WHEN IT COMES to hydration, few drinks match up to coconut water.
The drink is heralded for its nutritional content — low in calories, low in fat and contains high doses of electrolytes, which combine to make it the choice for many endurance athletes nowadays.
Ah, electrolytes. You won’t find them in water and you´ll pay more for them in the more recognised sports drinks.
So what are these magical mystery particles that reportedly delay cramp, offset fatigue and allow us to remain more concentrated during training and competition?
Firstly, a little science; electrolytes are minerals such as potassium, sodium, magnesium and chloride that help maintain proper fluid levels in the body and regulate muscle function.
When your body sheds fluids through prolonged sweating, vomiting or excessive use of laxatives or diuretics, mineral levels can dip and must be restored.
In short, when we sweat, we lose a lot more than just water; we lose minerals too and it is by losing these vital minerals that many experts believe cause cramps. Three things we lose are potassium, sodium and magnesium…..which coconut water is packed with…
Coconut water contains even more potassium per serving than the famously potassium-potent banana, delivering about 600 milligrams per cup, versus 362 milligrams in a medium banana. Potassium depletion is often to blame if you experience muscle cramping during exercise.
Secondly, sodium is equally important to maintain optimum muscle activity. One cup of coconut water provides more than 252 milligrams of this Sodium works to maintain your body’s fluid balance. Marathon runners who drink water too frequently during a race are also prone to a condition knows as hyponatremia where where sodium hits dangerously low levels.
Finally, magnesium is another tiny ingredient whose size is very much outweighed by its importance with a magnesium deficiency believed to be a leading cause of muscle cramps.
It will also help you the morning after the Christmas party….apparently.
