Coconut water has gained popularity in leaps and bounds over recent years. Less than a decade ago, the coconut industry (which is absolutely massive in some parts of the world) barely even touched the United States. People in the U.S. either weren’t aware of it at all or just had no interest. I personally had never even heard of the stuff until maybe 4-5 years ago, when it was still largely unheard of but beginning to gain popularity in some circles.

For example, physical trainers started recommending it instead of water or Gatorade to stay hydrated during training regimens. If you are a health and fitness nut then you probably already know all about the benefits of coconut water. The rest of us started to catch on when it became a trendy beverage for celebrities to drink. Health conscious Hollywood stars like Madonna were drinking it for its health benefits and eventually the media caught wind of the trend.

As coconut water has caught on among more and more people, college kids have put their own twist on it and started to use it as a hangover remedy. Ironically, the same attributes that make coconut water a great hydration beverage also make it a great hang over remedy.

Now, whenever I personally hear someone say the words “hang over remedy” a little red flag goes off. This is because, in my experience, there is no true hangover remedy. There are some things that help minimize the agony after the fact but I have never really felt there was any reliable, tried and true “trick” or “secret” that could magically take away a hangover.

Coconut water is surprisingly no different. It won’t work like Tylenol and rid you of your pain and suffering in an hour. However, it does help noticeably which is why it got my attention. I drank one right before I went to bed and one the next day and I felt much, much better than I normally would have. I say its worth a shot - it works at least as good as any other “remedy” you could try.

Since coconut water has gained popularity, a lot of new stuff is starting to come out on the market. There are all sorts of coconut oil and different beverages you can buy to take advantage of the health benefits. I personally prefer to drink it because it tastes great and is an awesome hydrator. Even so, nobody can deny the coconut water benefits even though a few haters out there are trying to ruin it for everybody. For example, there have been some claims that coconut water can discourage the possibility of cancer. I have no idea if this is true or not and my hunch says nobody else does, either. So, even though I wouldn't recommend it as a cancer cure, that doesn't mean it isn't still really healthy and good for you.

Coca Cola and Pepsi have both bought into companies that produce the great tasting drink. Goya has been making it forever. Meanwhile, Zico coconut water is another brand that has gained momentum. Coconut water in general is a very popular, trendy drink that a lot of celebrities, such as Madonna, like to have during a workout. It is also the most likely hydration beverage to see in the gym or to be recommended by a personal trainer.

Personally, I really doubt there is much difference from brand to brand. I tend to get Goya because they have been making it forever and it is cheap. I also like that it has a lot of coconut flesh in it but many people don’t buy it for that same reason. It is all personal preference.

If you haven’t tried before, you could go ahead and just buy one of each. It won’t cost you more than ten bucks or so and you can find out which one you like best. Many companies also make flavored versions, many of which are great. I like it plain but I can be partial to the peach flavored coconut water Goya makes from time to time.

I have met very few people who try it and don’t like it. It is very mildly sweet, and if you get it plain it really isn’t all that different from regular water. That means it is a great substitute and maybe even better then the rest because you get all the electrolytes and vitamins.