Should I Be Drinking Coconut Water?

You can’t pick up a fitness magazine or read an online article that doesn’t tout the benefits of coconut water. Even non-athletes buy into the claim that #coconutwater is full of electrolytes, potassium and other nutritional benefits.

But is it all just marketing?  A recent article from Time.com asked the experts, and four out of five agreed that there are other factors to consider.  Coconut water can have as much sugar as a banana, even an unsweetened version, but have none of the beneficial fiber. 

Fluid loss during strenuous exercise is common, and can result in stress, impaired cognition and cardiovascular function, increased fatigue, and impaired #exercise performance. Following the recommendations for fluid intake before, during, and after exercise is particularly important.  But unless you are an elite #athlete, carbohydrate/electrolyte sports drinks are not necessarily the beverage to choose for rehydration.  A 2012 study funded by a coconut water manufacturer (Vita Coco) found little difference in hydration after a workout by drinking water, coconut water, or a sports drink.  On page 7 of the study, under “Results: Performance Data,” the study concludes that “no significant difference… was noted in total exercise time between bottled water… coconut water from concentrate… and sport drink… .”

Fresh, clean water is the most suggested fluid for general fitness enthusiasts.  If you don’t want to pay for expensive, exotic water from a coconut, we recommend a Multipure water filtration system.  Water2Drink.com offers the entire #Multipure family of products, from the Aquamini travel version, to the AquaRO, a full reverse osmosis system, and everything in between, including the Aquaperform which reduces #arsenic as well.  For just 9 cents a gallon, you can have fresh, filtered water at your fingertips for post workout hydration, food preparation, and ice.