Q: Does coconut water live up to the hype behind its “nature’s sports drink” credit?

A: Coconut water is touted as nature’s sports drink, it’s true. It’s endorsed as an all-natural, preservative-free quaff by athletes the likes of Alex Rodriguez and Kevin Garnett, and health junkies as relentless as Madonna. Low in calories and high in electrolyte potassium, it’s a supposed tropical shortcut to post-workout rehydration. Heck, A-Rod loves the stuff so much he invests in one major producer and endorses its biggest competition.

That’s the hype. The truth behind coco’s commodity is a little closer to fiction, which should come as little-to-no surprise. Just look at what The Professor could do with coconuts on Gilligan’s Island — seemingly anything. Coconut water has acquired a reputation to improve circulation, slow aging, fight viruses, and reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease and stroke. It’s also seen as a piss-up cure, even a diuretic flush for urinary tract infections.

Still, on the fitness front, while coconut water offers the same amount of electrolytes as a typical –ade solution, the water of young coconuts — not to be confused with the pulpy, fatty mash of coconut milk, made from the fruit’s flesh — may not offer the same replenishing qualities as its colour-added foil. It may be a healthful alternative for push-up/sit-up style workouts; but, attempt to whet you whistle after a long slog and coconut water might fall short.

While sports drinks are high on sodium and low on potassium, coconut water is the direct opposite. Though 95% water, it won’t fully replenish your exhausted system after you’ve perspired hearty amounts of sodium. A key element to rehydration, sodium sops up and retains water in the body.

Plus, where hard workouts are concerned, replenishing protein and carbohydrates is key — and coconut water might be too thin. It’s recommended that adults consume 15 to 17 ounces of protein post-workout, a far cry from an 8-ounce can of coconut water’s 2 grams.

Further complicating matters is that, high in natural sugar, coconut water starts to ferment once introduced to air and warm temperatures. Unless you’re on vacation, watching a roadside vendor hack into a fresh coconut with a machete, chances are other elements have been added to your saintly swig. Livestrong.com puts it best: “If you drink bottled coconut water drinks, you could be drinking mostly food preservatives and hype.” Sorry, A-Rod, but it looks like you’re a C-Nut.

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Image courtesy of nidriel.