There has been a lot of talk about the benefits of coconut water over sports drinks. Because of its high potassium and mineral content, it’s being marketed as a natural sports drink. Some claim that it contains more nutrients needed by the body after workouts than sports drinks. Some claim that it can prevent and even cure certain types of diseases as well as delay the aging process.

In the US alone, sales have skyrocketed from zero to millions in a couple of years. People have been dropping their sports drinks and flocking to stores to buy coconut water in bulk by the box. Stocks of coconut water have been disappearing from the shelves faster than energy drinks.

Several brands have appeared on the market. The most popular brand, Vita Coco, owes its popularity to the celebrities that buy the drink in bulk. A lot of celebrities such as Anna Paquin, Courteney Cox, Chris Pine, Ed Westwick and Jessica Simpson have been photographed with a carton or two in hand. Madonna, Demi Moore, Matthew McConaughey and Anthony Kiedis are known to have invested into the company.

• What’s in coconut water?

Coconut water contains a lot of electrolytes and is considered to be free from fat and cholesterol thus marketed as a natural sports drink. Coconut water contains antioxidants that are linked to several health benefits. Cytokinins, a substance that promotes cell growth and regeneration and naturally slows the aging process, is among its most beneficial components. Coconut water reduces the risk of cancer infliction in the body and improves blood circulation.

Coconut water contains high levels of lauric acid that the body needs to make monolaurin, a disease-fighting fatty acid derivative. It has anti-fungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties that boosts the immune system and protects the body from various infections.

Coconut water company Zico features a slideshow of athletes on its website and claims the company is “on a mission to tell the world that Mother Nature made a better sports drink.” Another manufacturer claims that coconut water is “a natural alternative to Viagra” while other companies regularly host sports events and partner the drink with bikram yoga studios.

• Is it really better than sports drinks?

Coconut water, however, is not suited for strenuous activities such as extreme workouts. According to the director of sports nutrition at UC-Davis, Liz Applegate, coconut water contains high amounts of potassium and light on sodium which does not make it ideal for prolonged physical activity. “When you sweat, you lose a lot more sodium that potassium,” says Applegate. She also says that there are no convincing scientific evidence to support anti-aging and other health claims.

Susie Perry, a nutritional therapist who has worked with the likes of Yvette Fielding, Amanda Lamb and Claire Sweeney, says: ‘It’s beneficial to our bodies because it contains a lot of natural electrolytes… it’s a low-sugar, fast-hydrating drink.’

Studies show that a bottle of coconut water has more potassium than 2 bananas. This hydrating aspect is one of the reasons why it’s fast becoming an alternative to sports drinks. According to Perry, potassium is one of the most important electrolytes there is. It is important in maintaining water balance enabling the body to rehydrate quickly therefore reducing the feeling of fatigue.

A study carried out by the Universiti Sains Malaysia showed that coconut water was ‘significantly sweeter, caused less nausea, fullness and no stomach upset’, concluding that it is a good alternative to sports drinks.

• Where do we get coconut water?

Coconut water has long been a popular drink in the tropics, especially in Southeast Asia. It comes from young coconuts which are usually cut and served in front of the customers to ensure freshness. They are harvested when it’s about six to eight months old. Coconut water is extracted and is flash pasteurized until it can be stored in bottles, tetra packs, or cans. These are usually sold along streets and on beaches because of its refreshing mild taste, a relief from the heat of the sun.

Vita Coco, one of the leading coconut water companies in the US buys its coconut water exclusively from Brazil, while Zico gets its coconut from Latin America and Southeast Asia.

Even though the demand for coconut water has increased over the years, most of the manufacturers still buy their coconut water from small family-owned farms that rely on traditional farming methods. But it is predicted to expand once demand for coconut water greatly increases.

• What else can we do with coconut water?

Coconut water can also be fermented to produce coconut vinegar which can be used to make nata de coco, a product originating from the Philippines that is usually sweetened as candy or dessert. This can also serve as a healthier alternative to tapioca.

• What’s the verdict?

Coconut water is not meant for serious physical activities. It doesn’t have the necessary amount of minerals that are required to replenish the needs of hardcore athletes. It’s best suited for light to medium workouts such as yoga. But coconut water isn’t bad. It actually has some benefits for the body. There is nothing wrong if a person prefers coconut water over a bottle of sports drink. It all depends on your taste and knowing what your body needs when working out. Coconut water is not a magic potion when you want to lose weight. You’re better off working out and relying on coconut water to keep yourself hydrated.