The thermometer may keep climbing, but that doesn’t mean you have to hide inside all summer. With proper hydration, you can easily keep your cool during any outdoor activity. There are many beverage options for those looking to cool down, but which is the healthiest choice for hydration?
First, let’s establish what you shouldn’t drink. Sugary sodas and caffeinated drinks are definitely out, as caffeine and sugar can deplete your body of precious water even further. Sports drinks can be very helpful for restoring electrolytes and providing energy-giving carbohydrates, but they are often weighed down with sugar.
What about water? Obviously, if you’re looking to hydrate, good old H20 has exactly what you need. Drinking water every day is important to support your body’s overall health. It helps transport nutrients and oxygen to your cells and organs and helps the body remove waste and toxins.
However, there is another option to consider””a fat-free beverage that provides the hydrating power of water, the electrolyte content of a sports drink, plus the benefits of other natural compounds, such as lauric acid (found in mother’s milk). You’ll find all of these in “nature’s sports drink,” otherwise known as coconut water.
Coconut water is the liquid found inside immature coconuts. Pure, natural coconut water typically contains more electrolytes than the leading sports drink, including potassium, magnesium and calcium. It is low in calories and contains no fat or cholesterol. In other words, coconut water is an excellent and natural way to stay hydrated and refreshed on a hot summer day!