Here’s Why Coconut Water Is The Best Summer Drink For You

Sipping on a freshly chopped coconut while hanging out at the beach sounds like an ideal break from the monotony of everyday life. Its sweet-nutty taste matches aptly with the fun and vibrant atmosphere by the beach waves. Packed with antioxidants and good fats, this cooling drink has nothing that would make it unfit for regular consumption. And yet, we choose sodas and coke cans, and other calorie-loaded beverages to find relief from the scorching summer heat.

We got in touch with a couple of nutrition experts to get answers to all our queries about coconut water. While it may not taste too different from regular water, the two vary hugely and can’t serve as a replacement for one another.

Water is a calorie-free drink. This is not the case with coconut water. It has around 50 calories, as well as roughly 11 grams of sugar per 250 ml. However, this doesn’t conclude that you are doing yourself good by skipping out on this drink. It is also loaded with essential nutrients and minerals and the sugar present in it is not like the one contained in aerated beverages. Natalie Rizzo, the face behind Greenletes, advises that coconut water can be included in a healthy diet.

Having two-three cups of coconut water is an excellent way to supplement a balanced diet. It hydrates while also fighting the free radicals in your body. At the same time, it’s crucial that your daily intake does not exceed the recommended limit. Excess consumption, over a period, can make you put on weight. Read further to learn more facts about it.

What exactly is coconut water?

With the ready availability of several coconut drinks, there is some confusion surrounding what exactly is coconut water. It has become a favorite of health enthusiasts all around and we want to reap its benefits as well. Its refreshing taste instantly energizes the body and calms the mind.

Although some find it a tad too sweet, you’ll begin to enjoy the taste once you start having it more often. Coconut water must not be confused with coconut milk. The latter is made by churning the mature fruit. Coconut water, on the other hand, is the water contained in the fresh, green coconuts.

Nutrition profile

As per the United States Department of Agriculture, a half-filled can of this drink has 49.4 calories, about 12 grams of carbs, 11 grams of sugar, and no fiber, protein, or fats.

Health benefits offered by coconut water

The chief benefit accruing from drinking coconut water is good hydration. It gets this property due to the abundance of electrolytes it has such as potassium, magnesium, sodium, etc. It is this very reason which has made it ‘an athlete’s best friend.’ Expert Rizzo advises that if someone is working out or training in a hot climate and is perspiring excessively, they can gain tremendously from having coconut water. The electrolytes and the natural sugar present in it will provide the body with the instant energy and cooling it needs.