I’ve started doing yoga recently. For those who do yoga, you know that means as of recent, my muscles are sore, my joints are limber, and I’ve been drinking a ton of coconut water…

One of the biggest crazes in the health community these days is coconut water. You can’t go into a yoga studio, hipster coffee shop, or crossfit gym without spotting bottles of coconut water, can of coconut water, and sometimes whole coconuts themselves with a straw in them! In the past two years many coconut water brands have popped up. Zico and Vita Coco are two of the big front runners.

Supposedly the stuff keeps you way better hydrated than plain water. Whereas plain water will go “right through” a dehydrated person, coconut water naturally is full of electrolytes, especially potassium, that let you retain the hydration. Potassium also reduces hyper tension. No wonder coconut-drinking island-dweller seems so relaxed all the time!

Ok, so I’ve decided to try it. An 8 ounce bottle of coconut water usually lets me feel hydrated after hot yoga. Keep in mind, I usually sweat out roughly 2-3 gallons during hot yoga. Ok, maybe not quite that much, but definitely waaaaay more than 8 ounces. I’ve been drinking it in the mornings too and feeling great. This week I’ve started packing a little bottle with the kids lunch now.

As far as which brand, beware of Vita Coco. They add sugar to their water. Zico only adds sugar to their flavored coconut water, but I honestly don’t like the taste of their plain one. The best brand I’ve tried is Harmless 100% harvest. They don’t pasteurize, so none of the nutrients are compromised. That’s probably why they don’t need to add sugar. Also, it tastes the best.

I’m sold on this health “craze.” If it’s delicious and nutritious, then why not?