Why Coconut and its water? How about Gatorade?

Coconut palms are distant relatives of grasses. They are found all over the Brazilian Coast, as well as in India, Southeast Asia, Caribbean, Pacific Islands, and Africa. Coconut water from fresh young coconuts is a popular drink in the tropics.

“Coconut is a natural water filter”

It takes about 9 months to filter each quart of water in the shell. If the coconut is intact, the water inside is sterile. The coconut water is one of the highest sources of electrolytes found in nature, and is identical to human blood plasma. In developing countries, it was used, in some cases as an intravenous hydration fluid when medical saline solution wasn’t available. (Campbell-Falck D, Thomas T, Falck TM, Tutuo N, Clem K (2000). “The intravenous use of coconut water”. Am J Emerg Med 18 (1): 108–11.)

Coconut water is high in potassium, and rich in antioxidants. It also contains cytokines, which promote plant cell division and growth. But best of all it tastes delicious, and it is a relatively low carbohydrate beverage compared to fruit juices.

Coconut water is the perfect sports drink out there (in my humble opinion). Let’s compare Coconut Water with Gatorade.

Coconut water (straight from the label), per 250 ml (8.45 oz.) has:

• 40 cal,
• 10 grams carbs,
• 0 grams protein,
• 0 grams fat,
• 110 mg of Sodium,
• 500 mg of Potassium,
• Ingredients: Coconut Water.

Gatorade (straight from the label) per 12 oz. has:

• 80 cal,
• 21 grams of carbs,
• 160 mg Sodium,
• 45 mg Potassium,
• Ingredients: Water, sucrose syrup, glucose-fructose syrup, citric acid, natural grape flavor with other natural flavors, salt, sodium citrate, monopotassium phosphate, red 40, Blue 1.

If the nutritional facts don’t impress you, I hope the ingredients are and you gonna go for the real beverage, that nature made, not for the “chemicalized lab made” beverage. Try coconut water instead! My favorite one (see image below-not an affiliate).

The young coconuts are also great for their “soft meat”, which is pure raw saturated fat (medium chain triglycerides, or MCT fats), and has a great ability to restore oxidative tissue damage. MCT fats are easier to digest and absorb, because they bypass the liver. They are particularly good for people with poor digestion, especially liver or gall bladder problems. The coconut oil/butter is a good source of MCT fats, and it is shown to have anti-viral, anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties.

In North America you may be able to find young Thai coconuts in Asian markets, and at Whole Foods Stores.

Adapted from Eating for Beauty, by David Wolfe. First Edition March 30, 2002

What’s your favorite coconut water? let me know in the  comments below. Mine remains the one you see in the image below:)

If you like this article and you’re looking for support, accountability, recipes, workout routines and much more in the area of health and wellness, using a whole foods, gluten/grain free and low carbohydrate approach, then I invite you to join my FREE Private Facebook Group ans check out the FREE Startup Programs I have.

With love and whole foods,

Mihaela