The Hydrating Drink That Has More Potassium Than A Banana

When a hot, sweaty workout leaves you parched, what do you reach for? If potassium is what you seek in a hydrating quaff, you might want to select coconut water. Compared to a medium banana, which has about 400 milligrams of potassium, one cup of coconut water packs around 470 milligrams of the good stuff. On the list of fruits with more potassium than a banana, this means that coconut water — which is actually the liquid endosperm of coconut palm trees — is a solid pick for fortifying yourself with life-giving nutrition. As a bonus, coconut water is low in calories and also packed with multiple electrolytes (including sodium) that will replenish your body's reserves after a lot of physical exertion.

If you already know what potassium actually does for your body, you understand the value of this essential nutrient, which is needed by almost every major organ system. It helps regulate fluid levels and has major implications for the proper contraction of muscles ... which is why so many reach for potassium-rich food or drink when they have muscle cramps. Another lesser-known perk of potassium is its role in maintaining blood sugar levels. 

The amount of potassium one needs in their diet varies widely based on sex assigned at birth, age, and other potential life circumstances like pregnancy, nutritional status, and certain health conditions. All told, most folks in the United States don't get enough potassium in their diets. Does this mean that you should chug coconut water all day long? Not so fast, as there are potential dangers associated with too much potassium that can outstrip its benefits.

Are you thinking that properly opening a coconut is the riskiest part of consuming coconut water? Put down that cleaver and listen up, because there's a cryptic danger to overconsumption of coconut water ... or any potassium-rich food, for that matter. Some nutrients like vitamins B12 and C are safe(r) for most adults to consume in excess, since the body will (usually) just flush out what it doesn't need. However, consuming too much potassium can be life-threatening. 

This comes about due to a condition called hyperkalemia. If you're thirsty after a day sweating in the sun and chug a large amount of coconut water, you could actually cause a heart arrhythmia, as the excess protein may disrupt the normal contractions of your heart, per the National Library of Medicine. If that sounds scary, it's because it is! Luckily, downing a couple bottles of coconut water daily should be just fine for most healthy adults. Remember, however, that it's no substitute for the water that your body needs to function, so coconut water shouldn't be the only liquid you imbibe.

When it comes to food and drink, too much of anything is seldom a good thing. The human body needs a variety of vitamins and minerals to keep it ticking along, and the best way to provide that is by taking in a variety of healthy foods. Coconut water, in its rightful place, can help to hydrate your body and provide it with a hefty dose of needed potassium. Too much can be disruptive, but isn't that the case for many foods? "Everything in moderation" goes for potassium-maxxing as well!