You could probably name a handful of expensive, high calorie, high sugar sports drinks. They are highly advertised and promoted by hundreds of athletes. However, very few people know that one of the best sports drinks in the world needs no promotion, and no endorsed athlete; coconut water.
Players in the billion dollar plus “sports drink” industry are being confronted with a new unexpected competitor — Coconut Water.
While Coconut Water has long been a favorite in the tropics, new processes have been developed to allow manufacturers to bottle and package coconut water to make it available world-wide.
It’s a natural isotonic beverage, with the same level of electrolytic balance as we have in our blood. In fact, there are many reports of the use of Coconut Water as an emergency intravenous fluid during World War II in the Pacific area. (Coconut Water has been found to be sterile, pyrogen-free and ready to use.)1 2
3Not only is Coconut Water biologically pure, it is very tasty and full of the salts, sugars and vitamins demanded by both sweating urban joggers and serious athletes.
In one hour of sustained physical exercise, the body can lose up to three quarts of water through perspiration. In that water are small amounts of “electrolyte” minerals – mainly sodium but also potassium – and carbohydrates (sugars), whose loss leads to fatigue. For most of human history, the remedy to fluid loss was simple: drink water. But since the 1960s, sporting enthusiasts have an alternative – the “isotonic drink”, containing not only water but electrolytes and other minerals, plus vitamins, complex polymer carbohydrates and amino acids.
In addition to the rehydrating properties of Coconut water, other benefits are claimed to:
- Lower arterial pressure.
- Eliminate swelling in hands and feet.
- Normalize the intestinal function and raise metabolism.
- Relieve spasms and stomach pain.
- Ease burns.
- Heal damage induced by antibiotics and toxins in the digestive tract.
- Boost poor circulation.
- Balances pH- reducing cancer risk. (source)
You can actually find younge coconuts in your normal grocery stores. However, they lack the dark brown shell of a mature coconut. Look in the produce section for a white, cone shaped coconut. Then mearly poke a hole in the nut and drink the fluids out.
Adria Ali
Jennifer says