I have been an electrolyte drinker for years. It always seems to help with recovery after a rigorous workout. Lately, I have been more conscious of the food entering my body. The search for a natural electrolyte drink brought me to the young coconut water. This is water and not milk.
Here is a quick breakdown of coconut water, its benefits and composition.
Coconut water has been used for re-hydration and as a health and beauty aide in tropical regions around the world for centuries.
- Coconut water is low in fat and calories
- has no cholesterol
- natural balance of sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium
All these benefits make coconut water a healthy electrolyte drink. It has even been used intravenously to stabilize electrolytes.
| Composition of coconut water | % |
|---|---|
| Water | 95.5 |
| Nitrogen | 0.05 |
| Phosphoric acid | 0.56 |
| Potassium | 0.25 |
| Calcium oxide | 0.69 |
| Magnesium oxide | 0.59 |
| g/100g | |
| Iron | 0.71 |
| Total solids | 4.71 |
| Reducing sugars | 0.80 |
| Total sugars | 2.08 |
| Ash | 0.62 |
| Source: Pandalai, K. M. (1958). Coconut water and its uses. Coconut Bull. 12, No. 5, 167-173. | |
