For PCs using frames:  Home    For no frames (Ipads, phones)   TOC

Coconut Water and Hydration

This literature review aimed to examine whether coconut water is an adequate replacement for sports drinks for the rehydration of male athletes aged 18-30 who participate in endurance events. I analysed the only available research (6 clinical trials) that were conducted in very small groups of participants, but these are the results I found:

• Coconut water has 17 times the potassium of sports drinks (eg. 52.66mmol/L compared to 3.75mmol/L)
• Sports drinks have 4 times the sodium of coconut water (eg.19.01mmol/L compared to 5.09mmol/L)
• Coconut water is not an adequate hydration beverage for use after a gut infection (like gastro)
• In all trials, none of the beverage were able to completely hydrate the participants, even though they consumed 120% of the body weight they lost during the dehydrating exercise (we’re talking at least 2 litres!!)
• Of all of the beverages tested, sodium-enriched coconut water (read: coconut water with salt added to it) was the MOST rehydrating of all of the beverages
• Coconut water was also the best at maintaining electrolyte concentrations in blood volume throughout the rehydration testing period.

So what does all this scientific mumbo-jumbo mean exactly? Well, basically, if you want an alternative to the artificial colours, flavours and sweeteners that you get in sports drinks and sports gels but still want to ensure you’re adequately rehydrating yourself, then grab yourself some young coconut water and add some salt to it! Not only will you be avoid the nasties, you’ll get other nutrients, like magnesium, calcium and vitamin C.

http://mirandaswellness.wordpress.com/2013/11/06/coconut-water-and-hydration/