The coconut water trend traveled from tropical islands to Trader Joe’s, but just how magically nutritious are those little juice boxes? While packaged coconut water packs a solid amount of potassium and sodium, the ion levels are no higher than in traditional potassium-rich foods such as bananas and spinach. And that electrolyte boost you think you need? Research shows it isn’t necessary for most of us after all. Bottom line: It tastes great, but you don’t need coconut water to be healthier. The Surprising and Gross Bacteria Lurking In Hotel Rooms [WebMD] When you’re on vacation, the high-risk spots for bacteria seem obvious: Anywhere near the bathroom, for starters. But a new survey of American hotel rooms revealed some unexpectedly grimy spots: Light switches and TV remotes contained between 14 and 25 times the amount of colony-forming units of bacteria permitted in hospitals. To that end, may we suggest you pack some disposable wipes with you next time you head out of town? (For 10 more germ hot spots, click here.) Should You Exercise When It’s Hot Out? [Reuters] Working out in the heat is more and more common, whether it’s taking a run in this week’s 90-degree weather or sweating it out in a hot-yoga class. But for all the benefits of a tough workout, excessive temperatures and humidity levels come with serious risks to your health, such as dehydration or heat stroke. When the thermometer’s nearing triple digits, experts recommend keeping exercise indoors. (And for the record: Burning temperatures don’tmean you burn more calories—that’s a myth, with some dangerous implications.) For 4 Ways to Beat the Heat when you’re working out, click here. Can Weight Loss Surgery Lead To Alcohol Problems? [MSNBC] Gastric bypass surgery seems to come with an unlikely side effect: an increase in alcohol use. According to new research, Americans who have undergone bariatric surgeries are much more likely to develop “alcohol use disorder.” Whether it’s addictive behavior (for food, say) finding another outlet, changes in the way alcohol is metabolized post-surgery, or due to the psychological effects of weight loss, experts say the connection appears to be clear—and troubling. Everybody Loves Kale! [Blisstree] Is there anything bad about the healthiest vegetable out there, kale? Well, besides having to choose between the many ways you could—and should—prepare it. Here, we’re giving you 10 ideas, none of which involve a hot stove. Spread them out over the next few weeks or, hey, just make ‘em all at once. No judgments. For more than 85 amazing and healthy kale recipes from Prevention, click here. Why Are Tomatoes Red? A Meteorite, Obviously [Time] Here’s some news from the fun-fact department: Around 65 million years ago, a meteor strike—yup, the same one that killed the dinosaurs—created conditions on Earth that prompted tomatoes to develop a much greater and more diverse genome, resulting in its bright-red hue. For a refresher on why this superfood should always be on your shopping list, click here.
