Coconut Water: All It's Cracked Up to Be?

You may have heard whispers about coconut water—the liquid touted to replace electrolytes, increase metabolism, and rejuvenate. Self Magazine, via Yahoo! Health, looked into these claims this week. 

• Coconut water makes you thin, or fat. Both myths are contradictory, according the article. Althogh low in calories (unlike its relative, coconut milk), it doesn't boost your metabolism. On the otherhand, it beats calorie-heavy insulin-pumping sports drinks.
• It is nature's sports drink. Sodium and potassium are both lost when you are very active or sweat, but mostly sodium (salt). Coconut water is high in potassium, but lacks the sodium punch to really be a recovery drink. The magazine said it is fine for a simple rehydration after slight exertion.
• It gives you a youthful glow. It contains cytokinins, which slow the aging process in fruit flies and plants- but benefits haven't been shown in humans. However, hydration always plumps skin giving it a younger look.
• It cures hangovers. Electrolytes are preserved when the liver hoards them as alcohol signals the dehydration process, so they are pretty useless in this process. Stick with water.
• it is heart-healthy. Potassium-rich foods are good for your heart, so you may be giving your heart a slight advantage. But why not include whole food sources, said the article.

The verdict? Not a miracle, but who couldn't use a little edge?

Well, it looks like beverage companies have caught on to people's desire for that edge. Rockstar, Pepsi and Bigelow Tea have all recently been touting their coconut water beverages, according to MSNBC. 

The article states, however, that people can find the taste and texture hard to deal with. 

What about popularity locally? Coconut water is in mainstream Ballwin and Ellisville retailors, ranging from gas station to big box. 

At one local grocery store, I found Leah Mertgen, 34, of Ballwin holding a popular brand, looking puzzle. I introduced myself and ask if she's had coconut water before. 

"No, but my sister told me about it and I thought, 'Heck, I'll give it a try,'" Mertgen said. "She said it takes a while to get used to though."

At my local gym in the dressing room, I saw Getty Ryan, 67, of Ellisville drinking it after a racquetball session. I asked what she thought of it. 

"My doctor said my potassium levels were low, and the health store lady said this would help," Ryan said. "But I have to drink it very quickly, I think its gross."

Lastly, while on my hike at Castlewood State Week last week, I saw Joseph Frantier, 18, stopped on his bike and drinking a more popular brand.

"Eh, yeah, it's not awesome ... but it beats some of the fake flavors in some of my protein drinks."