Is coconut water all it’s cracked up to be?

Coming straight from the steps of some of Hollywood’s finest, coconut water has emerged into the public eye. Not to be confused with coconut milk that comes from the meat of the coconut, the liquid inside is said to have many miracle qualities. However, is this all just a money-making scheme for a businessman (or woman) in a suit to benefit from? Or is coconut water the modern-day equivalent of drinking from the Holy Grail? 

Popular in many tropical countries, and also marketed as a natural sports drink, coconut water has come a long way to now being available to everyone wanting to maintain their health. Occurring from a natural source, you can be sure its qualities are – you guessed it – natural. Yet are they as much of a miracle as the big American companies are making out? 

Water makes up 94% of the drink, meaning it is low in calories – already a plus – however that other 6% does seem to bring good qualities to the table with it being a good source of vitamin B and potassium, which refuels and rehydrates the body by maintaining the fluid levels. It also possibly has antioxidant qualities, containing electrolytes, which can improve the functioning of the nervous system as well as containing plant hormones, enzymes and amino acids. It can also reduce the risk of strokes and hypertension, improve heart and kidney health, and contains compounds that aid ageing cells and can protect them from becoming cancerous. It can also improve digestion and metabolism, and boost the immune system as it contains lauric acid.   

Despite there being scientific research around coconut water claiming that it might lower the rate of heart attacks, lower systolic blood pressure, and be used to rehydrate after exercise or illness – no scientific research has been proven to behold clear health benefits. It also has been linked with being a substitute for an IV solution, and a good remedy for a knocked-out tooth, yet claims have simply not been proven. 

With potential risks unknown, possibly because of the lack of study done, it would be wise to get help from your GP if you were considering taking it to as a substitute for other remedies, or in combination with prescribed medicine 

With many benefits in favour of coconut water, is it time to drop the Starbucks cup and join the health aware LA society? 

Tamara Massey

For more information on coconut water, visit here.