‘Drink a glass of water’: Bengaluru cardiolog calls coconut water ‘overrated’, sparks debate on X | Food-wine News

Unlike widely believed, coconut water does nothing more than what water and a banana could do, “at 10 per cent the price”, claimed Bengaluru cardiolog Dr Deepak Krishnamurthy on X while responding to a user’s post on soaring coconut water prices. The user posted, “And the tender coconut water mafia has fixed the price of tender coconut at Rs 60 throughout the city. A keen observation. In other cities, I have noticed differences in pricing as per locality. Here, it is fixed at 60. Hardly 200 ml of liquid.”Dr Krishnamurthy commented, “Overrated drink. If you have a coconut tree at home or farm, drink it. Otherwise, there is no need to buy and drink. Drink water.” “Eat a banana and drink a glass of water. That’ll give better benefit at 10 per cent the price,” he added in the following comment, leaving netizens shocked.
Soon, the post went viral with one user expressing, “This is a big statement, given all the benefits associated with coconut itself. In Bangalore’s summers, my nose would bleed, and coconut water daily alone saved me. Water can’t do that, doc!” Dr. Krishnamurthy responded, “You need to see an ENT doctor.”
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Another questioned, “I thought it’s better than water to prevent kidney stones. No?” Dr Krishnamurthy stressed, “No”.
A user, however, stood her ground. “I beg to differ on this doc… Coconut water is one of the best drinks that can rehydrate and replenish you with electrolytes. I do not think it is an overrated drink. If cost is an issue, then that’s a different issue to tackle.”
“Tender coconut water is nature’s refreshing elixir! Packed with electrolytes, it’s a perfect hydrating drink, containing low calories, high potassium, and essential vitamins like C and B. Great for rehydration, digestion, and boosting immunity. Drink up for a healthy boost!” another expressed.
So, is coconut water truly overhyped, or does it offer unique benefits? Taking a cue from the fiery debate online, we reached out to experts to know more.
Dr Narander Singhla, lead consultant, internal medicine, CK Birla Hospital®, Delhi, said that while the doctor labelled coconut water as “overrated” and suggested that drinking plain water is sufficient, coconut water is a clear, electrolyte-rich liquid found inside a young coconut, which offers a “natural source of hydration, containing essential minerals such as potassium, sodium, and magnesium”.Story continues below this ad
While proponents of coconut water claim that it helps replenish electrolytes lost through sweat, making it a popular choice among athletes, more research is needed to confirm whether it contributes to daily hydration needs, especially in tropical climates, and its role in supporting one’s digestive health, added Dr Singhla.
Is drinking plain water enough? (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
Dr Singhla continued, “There is limited scientific evidence to support many of its claimed health advantages. The electrolyte content of coconut water can vary depending on factors such as the coconut’s age and growing conditions. Moreover, many commercial coconut water brands contain added sugars and calories, which can reduce or even negate its potential health benefits.”

Overrated drink. If you have a coconut tree at home or farm, drink it. Otherwise, there is no need to buy and drink. Drink water. https://t.co/GVHQsObDT3
— Dr Deepak Krishnamurthy (@DrDeepakKrishn1) March 26, 2025
Kanikka Malhotra, consultant dietician and certified diabetes educator, affirmed that the benefits of coconut water “are often overstated for everyday consumption.” “Regular water is a cost-effective and essential choice for hydration for most individuals. For athletes or those in hot climates, coconut water may offer advantages due to its electrolyte content, but alternatives such as bananas can provide similar benefits at a fraction of the cost,” Malhotra told .
Ultimately, while coconut water can be refreshing, it should not replace water as the primary source of hydration for the average person. Dr Hiran S. Reddy, consultant physician, diabetolog and critical care special, Gleneagles Hospitals, Lakdi Ka Pul, Hyderabad, also agreed and shared that the belief that coconut water is essential for everyone, or superior to plain water for regular hydration is overstated. “Whether fresh or packaged, it’s a good option occasionally, but not a necessity. So yes, unless you have easy access to fresh coconuts, there’s no medical need to buy and consume coconut water regularly. Stick to water — it’s reliable, calorie-free, and perfectly hydrating,” said Dr Reddy.
Dr Singhla, too, concurred that plain water is sufficient for hydration, a perspective supported the fact that “most people do not require additional electrolytes in their daily diet“.Story continues below this ad

“While coconut water may offer some benefits, it is not a miracle cure for health issues and should not be treated as a substitute for a well-balanced diet,” stressed Dr Singhla. ” It shouldn’t replace water in your daily routine unless advised for specific health reasons such as after diarrhea, during mild heat exhaustion, or in cases of kidney stone prevention,” said Dr Reddy.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.