Coconut water during pregnancy

What is coconut water?

coconut water is the juice of a tender or green coconut. It has a sweet and nutty flavor. It is lower in calories, sugar, and sodium as compared with other fruit juices. It is also low in cholesterol.

Coconut water is rich in nutrients which include calcium, potassium phosphorus, magnesium and other electrolytes.

Is it safe during pregnancy?

It is safe to drink coconut water in moderation during pregnancy. It not only supplies pregnant women essential nutrients, it can also help to combat discomfort during pregnancy such as morning sickness, heartburn, and constipation.

The best time to drink coconut water is early in the morning. It is healthier then as the electrolytes and nutrients can be easily absorbed by the body.

Nutritional value of 100 grams of coconut water

Health benefits of coconut water

1.Detoxifies body and prevent infection

Coconut water is a diuretic which could increase pregnant women’s urge to urinate due to the presence of potassium, magnesium, and mineral. This helps to flush out the toxins and clear the urinary tract.  It, therefore, prevents urinary tract infections.

Coconut water is rich in vitamins, essential minerals, and antioxidants such as zinc, selenium which boost your immune system and prevent infection. It contains lauric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid responsible for the production of a powerful antivirus monolaurin. It has been that lauric acid can kill harmful bacteria and infection like flu.

2. Provides essential electrolytes

Electrolytes are minerals that perform many vital functions in the body including maintaining water balance, helping muscles contract and relax. The common electrolytes are sodium and potassium.

During pregnancy, it is common for pregnant women experience morning sickness, nausea or diarrhea which dehydrate the body. This increases the need for electrolytes increases during pregnancy. Coconut water supplies all the five essential electrolytes: minerals, sodium, calcium, potassium, and phosphorus, which soothe the body.

3. Alleviates constipation

Coconut water is rich in dietary fiber and is an excellent natural laxative. Research has shown that 25% of carbohydrate of coconut water is dietary fiber which allows waste to pass through your intestine more quickly and therefore prevents constipation.

4.Alleviates heartburn

Coconut water is a natural acid neutralizer, it provides protection from the harmful effects of excessive acid production and therefore prevents heartburn which is common during pregnancy. Being rich in fiber, it aids digestion and prevents the reoccurrence of acidity. Further, coconut water helps cool the lining of the stomach, reducing the burning sensation.

5. Improves heart health

Low electrolytes level in the body can cause the blood pressure to increase. Drinking coconut water supply our body with potassium, magnesium, and lauric acid, which help in regulating blood pressure. It improves good cholesterol and combats bad cholesterol.

6. Maintains a healthy weight

Coconut water is fat-free and low in calories.Coconut water prevents fat accumulation by eliminating the bad cholesterol. This makes it a perfect substitute for sugar drink and helps to keep both the mother and growing fetus healthy and fit.

7. Improves amniotic fluid levels

Drinking coconut water improves the environment of the growing fetus. Coconut water taken especially in the third-trimester boosts the amniotic fluid levels and enhances blood volume and circulation. Sufficient amniotic fluid level is critical in keeping the baby healthy.

Myths and facts about coconut water during pregnancy

Myth: Coconut water makes the baby’s skin fairer and makes the baby look beautiful

Fact: There is no scientific evidence to prove this. However, there are many mummies, through experience, find that their babies will have fairer skin if they drink coconut water in the last trimester.

Myth: If I drink coconut water, my baby will be born clean (amount of vernix which covers the baby will be less)?

Fact: The baby will only be covered in vernix caseosa if he or she is born early. In fact, according to a report published on the the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology, vernix acts as a protective biofilm by minimizing friction of fetal parts during delivery and as an antimicrobial cover against the bacteriologically rich environment of the mother's genital tract along with the insulating effect on the fetus.