Coconut Water vs. Gatorade

Garland Dyer
April 7, 2015
Filed under Health

Coconut Water Splash Photo courtesy of http://blisstree.com

The verdict is in! Natural, organic, products free of artificial dyes and sweeteners are gaining popularity amongst consumers, more so than ever when compared to their heavily commercialized counterparts.

Coconut water has been gaining popularity due its natural ingredients, clean manufacturing process, and for its good nutritional value.

“It’s a natural way to replenish electrolytes after hard workouts. Unsweetened varieties are free of the sugar, artificial sweeteners, or dyes contained in many conventional sports drinks,” said registered dietitian Pamela Nisevich Bede, referencing that coconut water could possibly be a better alternative.

Amongst coconut water products, ZICO Coconut Water contains five essential electrolytes to help aid proper levels of hydration: sodium, magnesium, calcium, potassium, and phosphorus.

Its successful counterpart, Gatorade Thirst Quencher contains only Sodium, Potassium, and an ingredient listed as Monopotassium Phosphate, which gatorade.com describes as “A soluble salt which is a nutritive source of phosphorus and potassium.”

While Gatorade does contain two essential electrolytes, the third possible electrolyte phosphorus isn’t derived naturally and is included as a salt, converting a would-be electrolyte into a salt.

Among other ingredients listed is sugar, dextrose, gum arabic, and yellow dye six. Consumers that are invested into an organic and healthy lifestyle may want to warrant and stay away from Gatorade. Worrisome aspects of Gatorade include ingredients are not naturally derived, containing added sugar, and the addition of other ingredients, which are typically long and hard to pronounce.

A better alternative route for gym goers, exercise nuts, and athletes would be to consume water, if the workout is less than an hour. Plain water is a great way to stay hydrated as it contains zero calories, zero sugars and is completely natural!

If the workout runs longer than an hour, consuming coconut water will be the healthier alternative as it contains the same amount of potassium as one banana, contains no artificial sweeteners or sugars and is a great way to stay hydrated.

Among other health benefits coconut water are gluten, lactose, dairy, fat, cholesterol, and dye free. All of these ingredients are natural.

Healthy conscious consumers feel free to buy coconut water, but there isn’t enough scientific evidence yet to effectively prove that coconut water is better than some of the leading sports drinks out there.

Buy according to your lifestyle, but don’t buy the hype. Stay hydrated.