More and more people appreciate coconut water. The water's refreshingly sweet and nutty taste will surely leave everyone coming back for more. More than that, this natural gift is also considered as "Mother Nature's sports drink" for no reason. It is full-packed of nutrients and minerals that the body will surely benefit from.
Professional tennis player John Isner exclaimed. "It is super hydrating and has kept me going in long matches and prevented me from cramping even in the hottest and most humid conditions."
Coconut, scientifically known as Cocos nucifera, is made mostly of water and a little bit of fat. The fruit can provide as much as one cup of coconut water each piece. According to Health Line, a cup of this beverage has these minerals and vitamins included: carbohydrates 9 grams, fiber 3 grams, vitamin C 10% of the RDI, potassium 17% of the RDI, Calcium 6% of the RDI, protein 2 grams, magnesium 15% of the RDI, manganese 17% of the RDI, and sodium 11% of the RDI.
Compared to other drinks like Gatorade and other carbonated drinks, coconut water is already a great deal. With more potassium, less sodium, and few calorie contents, this nature-given water can already give the body a boost especially for those who need an extra kick for the day.
Given all these, you may want to ask, is coconut water that good?
No matter how healthy it is, too much of everything is still bad. Dr. Lilian Cheung, Harvard School of Public Health's Department of Nutrition's Director and Lecturer, warned people not to overdo the drink. Though coconut water is less sweet and healthier as compared to other beverages, an 11-ounce of it still has 60 calories in it. So, by taking several drinks a day, you are taking a lot of calories already, which is unhealthy.
There's nothing wrong about giving in to this mouth-watering healthy alternative, as posted by Web MD. You only have to be mindful of the amount you will take into your body and make sure to burn the calories, fats, and sugar you will get from this beverage.
Cheung also suggests to always check the labels of the beverage you desire to drink. There are other coconut water beverages available in the market now that are filled with sugar in it. If you want to get the best of what nature has to offer, better stick to plain coconut water instead.
