Coconut water is tasty, isotonic, moisturizing, nutritious and it contains plenty of vitamins. Drinking it during pregnancy does not harm the mother and the fetus under certain conditions.
In other terms, it is safe to drink coconut water, but in moderation, because it contains vitamins and natural minerals. During the first trimester of pregnancy, coconut water can help with the dehydration resulting from morning sickness. It is also good for stomach ache and constipation, common symptoms of pregnancy.
You can drink coconut water anytime, but the best time is early in the morning. It is healthier to consume it on an empty stomach, when electrolytes and nutrients can be easily absorbed.
The nutritional benefits present in a cup of coconut water include:
Calories – 46
Sodium – 252 mg
Potassium – 600 mg
Carbohydrates – 8.9 grams
Dietary fiber – 2.6 grams
Sugars – 6.26 grams
Calcium – 6%
Coconut water during pregnancy – the benefits
In order to benefit from its many nutritional properties, you need to make sure that the coconut water you’re drinking is always fresh. Let’s check out some of the main benefits it has to offer!
Natural diuretic
During pregnancy, uric acid levels should be normal in your body’s system.
Coconut water is a diuretic and increases urgency to urinate due to the presence of potassium, magnesium and minerals. These help remove toxins and clean the urinary tract. Therefore, coconut water improves kidney function and prevents kidney stones and infections.
Provides essential electrolytes
The need for electrolytes increases during pregnancy, as morning sickness and diarrhea dehydrate the body. Coconut water supplies all five essential electrolytes: minerals, sodium, calcium, potassium and phosphorus, which calm the body and provide it with energy.
These electrolytes also help balance your body’s pH and blood pressure levels.
Relieves stomach pain and constipation
Hormonal changes during pregnancy lead to more problems, such as stomach burns, constipation and indigestion.
The rich content of dietary fiber in coconut water strengthens the digestive system, improves digestion, regulates pH and prevents constipation. Adherents of Ayurvedic medicine believe that coconut water is also an excellent laxative, which improves your metabolism and detoxifies your body.
Treats infections
Coconut water has vitamins, essential minerals and antioxidants that stimulate the immune system, providing resistance against infections.
It also contains lauric acid, a medium chain fatty acid, responsible for the production of a powerful antiviral monolaurin. This is an disease-fighting acid that kills harmful bacteria and infections, while retaining good bacteria.
Improves heart health
Low electrolyte levels increase blood pressure. Coconut water improves levels of potassium, magnesium, and lauric acid, which helps to regulate blood pressure. Therefore, it improves “good” cholesterol while fighting the bad one.
The vitamins, essential proteins and electrolytes in coconut water control sugar levels, blood pressure and improve circulation. A glass of coconut water every day is especially useful in the last trimester of pregnancy, when blood pressure can be higher.
Coconut water during pregnancy – side effects
So far, there is no evidence to show that coconut water has adverse effects on pregnancy. Just as any other type of fruit or vegetable juice, it does not seem to have any negative impact. However, there are two things to keep in mind:
First of all, coconut milk contains sodium, which may not be the right choice for pregnant women suffering from preeclampsia. Second, too much coconut water can cause constipation.
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