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Good news, coconut water lovers! Unlike the questionable coconut oil, I give coconut water 2 thumbs straight up!
As I was trying to stay awake on the red eye to Columbus last night, I found myself purusing the pages of my ADA Times. Highlighted as a consumer trend, coconut water was discussed. And appropriately so. I would go so far as to argue that coconut water is one of the biggest trends in nutrition today.
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Coconut water, unlike coconut milk, is found inside young, green coconuts. The water is thin and filmy with a distinct flavor and mild sweetness. Comercially-sold coconut waters are pasteurized to prevent from food borne illness. However, DO NOT keep coconut water for more than a day in the refrigerator once opened.
Coconut water contains plentiful amounts of electrolytes and minerals making it a most desirable form of all-natural hydration and nutrient replenishment for athletes and exercisers. One cup of coconut water contains 46 calories, less than 0.5 grams of fat, and is a good source of fiber (3 grams), magnesium (60 milligrams), potassium (600 milligrams), and vitamin C. A single cup also provides 252 milligrams of sodium and 9 grams of carbohydrate. A preferred list of stats compared to a cup of Gatorade offering 50 calories, 110 milligrams of sodium, a mere 30 milligrams of potassium, 14 grams of carbohydrate, and no fiber.
Added bonus: taste! Mmmm!
Off to have diner and drinks with fellow dietitian and blogger, GINA! I’m excited!
I hope to catch up with everyone soon, but we are busy busy busy while in Columbus! Lots going on, but more details on major life changes soon!
Question: Have you ever tried coconut water? Did you know its health benefits before now?
Nearly Friday,
I drank a lot of coconut water when I was training for my half marathon. I actually prefer the taste of gatorade to coconut water, but know the coconut water is better and more natural for me. I had no idea that it wasn’t safe to leave it open in your fridge though. Once again, thanks for your informative article!
I did know coconut water was good for you, but Im not a big fan. I can drink it without making a face, but I dont like it on its own. When added to a smoothie its great though.
i love coconut water and i knew it was healthy as well…but nice info abt it nicole…
I think coconut water is disgusting. It tastes very ‘wet’ to me. Blech! It’s like veggies – I could care less about any health benefits!
I love coconut water! It’s so refreshing. Jealous you and Gina are having drinks. Sounds like fun!
HECK YEAH for coconut water! I’m a big fan. I don’t like the plain one though and this is the one time where I prefer flavored (and extra sugar). The plain one stinks and it ruins the taste for me.
It was SO GREAT to meet you and Mark last night!! We had a fabulous time. We’ll do it again soon 😉
I wish so much that I loved coconut! I always feel like I’m missin’ out. 😉
I hope you have a great time in C-bus!
Coconut water is the BEST thirst quencher. I discovered it a few years ago when I was in Chinatown on a summer day and parched beyond belief. A guy at a produce stand was selling young coconuts and I bought one, chugged it, and fell in LOVE. <3
I’ve never tried it, but I want to now!
Coconut water has been on my list of things to try for quite awhile now!
Did I ever mention I love your blog? Love this post. I’m so skeptical of food health trends so I love it when you discuss them.
Thanks for the information. It is important to know there are differences.
I actually just recently bought some, but I found it way too sweet. But I’m honestly not the biggest coconut fan. I’m glad you mentioned that once opened it needs to be used within a day – I need to make sure to tell my husband not to drink it!
I’ve never tried coconut water, but it sounds great! Thanks for the info, I’ll have to try some one day! 🙂
The only way I have tried coconut water is straight from the coconut. I remember being young and having one straight from the back of my Grandparents beach house.
They would just take a machete to it and stick a straw in it. I have yet to try the packaged stuff, as I don’t think it will be the same but now that I’m running more i just might.
I have tried coconut water and am not a fan in the least. I nearly gagged on it. I did however put into a green monster so it did not go to waste and I could not taste it at all. Too bad I do not like the stuff since it has some good benefits to it.
I totally love coconuts 😀