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Refreshing, tasty and low in calories, coconut water is the go-to drink for many health and fitness junkies. But is it actually good for health? We find out from the experts if the delicious beverage is merely a well-designed marketing ploy or really a miracle cure:
Belinda Kirkpatrick, Naturopath
“Coconut water has become very fashionable recently but it’s actually been used to rehydration and health in tropical regions around the world for centuries. Coconut water isn’t the same as coconut milk, which is made by mixing coconut water and coconut meat, and then pressed to give the milk. The water has a very light consistency and contains energy-producing and stress-reducing B-group vitamins and minerals.”
Susie Burrell, Weight-Loss Expert
“Of all the foods that have created hype over the past few years coconut water is high up on the list. From a nutritional perceptive, it does contain fewer kilojoules than both sports drinks and fruit juices, with relatively high amounts of the mineral salt, potassium.”
Dr Claudia Lee, General Practitioner
“Coconut water is actually a healthy natural drink and a good source of hydration. In its natural form, it’s low in sugar and kilojoules (less than half of fruit juices and soft drinks), low in fat, and has a balance of electrolytes similar to our blood plasma, which means it’s easily absorbed.”
This article was originally published in Singapore Women’s Weekly.
