Coconut Water

Coconut Water: 5 Surprising Ways to Use It Everyday

Coconuts are getting a lot of traction these days. From oil to milk to flour, the public can’t get enough of this wonder food. Though coconut water is by far its most accessible form, is it really worthy of all the hype? We found five ways to integrate coconut water into your daily life, and the results are pretty refreshing.

Skincare
Wash your face with coconut water? Yep. A popular clarifying practice in India, coconut water is said to reduce acne, control oily skin and moisturize. Already touted as a super-hydrant, coconut water is also antibacterial. In fact, beauty products like Revlon Mineral Makeup use the water as an oil substitute. It’s important to note, however, that fresh, unsweetened water should be used when cleansing—no Zico Chocolate, please.

Hangover Cure
That party was great last night; the hangover…not so much. The culprits behind your splitting headache are dehydration and depleted levels of potassium and electrolytes. Enter coconut water, which is loaded with potassium (containing slightly more than a banana) and electrolytes. Want to take it a step further? Drinking coconut water before you go to bed or using it as a mixer in your drinks can preemptively cut down on your hangover symptoms. Party on.

Cooking
Try substituting coconut water for stock or plain water when cooking rice or soups. If you’re not ready to take the full plunge, using a half-and-half ratio with water will still add great flavor to your food. It’s also a healthy option when making smoothies as it has more fiber and is lower in calories than, say, orange juice.

Sports Hydration
Gatorade has long reigned as the king of rehydration drinks, especially among the sport-y crowd. Though it still leads in sodium content, important for extended workouts, coconut water holds its own when it comes to rehydration and potassium content. It’s naturally isotonic and has the same level of electrolytes as found in human blood. It’s particularly effective when used before a workout, as the potassium stems off muscle cramping. A fun fact: Coconut water was actually used in WW II as a plasma replacement when medical supplies were running low.

Weight Loss
Keeping your body hydrated is key if you're trying to lose weight. Dehydration slows down your metabolism and that means you’re burning calories at a far slower rate than you should. Granted, water is the ultimate hydrant, but coconut water isn’t far behind. It’s low in calories, has zero cholesterol and very little fat. Another bonus is its high fiber content—much higher than most juices, and with a lot less sugar. Though it goes without saying that coconut water isn’t a weight-loss cure all, it’s helpful in keeping you hydrated and feeling full.