Coconut water is a stimulating, sweet, and clear isotonic beverage which assists your body in replenishing the lost fluids. Also known as Nariyal Pani and Elaneer in India, it is known for its flexibility and countless dietary advantages. This begs the concern if it is safe throughout pregnancy? Check it out!
Is It Safe To Drink Coconut Water During Pregnancy?
Yes, it is safe to drink coconut water, however in small amounts, as it includes natural minerals and vitamins. Having coconut water in the first trimester helps curb dehydration resulting due to morning illness (1 ). It is likewise good for heartburn and constipation, the common symptoms of pregnancy.
You can drink coconut water anytime, however the best time is early in the morning. It is much healthier then as the electrolytes and nutrients can be quickly absorbed when your stomach is empty.
The dietary advantages present in one cup of coconut water consist of:
Calories — 46
Sodium — 252mg
Potassium — 600mg
Carbohydrates — 8.9 grams.
Dietary fiber — 2.6 grams.
Sugars — 6.26 grams.
Calcium — 6%.
Health Benefits Of Coconut Water for Pregnant Women You Should Know
You can avail of its benefits only when you consume the water fresh as it begins fermenting when left open and exposed to air.
1. Natural Diuretic
During pregnancy, the uric acid levels should be normal in your body system. Coconut water is a diuretic and increases the desire to urinate due to the fact that of the existence of potassium, magnesium, and mineral. They help in flushing away the toxic substances and clearing the urinary tract. It, therefore, enhances kidney performance and avoids kidney stones and infections. It also avoids urinary tract infections, therefore reducing the opportunities of preterm labor.
2. Offers Essential Electrolytes
The requirement for electrolytes boosts throughout pregnancy because conditions like morning sickness, nausea, and diarrhea dehydrate the body. Coconut water system all the 5 important electrolytes: minerals, sodium, calcium, potassium, and phosphorus, which soothe the body and supply energy (2 ). These electrolytes send electrical charges in your body and help in muscle performance. They likewise assist keep your body pH levels and control blood pressure levels. It is understood to possess cooling properties, which ward off conditions like bilious fever and vomiting.
3. Eases Heartburn And Constipation
Hormonal modifications during pregnancy cause several problems such as heartburn, irregularity, and indigestion. The rich dietary fiber content in coconut water enhances the digestion system, improves food digestion, regulates pH levels, and avoids irregularity. Ayurveda considers tender coconut water to be an excellent laxative. It enhances metabolic process and detoxifies your body. Coconut water is a natural acid neutralizer, and for that reason avoids heartburn.
4. Treats Infections
Coconut water has abundant vitamins, vital minerals, and anti-oxidants, which enhance your immune levels, providing resistance from infections. It consists of lauric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid responsible for the production of an effective antivirus monolaurin, Michelle-Lee Young composes in the book ‘Two Trees and Twelve Fruits That Will Change Your Life Forever’. Lauric is a disease-fighting acid that eliminates harmful bacteria and infections like influenza, HIV, and keeps the good germs.
5. Enhances Heart Health
Low electrolytes level increases the blood pressure. Drinking coconut water enhances the levels of potassium, magnesium, and lauric acid, which assist in regulating blood pressure. It enhances good cholesterol and fights bad cholesterol. The vitamins, necessary proteins, and electrolytes in coconut water control sugar levels, blood pressure levels, and improve blood circulation. A glass of coconut water every day is especially useful in the last trimester when there is brewing tension of labor that can increase your blood pressure.
6. Maintains A Healthy Weight
Coconut water is fat-free and low in calories. As pregnancy adds extra weight to your body, coconut water prevents fat build-up by getting rid of bad cholesterol. It is an exceptional replacement for sugar drinks and helps both the mother and growing fetus in being healthy and fit.
7. Natural Drink
Coconut water is a tasty natural beverage. It has no artificial tastes or damaging parts. It is safe for you and your growing fetus considering that neither of its elements impacts your health.
8. Energizes After Workout
Coconut water is a natural isotonic beverage, which assists you acquire energy when you are experiencing dehydration, tiredness and fatigue. It is a terrific revitalizer. If you exercise frequently to keep yourself fit and strengthen your pelvic muscles, you can choose coconut water as an energy drink (4 ). Hydration likewise enhances the elasticity of skin, for that reason limiting the stretch marks that establish throughout pregnancy.
9. Low Sugar Content
Excessive intake of sugar can lead to an increase in total blood glucose levels. Coconut water has lower sugar than other energy and sports beverages. It will not add to any pregnancy weight, and a diet low in easy sugars will reduce the danger of getting gestational diabetes.
10. Accelerates Growth Of The Fetus
Coconut water provides all nutrients to the mother, necessary for maintaining and enhancing her health. It, therefore, improves the health, growth, and correct nutrition of the coming child.
11. Improves Amniotic Fluid Levels
Drinking coconut water enhances the health and total environment of your growing fetus. Coconut water taken specifically in the third-trimester improves the amniotic fluid levels and boosts blood volume and blood circulation.
Side Effects Of Drinking Coconut Water During Pregnancy
There is no such evidence that shows coconut water has adverse effects on pregnancy. Like any other fruit or vegetable juice, it likewise appears to be safe. However there are two things you may bear in mind:
- Coconut milk consists of sodium, which may not be the right choice for pregnant women experiencing pre-eclampsia.
- Ripe coconut water might trigger constipation.
How Much Coconut Water Can A Pregnant Woman Have?
- Small amounts is always the key when it comes to taking healthy diet. You can drain to one glass of coconut water a day.
- Consume the water not long after opening, as a fresh one will include rich nutrients. Utilize a clean straw or put into a glass and drink.
- It is constantly great to choose natural coconut water than canned or bottled ones.
Do not take in coconut water if you react to it or dislike its taste.
How To Select The Right Coconut?
To delight in the different benefits of coconut water, you need to know to pick them correctly. These suggestions might help you to purchase fresh and tender coconut.
A fresh coconut will be light and sweet and will not contain coconut meat, the white, fleshy, tender compound. A ripe or stagnant one will taste sour.
Choice: Pick medium sized, tidy, and green colored nuts as they include large quantities of water. Do pass by coconuts that have difficult brown shells and gray spots as they indicate mature nuts.
Water: Shake the coconut strongly close to your ear to examine if it has water. Select the ones which produce excellent sloshing noise. A fresh coconut will contain nearly a cup of water.
If you want to save coconuts in your home, keep them in a cool area.
Myths About Coconut Water During Pregnancy
You may likewise encounter some misconceptions and it is crucial for you to get those facts clear. Here they are:.
Myth 1: Coconut Water Has Magical Properties.
Coconut water consists of lots of nutrients, which is the factor it is recommended for pregnant women.
Fact: Pregnant women require all important nutrients and minerals in correct amounts. It is an olden myth that coconut water will help fulfill all those nutritional requirements. However, there is no single food that has all the nutrients. Just a mix can supply you the needed nutrients in right dosages. Drinking coconut water alone will not provide all the nutrients. Therefore, it ought to be supplemented with other food products, fruits, and vegetables.
Myth 2: Coconut Water Improves Baby Hair.
Your baby will be born with thick hair on the scalp when you drink coconut water throughout pregnancy.
Fact: There is no such relation between consuming coconut water and hair growth on infant’s scalp. It is a benefit overplayed.
Myth 3: Coconut Water Makes Your Baby’s Skin Fair And Healthy.
Drinking coconut water while you are pregnant will give a clear and reasonable skin tone to your baby.
Fact: Mere usage of coconut water will not make your infant’s skin fair and clear. Your child’s skin and health will depend on numerous elements consisting of hereditary, nutrition, parents’ health, and more.
Eating Coconut During Pregnancy
Usage of coconut meat is also considered helpful throughout pregnancy.
Advantages Of Coconut Meat During Pregnancy
1. Generation Of Breast Milk
Routine intake of coconut meat throughout pregnancy boosts the supply of breast milk after shipment. Your child will receive healthy and abundant breast milk. Also, the coconut oil helps in the generation of breast milk.
It is also excellent during the lactation phase as it consists of lauric and capric acids. These acids have antiviral, antibacterial and parasiticidal results, which safeguard the baby from illnesses.
2. Improves Blood Circulation
The blood volume doubles throughout pregnancy, triggering inflamed feet and legs. Poor circulation of blood worsens the condition. Consuming coconut enhances your blood flow and prevents swelling and pain in the legs.
3. Aids Digestion
Consuming coconut meat and water prevents constipation as tender coconut meat acts as an excellent laxative (6 ). It is among the very best benefits of taking in coconut in any kind during pregnancy.
4. Better Sleep
Having coconut in combination with poppy seeds and ghee will improve your sleep cycle.
5. Improves Metabolism
When the coconut is combined with spices, it is handy in increasing metabolic activities in pregnant women.
What About Coconut Milk During Pregnancy?
Coconut milk is a thick and milky liquid gotten by squashing grated coconut flesh. It is likewise a vital active ingredient in many foods, particularly in Southeast Asian meals. Coconut can be consumed in any kind due to its incredible health advantages. Coconut milk assists boost body fuel. It is completely safe to drink unless you are allergic to it.
Benefits Of Coconut Milk During Pregnancy
1. Improves Immunity
Coconut milk contains lauric acid, which is anti-bacterial and antiviral fat, valuable for pregnant women. This type of fat assists enhance the immune system, according to the book ‘Coconut Oil and Immune System’ by Sherri Neal. The long chain fatty acids correct the alignment of the capillary and lower any blockages in the heart, for that reason improving the heart condition as well.
2. Other Benefits Include
- Contains great quantities of iron, which can deal with anemia.
- Enhances digestive concerns.
- Offers relaxation to muscles and nervous system.
- Controls blood sugar level and blood pressure levels.
- Alleviates joint pains and scratching pains.
- Makes your body fit and assists drop weight.
The Best Ways To Prepare Fresh Coconut Milk?
It is advisable to make coconut milk in the house instead of go with a packaged one.
- Grate one whole coconut and add one and half cups of warm water.
- Leave the mixture to cool at space temperature level.
- When the mixture is cooled, pressure it to get the milk.
Coconut milk taken directly from fresh coconuts will contain about 450 calories and 50gm fat. One cup of coconut milk (roughly 240gm) has the following nutritional values:
- Calories — 550.
- Fats — 50.2 gm (all types of fats).
- Cholesterol — 0.
- Sodium — 40gm.
- Carbohydrates — 14gm (in 250gm milk).
- Proteins — 6gm.
- Vitamin C — 11%.
- Iron — 22%.
- Calcium — 4%.
Is Canned Coconut Milk Good During Pregnancy?
Canned coconut milk is safe to have during pregnancy, but you need to make sure that the can is not corroded, rusted, ended, or saved at unsafe temperature levels.
Coconut milk includes considerable quantities of saturated fats, i.e., 3gm in one tablespoon. Taking in excessive of saturated fat will increase both excellent and bad cholesterol levels in the body. When it comes to canned milk, you should be aware of your usage level as it need to not surpass your day-to-day requirement.
Besides the above, other reasons that you can pass by canned coconut milk are:
1. Bisphenol — A (BPA)
It is a chemical usually used in the lining of cans used for packaged foods. This BPA may gradually leach into acidic, fatty, or salty foods like coconut milk, vegetables, tomatoes, and soups. A research study mentions that there is a relation in between high BPA levels in moms and neurobehavioral problems in babies (7 ).
2. Guar Gum
Guar gum is an additive present in canned coconut milk. It is a galactomannan, a polysaccharide and is mainly a ground endosperm of guar beans. There have been problems like extreme abdominal cramping, indigestion, flatulence, and diarrhea as beans are hard to digest. In a clinical experiment, clients who had gut problems showed improvement when they stopped using canned coconut milk in their diet.
3. Fructose Malabsorption
It is a digestive ailment identified by a problems of fructose (a simple sugar found in fruits, vegetables, and honey) transportation across the little intestinal tract. The increased fructose levels in the gut cause bacterial overgrowth. It, for that reason, decreases absorption of water into the intestinal tract. Pregnant women with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are highly affected with fructose malabsorption.
According to nutritiondata.com, coconut milk contains sugar, including fructose. Therefore, it should be prevented by those impacted by IBD and IBS conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Is buko juice safe for pregnant women?
A. Buko juice or coconut juice is a mix of coconut water, tender coconut meat, and milk. It is a very rejuvenating and healthy beverage, popular in the Philippines. All you need to do is draw out the coconut water, scrape the meat and put them both in a pitcher. Include milk, sugar and lots of ice. Permit the mix to melt and then serve. Given that the drink is a mix of coconut water, meat, and milk, it can be safely taken in by pregnant women.
Hope you have all the details on coconut water during pregnancy. If you have anything more to share, compose to us in the below comment area.
