Health Benefits of Coconut Water During Pregnancy

Drinking coconut water during pregnancy has many myths. Let’s take a look at the benefits, myths, and side effects of coconut water during pregnancy.

Consumption of coconut water during pregnancy has amazing benefits for both the mother and the baby. Before reading the health benefits of drinking coconut water during pregnancy, let’s read about coconut water.

Coconut water is a clear liquid found inside immature green coconut which is also known as coconut juice. Botanically, coconut is considered as a fruit rather than a nut. Coconut water contains very little fat and 94% water.

When a coconut matures, partial juice remains in liquid form and rest ripens into the solid white flesh. This solid white flesh is known as coconut meat. A coconut takes 10 to 12 months to fully mature and the coconut water comes from young coconuts that are of 6 to 7 months age.

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Coconut Water Nutrition in one cup (240ml):

• Calcium – 6% of the RDI (Reference Daily Intake)
• Potassium – 17% of the RDI
• Sodium – 11% of the RDI
• Magnesium – 15% of the RDI
• Vitamin C – 10% of the RDI
• Calories – 46
• Dietary Fiber – 2.9 grams
• Carbohydrates – 8.9%
• Protein – 2 grams

Usually, people get confused with coconut water and coconut milk. Coconut milk is made by adding water to the grated coconut meat. Coconut milk is very high in fat and it contains about 50% water.

You will be amazed to know the health benefits of drinking coconut water daily. This healthy powerhouse liquid is loaded with loads of nutrients including important minerals, vitamins, and electrolytes.

Coconut water is the most trending and refreshing beverage for a health-conscious generation.

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Uses and Health Benefits of Coconut Water

Uses of coconut water are derived from its general benefits.

1. It is a good source of nutrients.
2. It contains antioxidants.
3. Controls blood sugar levels as it is a good source of magnesium that may increase insulin sensitivity.
4. Powerful cholesterol-lowering properties.
5. Helps to lower blood pressure.
6. Prevents kidney stones by reducing stone and crystal formation.
7. Best sports beverage.
8. Helps to reduce nausea and stomach discomfort.
9. Treats dehydration.
10. Low in calories (46 calories in a cup).

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Benefits of coconut water during pregnancy

The CDB – Coconut Development Board has stated clearly that the coconut water during pregnancy is the best source of nutrients. It is a perfect blend of calcium, magnesium, chlorides, Vitamin C, electrolytes, and Riboflavin.

1. Combats nausea and morning sickness

In the first trimester, nausea and morning sickness are the most common problems of pregnant women. Coconut water in early pregnancy days works wonders when it is difficult to eat or drink anything.

Consuming coconut water during pregnancy helps to relieve fatigue, giddiness, and morning sickness. It also tastes good so it can be easily consumed.

2. Improves digestion and reduces heartburn

Coconut water during pregnancy maintains and regulates the ph. level of the body. It helps in strengthening the digestive system thereby prevents constipation and heartburn during pregnancy.

Coconut water also replenishes the natural salts lost due to vomiting. The hormonal changes in the first trimester and pressure on womb during the last trimester cause heartburn during pregnancy. So, it is advised to drink fresh coconut water during pregnancy to reduce the acidity.

3. Keeps a check on weight

As pregnant women are advised to keep a check on their weight, consumption of coconut water during pregnancy helps to increase the metabolism. It slowly eradicates the bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol in the body. Due to low in calories, this fat-free drink gives a refreshing and energetic feel.

4. Protects against infections

Coconut water during pregnancy helps to flush out the bad toxins from the body. So, it prevents UTI (Urinary Tract Infections) in an efficient manner.

It also reduces the stone and crystal formation and hence prevents kidney stones. It is a natural diuretic.

5. Maintains the daily fluid levels

Due to the concentration of electrolytes in this magical liquid, coconut water during pregnancy helps to maintain the daily fluid levels. It is an instant solution for dehydration and keeps the body well hydrated. It also boosts up the energy level instantly.

6. Boosts the immunity system

It is rich in antioxidants and several nutrients including important minerals, vitamins, and electrolytes. Therefore coconut water during pregnancy helps to boost the immunity level.

7. Regulates the blood pressure

Magnesium and potassium contained in the coconut water help to regulate the blood pressure during pregnancy.

8. Natural and hygienic

It is the most healthy natural drink of our mother nature. Coconut water is purely hygienic. It just needs to be chopped off from the top and can be directly consumed with the help of clean straw.

9. Energy booster after prenatal yoga

Coconut water during pregnancy boosts energy after the prenatal workout. It is a natural isotonic drink that is a great revitalizer for everyone.

10. Improves elasticity of the skin

Coconut water improves the elasticity of skin during pregnancy thereby limiting the formation of stretch marks. It is one of the greatest benefits of coconut water for skin for everyone.

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Recommendations for coconut water during pregnancy

A few points are must to keep in mind while drinking coconut water during pregnancy.

• Moderation is the key.
• Never replace pure mineral water with coconut water.
• Always drink fresh coconut water during pregnancy.
• Do not substitute it with packaged coconut water during pregnancy that contains preservatives and artificial sweeteners.
• Drink tender coconut water during pregnancy as soon as it is cut.
• Avoid leaving it uncovered for a longer time.
• Make sure the straw is clean and washed thoroughly before drinking coconut water.

Benefits of Coconut Milk during Pregnancy

• Improves immunity
• Controls blood pressure and blood sugar levels
• Improves digestion
• Rich in iron
• Improves heart health
• Relaxes nervous system

How to make coconut milk at home?

Avoid consuming packaged coconut milk during pregnancy due to the preservatives contained in the packs. You can easily make coconut milk at home and consume it fresh to derive the maximum nutritional benefits of coconut milk.

Ingredients:

2 cups – grated coconut

3 cups – water

Method:

1. Grate fresh coconut.
2. Heat water till it gets hot but not boiling.
3. Put grated coconut in a blender and add hot water.
4. Blend it till it gets thick and creamy.
5. Strain it through a sieve or a cheesecloth.
6. Squeeze the remaining solids and discard the coconut.

You can keep the strained liquid in the refrigerator and consume it maximum within 2-3 days. The fat will naturally rise to the top so shake well before use.

Frequently Asked Questions about Coconut Water During Pregnancy 

When to drink coconut water during pregnancy?

Ideally, you can drink coconut water during pregnancy anytime when you feel like. But the best time to have coconut water during pregnancy is early in the morning. When the stomach is unfilled, nutrients are best absorbed by the body.

How much coconut water should I drink?

One glass of coconut water during pregnancy is recommended daily. Drink one glass of coconut water before breakfast to derive the maximum benefits out this healthy powerhouse drink.

Is eating coconut in pregnancy safe?

Along with drinking coconut water during pregnancy eating coconut in pregnancy has also been advised by the elders. A pregnant woman should eat fresh coconut meat first thing in the morning. It is considered to be the most healthy meal of the day during pregnancy.

Coconut has Lauric acid that helps in breast milk production after delivery. Eating dry or wet coconut during pregnancy also improves the blood circulation and thereby prevents swelling in legs.

How to select the right coconut?

Always select the tender and green coconut water during pregnancy. The mature brown coconut water during pregnancy causes constipation.

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Myths about coconut water during pregnancy

Myth 1 – Coconut has magical properties

Fact – Although coconut water during pregnancy has innumerable nutritional benefits but you cannot rely on it completely for your nutritional requirements. A pregnant woman should eat a well-balanced diet to fulfill her nutritional requirements during pregnancy.

Myth 2 – Coconut Water makes baby’s skin fair

Fact – Your baby’s skin color and health depend on various factors including hereditary and genetic factors such as parent’s complexion and health.

Myth 3 – Coconut Water gives thick hair to the baby’s scalp

Fact – There is no such relation between consumption of coconut water during pregnancy and thickness of the baby’s hair.

Have more benefits to add to the list of health benefits of coconut water? Please share with us your valuable tips for pregnancy in the comments section below.

Wish you a healthy and happy pregnancy!