This exotic thirst quencher is the perfect choice for summer – coconut water tastes deliciously refreshing and is currently one of those trendy ‘in’ drinks for anyone who wants to maintain a balanced diet. But how effective is this trendy drink? Can coconut water benefit your health and give you great skin? We have done the research for you and can tell you today how healthy coconut water is.

Unfortunately, anyone who is expecting coconut water to have the exotic taste of coconut will be disappointed. This is because coconut water is made from unripe, green coconut and has a rather sweet and sour taste. The flavours vary, depending on the type of coconut. In the coconut’s native habitat, the clear or slightly cloudy water is often simply drunk straight from a hole in the shell. So coconut water is very different to the fatty coconut milk that comes from the flesh of the ripe coconut and is ideal for cooking several Asian or Caribbean dishes.

Is coconut water a drink for every occasion?

Coconut water is a natural thirst quencher and is an ideal drink to have when you are on the go. For those who are interested in calories: 100 ml of coconut water contains around 20 kcal. As part of a balanced diet that is fine, especially as you will probably not be drinking litres of coconut water. And coconut water is also not a bad idea for athletes, as the isotonic drink can be a rapid source of energy when training and, in moderation, can be a possible alternative to popular sports drinks. Coconut water also contains potassium, an electrolyte that you lose when you sweat while exercising. By the way, the natural sugar content in coconut water is comparable to that found in an apple spritzer. But anyone who thinks that drinking coconut water is a way to lose weight will probably not be very successful. Good to know: this trendy drink contains sodium, calcium and magnesium, minerals that can also be found in mineral water, for example. But coconut water also contains B vitamins and vitamin C. To sum up, coconut water is definitely healthier than sweet lemonades and can help to ensure that you are drinking enough during the day.

Coconut water – the health miracle?

As is frequently the case when various foods are said to have seemingly amazing health effects, the evidence base is not definitive. And this is also true of coconut water. The exotic drink is believed to have positive effects on the digestive system and metabolic system; it is supposed to prevent high blood pressure and cardiac disease and to be good for the skin. However, the positive effects of coconut water have not been scientifically proven. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with drinking coconut water every now and then or using it as a “facial toner” or as a hair product if it makes you feel good. But remember: coconut water is quite expensive and the environmental footprint of this widely travelled drink is not ideal.

Our advice is that coconut water is a delicious idea if you want to vary your fluid intake. You can also mix this exotic drink into smoothies or into porridge. Drinking water and unsweetened teas will also help to ensure you are sufficiently hydrated. Don’t expect any miracles from coconut water but simply enjoy it as a refreshing summer drink.

Coconut vibes only!

Your Dole team