As somebody who is always striving to improve in her sport, I am well aware of the importance of not only training consistently, but of giving my body the best chance to repair itself and prepare for the rigours of training through adequate nutrition and hydration.
Now, the nutrition part is something I’m constantly working on (my love of pizza and ice cream is often something I curse myself for during races), however, I’m pleased to say that hydration is something I do get right 99 percent of the time. I drink litres of water every day, a coffee or two in the morning, and avoid soft drinks altogether. Yes, I am one of those strange people who actually enjoy water and can’t get enough of it.
Having said this, there are times, particularly after a long run on a Friday morning, that I need something more. It’s hard to explain, but after a couple of hours running, I feel that something is lacking in my body; something that needs to be replenished.
Enter coconut water. Not to be confused with coconut milk, this liquid is actually the juice found inside a fresh coconut. Teaming with naturally occurring electrolytes, it’s the perfect way to not only rehydrate, but to also replace these vital components, which include Magnesium, Calcium, Sodium and Potassium. Electrolyte imbalances can cause muscle weakness and cramping, which is not exactly what you want to endure during or after physical activity. Other reported benefits of coconut water are that it can help to kill intestinal worms, prevent urinary tract infections, and treat kidney and urethral stones. Furthermore, as coconut water is low in fat and contains no cholesterol, you can enjoy it without feeling guilty!
One look at the supermarket shelves in the UAE reveals several different brands of coconut water. Celebes Organic Coconut Water stands out as it is the only organic coconut water available in the UAE, and I was therefore keen to try it.
Originating from the Philippines, Celebes Organic Coconut Water is gathered and transformed using packaging and pasteurizing methods that allow the coconut water to remain organically pure, so that there is no need for nasty preservatives within the conveniently sized cartons. Available in 330ml and 500ml sizes. I enjoy drinking it either on its own, or by adding it to a whole range of juices and smoothies that I make at home. It’s the perfect way to liven up a green juice and stop it from tasting quite so ‘green’.
I enjoyed the taste of Celebes Organic Coconut Water; it didn’t taste as sweet as some of the other brands, which for me is much more preferable. It was the perfect way to quench my thirst after a tough training session, providing me with a little more than water can give, both in terms of taste and nutrients. The environmentally friendly cartons allow me to keep a larger bottle in the fridge, whereas the 330ml size is more portable and can be taken with me as a reward for all my hard efforts.
Mr. Abdul Nasser, Sales and Marketing Manager at Aramtec, says “There is a huge gap in the organic segment that continues to grow as demographics change sharply in the region. More and more people are looking to embrace a healthier lifestyle and the increasing demand for healthy products is growing exponentially. This is where our Celebes Organic Coconut Water comes in. It is the best buy in the UAE market since it is the only organic coconut water on the supermarket shelves.”
So, the next time you’re thirsty and feel tempted to reach for a soft drink, have some Celebes Organic Coconut Water ready and waiting. Your body will thank you for it!
Words by: Rachael Bruford
Photos by: Lara Antoinette Tan
