Why coconut water is so great

With a growing list of Hollywood celebs raving about it, coconut water has never been more popular. It is extracted from young green coconuts and has only small amounts of natural sugars. Not to be confused with higher-fat coconut milk, it’s fat free, tangy but slightly sweet tasting and full of the electrolyte potassium, which lowers blood pressure. In fact, a single cup (250 mL) has about 50 percent more potassium than a banana. And with only 46 calories per cup and no added sweeteners, it won’t compromise your waistline as many sports and soft drinks can; a sports drink can have more than four times the calories. (However, sports drinks are better during and after intense exercise because they have more sugars, which exercising muscles need.)

How to enjoy it

Sip coconut water straight up (it’s best cold) or try it in a smoothie blended with your favourite frozen fruit. Use it as a base for cocktails (coconut mojito, anyone?) or even as a replacement for plain-Jane water when you are cooking up a batch of rice.

Where to find it

Supermarkets, and health and natural food stores.