Can Cactus Water Help You Recover From A Workout?

17:12 - 17 August 2024

What The Heck Is Cactus Water?

Youve heard of <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/food/a26006002/maple-water/" id="147fe936-f05c-33e7-adea-37b1e050e70c"> maple water </a> and coconut water...but cactus water? Seems strange-or at least intriguing enough to try-since water may be the last thing you think of when you picture a cactus. But since new types of water are all the rage this year (they were named one of the <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/food/a25608959/food-trends-2019/" id="a1241272-6340-360f-ac42-2...

Before you swap plain old water for a cactus variety, you may want to hear what a nutritionist has to say about the latest H20 fad.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by True Nopal Cactus Water (@truenopal) on Jan 21, 2019 at 8:38am PST

What is cactus water?

Cactus water is made from the cactus fruit, or rather prickly pear concentrate, and water. So, its pretty simple with minimal ingredients. Its low in calories (18 calories per cup) and contains 4 grams of carbs, no added sugar, and 159mg of potassium, says Dana Angelo White, RD , certified athletic trainer and author of Healthy Instant Pot Cookbook .

Its not super versatile, but it can do a little more than just quench your thirst. I would use for smoothies, or as a poaching liquid for fish, says White.

But is cactus water healthy?

Its not bad for you, but its also not a crazy nutritious beverage, either. There's not a lot of info or research on the nutrition benefits, notes White. "It can certainly help hydrate you, and the potassium content can help with some electrolyte replenishment," she says. "But it may not be worth the hefty price tag."

Nutrition content in one box (11.2 oz) of Cali Water, Cactus and Peach Flavor :

10 calories
0 g fat
15 mg sodium
6 mg potassium
3 g carbohydrates
0 g fiber
2 g sugar
0 g protein

And while it may help you replenish your electrolytes after a workout, cactus water alone cant supply enough.

If you decide to try cactus water, opt for flavors that don't have any added sugar, or at least a very small amount (think 4 grams or less).

Its also technically keto-friendly, as its low in carbs and has zero added sugar. "You can make the keto claim since it is very low carb," says White. "Just keep the portions small as most keto models say no more than 8 to 10 grams per meal."

Should you drink it?

Sure-its safe. But dont expect too much out of it. I wouldnt go out of my way to point patients towards this, but I'd give them the green light to try, says White.

White suggests two brands, Cali Water , which has flavors in peach, berry, and wild prickly pear; or Truenopal , the original cactus water on the market. Keep your eyes out because there are sure to be more brands to make a splash this year.