How Coconut Water can Increase your Muscular Endurance

Coconut water is one of my favorite beverages. It is not only tropical and delicious but can really enhance your health and workouts. I have noticed a dramatic difference in my mucular endurance when I drink coconut water before, during, and after my workouts. I will get into this in a bit, but first, let’s take a look at all of the other wonderful health benefits of coconut water!

Coconut water truly is nature’s all-natural hydrator. Coconut water possesses an incredible blend of electrolyes, potassium, and sodium. It is one of the most amazing all natural hydrators you will find. Coconut water also contains bio-active enzymes which are extremely helpful with regularity, increased metabolism, and anti-aging properties. It is also considered a beauty drink, as it has been shown to help the appearance of your skin and hair.

I’m sure everyone has all seen a coconut before, but what part is the coconut water? Coconut water is simply the clear liquid that is inside the coconut when you slice it open. The best tasting coconut water I have ever had was in Cancun, Mexico, where I drank the coconut water directly from the young coconut! Here in the states, coconut water has become pretty mainstream, as well. Make sure that you buy a coconut water that is “never from concentrate.” My favorite brands are C20, Vitacoco, and Amy and Brian.

Most of you probably drink sugary sports drinks such as Powerade or Gatorade throughout your workouts. These drinks are absolute garbage! Although they contain small amounts of potassium and sodium, they are purely sugar. You are better off drinking a can of soda and eating a banana! Coconut water is a much better alternative to sugar-laden sports drinks. A single serving of coconut water will contain up to TWICE as much potassium as a banana, and much higher levels of essential minerals that your body needs when undergoing intense workouts.

Coconut water is also very low in calories, and only contains naturally occurring sugars. It is only about 45 calories per 8-ounce serving, and is fat-free. Gatorade is about 120 calories per 8-ounces and contains tons of artificial colors, dyes, and even oils. This is about the worst thing you can drink if you are trying to lose weight or become more lean.

What can Coconut Water do for your workouts?

Coconut water is best used as a drink DURING workouts to enhance your muscular endurance. If you are doing long periods of weight training or cardio, your muscles are becoming depleted of glycogen, potassium, sodium, and other essential minerals. This is what causes you to become so fatigued towards the end of your workout. Drinking coconut water both before and during your workout is the perfect blend of nutrient-filled insurance against muscle cramping and extreme muscle fatigue. I will drink pure coconut water during my intense weight training sessions and I have found that I have been able to extend the intensity of my workouts by almost 20 minutes. Before I switched to coconut water, I would experience occasional muscle cramping and extreme dehydration during intense workout sessions. Now, I will drink approximately 16 ounces of coconut water throughout my workout, and I don’t experience those issues as much anymore.

So if you are looking to add intensity to your workout and increasing your muscular endurance, be sure to make the switch to coconut water as your workout fuel!