coconut Water Products from Amazon

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Coconut Water References and Resources

Coconut water as a rehydration fluid. [N Z Med J. 1979] - PubMed result
PubMed is a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine that includes over 18 million citations from MEDLINE and other life science journals for biomedical articles back to the 1950s. PubMed includes links to full text articles and other related resources.
Vita Coco | 100% Natural Coconut Water
Vita Coco All Natural Coconut Water
O.N.E.?(One Natural Experience) offers 100% Natural Coconut Water, Amazon Acai and Cashew Fruit Drink, Buy Sugar Free Sports Drink & Fresh Antioxidant Energy Juice Online
O.N.E.TM is the preferred brand of all-natural fruit juices. We offer O.N.E.TM coconut water, acai juice, cashew apple juice. All O.N.E.TM juices are naturally fat free, contains no added sugars, colors, or preservatives. Drink O.N.E.TM fruit juices as a daily beverage for healthy life.
ZICO: Pure Coconut Water — Nature's Sports Drink
ZICO is 100% pure coconut water with natural flavor essences. With five essential electrolytes, more potassium than a banana, low acidity, no fat, no sugar added, and no cholesterol, ZICO is the natural, refreshing way to hydrate and replenish.
Rihanna: Coconut Water Woman | Matt Kemp, Rihanna : Just Jared
Rhianna caught drinking O.N.E. Coconut Water
Health Advantages of Coconut Water | eHow.com
Health Advantages of Coconut Water. Coconut water is considered the most natural beverage--after water of course. For centuries, people around the world have revered coconut water for its health benefits, convenience and taste. In...
Madonna is Crazy for Coconut Water - DailyFinance
Madonna is coming soon to your neighborhood bodega: The Material Girl has become a major investor in a company that sells coconut water in supermarkets.
Low potassium (hypokalemia) - MayoClinic.com
Low potassium (hypokalemia): Symptom — Overview covers what can cause this blood test result.
Blue Thingamajig: Natural Elixir - Young Coconut Water
Another fan of coconut water

Do You Drink Coconut Water?

Tell me about your experiences with coconut water

Do you love the taste of coconut water? Have you noticed a benefit to your health? Personally, I do not care for straight coconut water. I prefer a mix with mango. It could be my imagination, but I swear the stuff is WETTER than water. What do you think?

  • x0149128 Apr 15, 2012 @ 5:40 am | delete
    Nice write up. I'd agree that coconut water is wetter than water, but then i live in a hard water area eurgh. Ice-cold i find few drinks better than coconut water during or after exercise. I'd add a bit of salt to up the sodium content, to replace that lost in sweat during exercise.
  • GreenOasis Mar 3, 2012 @ 1:12 pm | delete
    Great lens.
  • GenesisLabs Dec 7, 2011 @ 10:27 pm | delete
    Really enjoyed your lens; lots of good info. I love coconut water!
  • bobbybobster Nov 2, 2011 @ 10:30 am | delete
    I see ZICO has arrived in the UK. Can't wait to try it. Has you tried it yet?
  • Oct 26, 2011 @ 11:24 am | delete
    This is one of my favorites. Lots of good information here. Squid-liked it.
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