Why you shouldn’t fall for the coconut water hype

AILSA LESLIE
June 17, 2013
Daily Mail

Devotees claim that coconut water — the liquid inside young, green coconuts — rehydrates the body faster than normal water, thanks to its high levels of minerals such as potassium and magnesium, making it perfect after exercise or for easing a hangover.

Celebrities such as Courtney Cox and Demi Moore are said to be fans, while Madonna and Rihanna endorse and own shares in the biggest brand, Vita Coco.

In Australia, Kyle Sandilands, Andrew Hawkins and David Freeman joined forces to release H2 Coco, and young entrepreneurs Zac Jex, Julian Tobias and Adam Abram launched C Coconut water, with Juliana Forge as the face.

But does this pricey wonder liquid live up to the hype? Some experts think not.

For a start, don’t expect this ‘health’ drink to work miracles on your waistline. Vita Coco has 15g of sugar per 330ml carton — nearly a sixth of the recommended daily amount (RDA) for a woman — and almost 70 calories. Varieties mixed with fruit juice can contain even more. Worse, the levels of electrolytes in coconut water aren’t all that high.

Dietitian Tania Ferraretto says that coconut water has “been marketed as a source of minerals, but it contains only small amounts of these.” In fact, five portions of fruit and vegetables a day will give you the daily requirement of these minerals.

For instance, 100ml of Vita Coco contains 195mg of potassium — only 10 per cent of your RDA — while a baked potato has 553mg.

You’d have to drink a litre and a half of coconut water to get your daily amount of potassium. What’s more, the nutrient content of coconut water can vary. A lab test last year found that Vita Coco and brand O.N.E. did not contain as much sodium and magnesium as they claimed.

The best way to get the most out of coconut water? Ramp up the fresh factor. Buy a young coconut, punch a hole and stick your straw straight in. The time from tree to your tummy will be shorter, which is always a bonus.

Since the enzymes in the water haven’t been depleted by pasteurisation, your body is likely to absorb the electrolytes more effectively.

And the best part? The taste is sweeter and infinitely more refreshing, too.