Coconut water is a natural beverage that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, magnesium, and calcium, making it a good choice for rehydrating and replenishing the body’s electrolytes. This is especially beneficial during sports activities because it can replace electrolytes lost through sweat.
Although it contains some protein—the most important nutrient for muscle growth and repair—coconut water alone is not enough to promote muscle growth. Muscle is built primarily through adequate protein consumption and strength training.
However, coconut water may play an important role in muscle recovery after intense exercise. A study from the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that staying hydrated and replenishing electrolytes can help improve athletic performance and reduce the risk of muscle cramps.
Drinking coconut water does not directly increase muscle mass because it does not provide enough protein and nutrients necessary for muscle building. To effectively increase muscle mass, it is necessary to combine drinking coconut water with a protein-rich diet such as fish, eggs, beans and strength training exercises.