Once word got out that coconut water is Madonna’s new drink of choice and that she invested $1.5 million in a company that makes the beverage, people went nuts over it! But what about all the health claims out there? Can coconut water really lower cholesterol, boost your metabolism, and prevent diabetes? Is it a good substitute for sports drinks? FatFighterTV went to dietitian, Andrea Giancoli, a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, for answers.
“I wouldn’t believe all the hype – that it’s going to cure diabetes and cancer and hypertension, etc.,” says Giancoli. “Unfortunately, that always ends up being the issue with some of these products – their actual health benefits get lost in the hype.”
So, what are the real health benefits? Here’s what gives coconut water its claim to nutritional fame.
“The star behind coconut water is its high potassium content,” Giancoli explains. “Most people aren’t getting enough potassium because they’re not eating enough fruits and vegetables. Coconut water has the advantage of being very high in potassium – higher than a banana. ”
It’s true! A medium banana has 451 milligrams of potassium; an 11.2 ounce serving of Vita Coco coconut water has 660 milligrams.
Coconut water might also be a good hydration alternative to a sports drink, like Gatorade, after a workout. But Giancoli says most people don’t exercise hard enough to need either one – just water will replenish enough, for the most part.
In a nutshell…
- Coconut water comes from young green coconuts
- Madonna is loco for the stuff!
- An 11 ounce serving has 60 calories plus a good dose of potassium
- It’s not a cure-all
- It costs about two-bucks a pop
If it fits in with your caloric and financial budget, then by all means – go nuts! But check those labels to make sure you’re getting straight up coconut water. Some of the flavored ones have added sugar and calories.
I have yet to try coconut water. You?
I haven’t jumped on this bandwagon (yet) either. I looked at the nutritional value and wasn’t sold. When I drink my calories, I want to make sure it’s worth it (and it fills me up).
I’m with you on that – calories must be worth it!
I think the best use of coconut products is as a skin cream/treatment. That’s just me though.
I don’t know if I’ve ever tried coconut products for the skin. I bet they would smell great, though!
coconut oil is super healthy, in fact I know a naturopath Dr who has a friend of mine taking a tablespoon a day. It is good for the skin fantastic to cook with (super high smoke point) and healthy for you too! I’m going to look for the coconut water and try it – living in AZ you loose much more via perspiration than you realize and getting much needed hydration is important – without the sugar is the challenge
So many interesting coconut products I did know existed! Thanks for sharing.
Way back when, I saw it on sale & tried it… was “ok” & then I added some of it to my workout bottle water as I knew it was the potassium in it that would help.. I do crazed workouts!
BUT, for the price, I just replenish before & after and I add a half bottle of Propel for some flavor to my workout water… great price at Costco!
Coconut water is kind of expensive at $2 a pop, IMO!
Ryan JUST had this stuff yesterday when we went to Whole Foods. He was not crazy about it, he likes the coconut milk better. I thought it was good, but probably not something I’d drink too often.
Just yesterday, huh? You guys must have been getting my coconut water vibes as I was writing the post.
I haven’t tried this either. I usually just do water and a banana.
Makes sense to me.
$2 a bottle vs. 99 cents for a coconut… is it the same liquid I drink from the whole coconut? If so then I’ve tried it, plenty of times.
Hey Aaron,
It’s actually from the young, green coconuts – apparently, that’s when the coconut water is high in potassium. Who knew?
I don’t think I’ll be going nuts for coconut water anytime soon. I’ve still got that can of coconut milk I swore I’d try. Still sitting there. And besides, I’m already nuts anyways.
Good point. And lay off all nut-eating, while you’re at it. No telling what could happen.
Nope, haven’t got on this band wagon either. Do know the great benefits of coconut oil and coconut milk (organic and unsweetened)but didn’t even know about the Material Girls latest gig. Might try it, but don’t think it’s a very cost effective. Good ol filtered h2o’s my bev of choice.
I adore coconut water! I don’t drink gatorade or any sports drinks like that, and on long bike rides I need something. I really feel the difference when I take coconut water versus regular water.
I can see how the coco water would be good for you, Lori!
I love the stuff! I used to drink it from the coconuts on a tree in my yard growing up! But you make great points here. I think it is a really delicious and healthy alternative to a sports drink that is full of corn syrup and artificial dyes, but if you don’t work out intensely, you can skip both!
Hi Jo,
That is so cool that you drank it straight from the coconuts when you were growing up! Where did you live?
I’m drinking it now for the first time, and it’s not bad. It’s a little bit sweeter than I prefer, but I wouldn’t mind having one a day, since I don’t eat bananas, and usually drink only water and low fat milk. If there are some added health benefits, all the better.
[...] Since puberty we’ve wanted to be Madonna. We’re running out of time. So instead we’re going to DRINK like Madonna. Fat Fighter TV show us what Her Madgesty is drinking…coconut water. [...]