The Paleo List Answers:IS COCONUT WATER PALEO?

Coconut is all the rage these days! We’ve covered coconut milk, coconut flour, coconut aminos, coconut cream, coconut cooking spray and more. Now it’s time to take a look at one of the trendiest drinks on the market right now: coconut water. Is it Paleo?

What is Coconut Water?

If you find a coconut on a tropical island, and somehow manage to crack it open, a sweet liquid will drip out. This is called coconut water. It is the raw liquid found inside a coconut. Things at the grocery store tend to be a little different though.

Most brands of coconut water (Zico, O.N.E.) are actually reconstituted coconut water. The natural coconut water is reduced into syrup after harvest, then exported around the world, where it is reconstituted with water before being bottled. Unfortunately, this process destroys many of the beneficial natural enzymes of coconut water, but it isn’t necessarily bad for you. It’s just less good. Many brands are also pasteurized with heat, which kills bacteria, extends shelf life, and also destroys some of the vitamins and nutrients. Again, this is less good, but not necessarily bad.

And what about flavored coconut waters? Many brands claim to add only natural fruit purees to their coconut waters, but others add sugar and thickeners as well. As a general rule of thumb, flavored coconut water is not the best choice.

Is Coconut Water Paleo?

The all-natural straight-from-the-coconut stuff is 100% Paleo! You shouldn’t drink it as much as regular water, but it is a great substitute for juice, sports drinks, and sodas. It’s super high in potassium and contains a decent amount of carbohydrates, so it works as an excellent post-workout beverage. When ice cold, it’s also super refreshing!

However, not all coconut water is created equal. For starters, stay AWAY from the flavored stuff. Whatever is in there – sugar, peach flavor, mango, whatever – you don’t want it! Secondly, if you want the beverage with the best nutritional profile, look for the closest thing to raw coconut water that you can find. The articles below shed some more light on coconut water.
Are you struggling with which foods are Paleo?  Do you need help planning some Paleo meals?  Check out this great Paleo cookbook: