Coconut water is all the rage right now, and for good reason β itβs delicious! But what many people donβt know is that coconut water makes a great addition to smoothies. It adds a nice sweetness and tropical flavor that really enhances the smoothie experience. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the benefits of adding coconut water to your smoothies, as well as some recipes to get you started!
Recommended Post β Recipes for Easy Healthy Smoothies
What you will learn
History
Coconuts have been around for centuries, and their water has been used as a traditional remedy for many ailments. Today, coconut water is widely available in supermarkets and health food stores, and its popularity continues to grow.
Benefits of coconut water
Hydrating
So, why add coconut water to your smoothies? First of all, itβs a great source of hydration. Coconut water is packed with electrolytes, which make it a perfect post-workout drink. Itβs also great for summertime β when youβre sweating more and need to replace those lost fluids.
Minerals
It contains minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and calcium, which are all important for maintaining health.
Watch to this video with Martha Steward β Hydrating Coconut Water and Fruit Smoothie β Martha Stewart.
For those of us that like to travel to the tropical place, listen to where he mentions that drinking coconut water will prevent intestinal infection (very common when travelling) β somewhere around the beginning of the video 0:45 into the video. This is the first time we have heard of this.
Vitamins
Coconut water is also a good source of vitamins C and B which helps the immune system and provides energy, respectively.
Taste
As we mentioned before, coconut water really enhances the flavor of a smoothie. Itβs a great way to add sweetness without using
Low in calories
Low calorie and fat content makes it a great addition to smoothies for those watching their weight. One cup of this water has only 46 calories and no fat.
Fiber
It also contains fiber, which is important for digestive health. It has more fiber than many other fruits, including bananas.
Versatile
Plus, itβs super versatile and can be used in all sorts of recipes β from fruity and tropical to green and earthy.
Coconut water vs juice
Now that weβve talked about the benefits of coconut water, letβs discuss the difference between coconut water and juice. Coconut water is the clear liquid that comes from inside a young, green coconut. It is naturally sweet and has a slightly nutty flavor.
Coconut juice, on the other hand, is made from the flesh of mature coconuts and is much sweeter than coconut water. It also has a thicker consistency and can be used in place of dairy milk in recipes.
Coconut water in smoothies
Letβs have a look at some delicious smoothies ideas with coconut water:
Tropical smoothie
Ingredients:
- β Coconut water
- β Pineapple
- β Mango
- β Banana
Instructions: Simply blend all ingredients together and enjoy!
Green smoothie with coconut water
Ingredients:
- β Coconut water
- β Spinach leaves
- β Kale
- β Cucumber
- β Lime juice
Instructions: Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Enjoy as-is or with a splash of sparkling water.
Berry coconut water smoothie
Ingredients:
- β Coconut water
- β Strawberries
- β Raspberries
- β Blueberries
- β Banana
Avocado smoothie with coconut water
Ingredients:
- β Coconut water
- β Avocado
- β Banana
- β Spinach leaves
Instructions: Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Enjoy as is or with a splash of sparkling water.
Pina Colada smoothie
Ingredients:
- β Coconut water
- β Pineapple
- β Coconut milk
- β Banana
Instructions: Simply blend all ingredients together and enjoy!
Coconut and Greek yogurt smoothie
Ingredients:
- β Coconut water
- β Greek yogurt
- β Banana
- β Honey
Instructions: Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Enjoy as is or with a splash of sparkling water.
As you can see, there are endless possibilities when it comes to adding coconut water to your smoothies.
FAQs
Can I substitute coconut water for juice in a recipe?
In most cases, yes. Just keep in mind that it will make the smoothie less sweet and more hydrating.
Can I use any type of coconut water?
Yes, you can use either fresh or packaged coconut water. If using fresh, be sure to strain it to remove any pulp.
Do I need to refrigerate coconut water?
Yes, itβs best to store coconut water in the fridge, especially after opening.
How long does coconut water last?
Coconut water will last for about a week in the fridge. You can also freeze it for up to six months.
Wrapping it up
There you have it β some delicious recipes for coconut water smoothies! We hope you enjoy them as much as we do!
Definitely head over to Healthline and view their blog on Coconut Water Benefits here!
Cheers!