Coconut Water Is The Hydration Powerhouse Of Our Dreams
What is your go-to post-workout drink? Gatorade, Powerade, some good old-fashioned water, or maybe even a glass of beer? Whatever it may be, choosing the right drink to hydrate with is vital if you want to stay healthy while working out, but not all drinks are good for this. Sometimes sugary, artificial drinks can make your workouts miserable, and they may even make you more thirsty than when you started drinking them.
Although water is most definitely the best hydrator for your body and what most health experts would recommend, sometimes we crave a little flavor to help us get through those excruciating exercises. Luckily, coconut water is there to help you get the best of both worlds. Coconut water is 95% water and usually has fewer additives and other sugars than other sports drinks. However, it's important to remember that every brand of coconut water is different, and you should always check the ingredients of your drink before consuming it.
Electrolytes are key for proper hydration
Coconut water also contains electrolytes to help your body recover after a workout. These include manganese, potassium, and sodium. Unlike basic water, coconut water does have some calories, albeit only around 45-60 calories in an eight-ounce serving, compared to 63 calories in an eight-ounce serving of Gatorade. Though it's important to remember that coconut water brands are different from one another, and depending on the ingredients they use, their calorie count might be higher or lower than the average amount.
Some studies have suggested that coconut water may be a more effective hydrator than normal water in exceptionally hot weather, though there hasn't been a universal consensus from the scientific community. Coconut water can also be used to make some delicious healthy treats, such as ice pops. One recipe from The Coconut Mama calls for putting fruit in popsicle molds, frozen with coconut water for a sweet treat with no added sugars. So next time you're working out or just craving some flavor, pick up a glass of coconut water to keep you hydrated throughout the day.