Coconut water is rich in vitamins, essential minerals, and antioxidants. It is nature’s most refreshing drinks consumed across the globe.
It is known to have several health benefits. Picking the right coconut is essential to leverage all of its benefits.
Medium-sized, green-coloured coconut will have more water and may or may not contain coconut meat, the white, fleshy, tender substance.
Keep the coconut in a cool place. It is advisable to open coconut just before consuming as it begins to ferment when left open to the air.
Here we list the benefits of coconut water during pregnancy
1. Controls Uric Acid Level
It is a natural diuretic as it contains potassium, magnesium and other minerals. Its water helps in flushing away the toxic substances present in the body including uric acid.
Also, it seems to be effective in removing kidney stones. The antidiuretic effects of coconut water help in preventing urinary tract infections.
2. Provide Essential Minerals
Coconut water is rich in sodium, calcium, potassium, and phosphorus. The water loss from the body in the form of morning sickness (nausea and vomiting) and diarrhoea can be restored with coconut water.
It helps in controlling blood pressure and body pH.
3. Supports Digestive Health
Coconut water helps in digestion, regulation of pH and has an excellent laxative effect. It helps in normalizing body pH and preventing heartburn.
Its water prevents indigestion and acid reflux, which is an effective option in heartburn. It is also composed of an ingredient monolaurin.
It is a monoglyceride which helps in removing intestinal worms. In pregnant women, constipation is a common problem because of slow bowel moments. Coconut water eases digestion because of its high fiber content.
4. Urinary Tract Infections
Coconut water urges to urinate frequently clearing the urinary tract and hence improving kidney function and infections.
Because of urinary infections, a pregnant woman may face preterm, labor, the diuretic effect of coconut water present prevents urinary tract infections.
In addition to diuretic effects, it also possesses the antibacterial property for UTI.
5. Blood Pressure
Coconut water seems to be an effective agent in controlling BP because of the presence of electrolytes and improve blood circulation which is good for both mother and baby.
Women are often scared of the labor which increases blood pressure. Drinking coconut water can be beneficial in such patients.
It also seems to be useful in controlling good and bad cholesterol.
6. Healthy Weight
Pregnant women often tend to eat more expecting it to be healthy for both mother and the baby. During this process, they end up eating more and becoming overweight.
Water from coconut is fat-free and low in calories, rich in nutrients which help in healthy growth of an infant. It can be consumed instead of sugary drinks as a nutritional supplement.
It does not contain cholesterol and boosts metabolism.
7. Free of Artificial Flavors
It is a natural product which does not contain any harmful chemical and not even preservatives which you find in ready-made drinks and most importantly it is available in all seasons.
The artificial ingredients are not good for the healthy development of the fetus.
8. Energizer
It is a great energizer which not only provides essential minerals and nutrients but also helps in removing fatigue and exhaustion. People who do yoga and exercise can take its water as a revitalizing drink.
It helps in strengthening pelvic muscles. The hydration of skin also adds glow to the skin adding onto your pregnancy glow. It also helps in improving skin elasticity and healthy stretch marks.
Coconut water is isotonic with human blood pH.
It can be used in emergency situations for immediate rehydration. It is interesting to know that it is given intravenously in poor countries as a dehydration solution.
9. Low in Sugar Content
Coconut water benefits mother who are gestational diabetic. (Diabetes during pregnancy) as it is free of sugars and also tasty to drink.
Intake of sugary drinks or fresh juices increases blood sugar and also adds to pregnancy weight. A diet low in calories and sugar is good for a healthy mother and baby.
10. Amniotic Fluid and Growth of Fetus
As it is rich in minerals and nutrients it improves the quality of the amniotic fluid. It provides adequate nutrition to the fetus and helps in growth and development.
It increases blood volume, maintenance of amniotic fluid volume and fetal circulation.
Coconut water benefits on the amniotic fluid are more during the third trimester. It provides proper nourishment to the growing fetus with the essential elements.
I’m currently 4 months pregnant with my first child and I absolutely have no idea what to do during pregnancy. I mean, it’s natural to not quite know much, right? It’s my first child. Thanks for the information tho. It wouldn’t be difficult to find the coconut water since we have our very own coconut trees here.