Why coconut water is not as healthy as it seems

Coconut water is full of hidden sugar - despite being marketed as a healthy option, an investigation has found.

Sales of the trendy drink have soared in recent years to more than £100 million in the UK, as the public become conscious of their health. 

Foodies, health gurus, beauty experts and celebrities alike all sing the sweet liquid's praises. It is said to contain electrolytes vital for rehydration. 

But a Government study suggests 60 per cent of the products contain added sugar, even though its manufacturers claim it to be free of additives. 

Sugar: The dangers
The Government recommends a maximum of 30g of added sugar a day for adults, which is roughly seven sugar cubes.
Consuming any more than this set amount can lead to obesity, diabetes and tooth decay. Some studies have also shown a link to dementia.
WHO WERE THE SEVEN OFFENDERS?
The investigation revealed seven brands of coconut water contained hidden added sugar.
They were:    Chi
    Foco
    Go Coco
    Tropical Sun
    Suncrest
    Yaco
    Pearl Royal
And scientists have warned sugar could be as addictive as cocaine, as they found it to have a similar effect on the brain as the powerful illegal drug.The medical community has been embroiled in a bitter row in recent years over the true dangers of sugar, as some claim it to be worse than salt.
Experts are increasingly worried about consumption of sugar across the world, particularly among children.Average sugar intake is nearly three times the recommended limit, according to Public Health England figures. Researchers are constantly discovering sugar in seemingly guilt-free snacks and savoury foods, including salad dressings and bread.
What did the firms say?
Jonathan Newman, founder of Chi, said: 'We take the matter extremely seriously and have, since then, put in many checks in place.'He blamed factories in Asia, which they use to make their products, for 'trying to maintain artificially low prices' because of soaring demand.Ross Currie, managing director of Freedom Brands, which owns Go Coco, said the results 'could not be proven'. He added: 'This batch never entered the UK market.'