Bones and joints are often age-related problems; in which, osteoporosis will make bones weak, brittle and less dense. The antioxidants and calcium in coconut water help maintain bone structure and prevent bone loss due to hormonal changes. So, is drinking coconut water good for bones and joints, or should people with chronic joint pain drink coconut water regularly?
1. Support healthy bones
With about 19.2 milligrams of calcium in a cup of coconut water, this drink is considered an excellent source of nutrition for bones besides other calcium-rich food sources. Many people do not consume enough calcium and insufficient calcium can lead to osteoporosis problems such as low density, bone loss and weaker, more fragile bones, especially in postmenopausal women.
In addition, antioxidants and free radicals have shown evidence of being involved in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis. Therefore, the antioxidant compounds in coconut water or coconut oil have been used in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. In an animal model study, ovariectomized female rats fed coconut water or coconut oil had significantly greater femur volume and surface area than control rats.
2. Treat Cramps and Muscle Pain
Coconut water can help treat muscle cramps and/or soreness if actively supplemented during the recovery period after exercise, especially in athletes. This is thanks to the minerals or ingredients in coconut water that are all electrolytes necessary for muscle function.
In addition, like other popular sports drinks, coconut water contains high levels of electrolytes such as potassium and magnesium. Therefore, studies have shown that coconut water is just as beneficial for the recovery process after exercise as bottled sports drinks.
Moreover, should you drink coconut water every day to help reduce muscle pain? Muscle soreness is one of the biggest hindrances to building consistent strength and can be very difficult to train. In this context, the habit of drinking coconut water will be beneficial in speeding up recovery time and eliminating the feeling of soreness, through the process of removing toxins from the body and keeping the muscles functioning normally.
3. Improve joint pain
Coconut water has basic anti-inflammatory properties and helps reduce acid levels in the body. This can help reduce inflammation and pain in the body, especially when drinking coconut water every day. In addition, this healthy drink also contains vitamin B6, which helps reduce and prevent inflammation, especially in the joints that are inflamed due to osteoarthritis.
Not only that, coconut oil or coconut milk, which comes from the coconut meat, the dried white shell of a mature coconut that is pressed to extract the oil, has long been believed to have many benefits such as building the immune system, treating muscle cramps and knee pain. Therefore, coconut oil may be beneficial for treating knee pain. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, as well as its high lauric acid content, coconut oil can support the healing process of knee pain.
In addition, for rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic autoimmune disease that can cause pain or loss of function in the joints of the hands and fingers, when modern remedies have not been completely effective, using coconut oil is an effective traditional way to relieve joint pain. Thanks to its antibacterial properties and antioxidant factors that can help the body strengthen its own resistance to disease, coconut oil, when used regularly, can help reduce inflammation and pain caused by arthritis.
4. Top Benefits of Coconut Water for Athletes
4.1. Hydration
High-intensity workouts often require more sweating. Sweat releases into the body certain electrolytes that are needed to maintain proper hydration and nerve, heart, and muscle function. Coconut water, like other sports drinks, will replenish electrolytes that are depleted during exercise.
4.2. Provide natural energy
Coconut water contains less than one percent natural sugar, rather than the refined sugar or high-fructose syrups commonly found in energy drinks or sports drinks. Natural sugars are as important as carbohydrates for sports performance. Therefore, drinking coconut water will help athletes consume fewer calories, without feeling too full, so they can have a nutritious snack after exercise.
4.3. Bring vitamins
Coconut water is great after a workout, as the drink provides vitamins that help with physical recovery, including vitamins C and B. Vitamin C strengthens the immune system; folate (vitamin B9) helps the body make new cells; and vitamin B6 helps build muscle by producing amino acids.
In short, coconut water is not only a thirst quencher for everyone, especially athletes, but can also be considered a remedy for patients with musculoskeletal diseases. Accordingly, we should stop worrying about whether drinking coconut water is good for bones and joints. Patients can create a habit of regularly adding this drink to their daily diet, both to prevent osteoporosis, reduce joint pain and swelling, and balance the water and electrolyte environment in the body as the nutritional composition of coconut water provides.
References: webmd.com, indianexpress.com, askinglot.com, medicalnewstoday.com, thanyapura.com
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