Sweet Sips: Coconut Water

It’s 4^th of July weekend in Detroit and I imbibed a bit too much last night. I’m sitting at the kitchen table, thankful for my amazing coffee, but wishing I had more self-discipline… and some coconut water.

Coconut water is nature’s hangover helper and provides excellent rehydration. It’s harvested from young coconuts before they produce milk.

Coconut Water

I actually read in Time that back when granting a patent on the extraction and bottling of the water, a Food and Drug Administration official noted coconut water contained the five electrolytes found in human blood while Gatorade only had two. It’s also higher in potassium and lower in sugar than most sports drinks.

Because of the natural benefits and the phenomenal marketing of the top coconut water brands, Zico and O.N.E, revenues have skyrocketed and celebs are photographed sipping often (a welcome replacement to the Starbucks Frapps touted by the Britneys of the world in the early 2000s). It comes with some controversy because of its various unproven health claims, including detoxification and potential weight-loss.

Ed Westwick, Padma Lakshmi, and Chris Pine drinking coconut water

I’ve yet to reap benefits from the claims of weight-loss, so I’ll just tell you I love the drink both as a hangover elixir and as a low-cal treat when I’m craving something sweet. My favorite brand is Taste Nirvana because of the coconut pulp.

My favorite brand, Taste Nirvana

If you would like to give coconut water a try, it can be found at any grocery store, usually in the organic section. Prices range from $1.50-$3.00 for a small, single-serving bottle. It’s virtually fat free, around 70 calories and 10-15 grams of sugar per serving depending on the brand.