Is Having Coconut Water safe during Pregnancy?

Coconut Water during Pregnancy

There’s nothing like some cool, refreshing, energising and natural coconut water in these summer days to beat the heat. This rich natural drink is also blessed with many essential nutrients that our body needs. After all, coconut water has electrolytes like potassium and magnesium.

What are the benefits of consuming coconut water?

• It boosts your immunity, which is so important now.
• It fights against dehydration.
• It treats heartburn and constipation.
• It detoxifies the body.
• It revitalises the electrolytes
• It replenishes the lost fluids that your body has lost.

Is coconut water a good choice during pregnancy?

Coconut water is a great choice if you are pregnant being a totally safe drink with natural vitamins and minerals. When you are pregnant, it is quite normal for you to get tired and dehydrated easily because of the physical and psychological changes that your body experiences. Coconut water is also a great choice to check dehydration, vomiting, constipation, and infections that a pregnant woman may encounter. Let’s check out the nutritional value of one cup of one cup of coconut water below which illustrates why it’s an excellent choice during pregnancy.

Calories – 46

Sugars – 6.26 grams

Calcium – 6%

Dietary fiber – 2.6 grams

Sodium – 252 micrograms

Carbohydrates – 8.9 grams

Potassium – 600 micrograms

How much Coconut water Consumption is advised?

Keep in mind that while drinking coconut water during your pregnancy is a good thing to do, it really is no substitute for drinking water which is the best hydrating agent for your body when you are pregnant or even otherwise. Actually, both water and coconut water have different benefits but drinking water is an absolute must. Coconut water cannot be a substitute for water and there’s really no such bar on consumption as long as you get your daily quota of water intake right.

Coconut Water Tips

Here are a few tips to help with that coconut water consumption:

• When you are purchasing coconut water, always choose a clean and hygienic place. Ensure that the vendor washes his or her hands before giving you the coconut. Always select a tender green coconut.
• Make sure you drink the coconut water as soon as it is opened as there’s nothing like freshwater. But always check the water by pouring it in a glass to make sure that it looks fine. Use a clean straw while drinking.

Myths associated with Coconut Water Consumption

Here are some myths and facts about coconut water during pregnancy:

• Myth 1: Coconut water makes the baby’s skin fairer and makes the baby look beautiful.

Fact: While it certainly sounds good, this is not true. A baby’s health and skin colour is totally dependent on genetic factors and coconut water is no way responsible to make these changes.

• Myth 2: Drinking coconut water makes the baby’s hair grow thicker and stronger.

Fact: Again, a baby’s hair strength and texture is purely dependent on genetic factors and drinking coconut water no way alters or impacts baby’s hair growth. This is just something our generations loved to pass on because it sounded cool.

• Myth 3: A pregnant women can get all the required nutrients by drinking coconut water.

Fact: Keep in mind that there is no single food that possesses all the nutrients needed by a pregnant woman. While it is true that coconut is rich in certain essential nutrients, it does not provide you with all the nutrients that you need.

• Myth 4: Coconut water causes acidity if consumed during pregnancy.

Fact: This again is a myth as the acidity that you might experience during pregnancy is caused because of the expansion of the belly that interferes with the digestion process. Coconut water hardly has a role to play here.

• Myth 5: Coconut water is the best hydrating drink during your pregnancy.

Fact: Let us again reiterate that none of the sports drinks or coconut water has the best hydrating properties when compared to drinking water. Ensure that you consume at least eight to twelve glasses of water per day to keep yourself hydrated during your pregnancy.

Should Coconut water be given to Newborns?

No! Coconut water should not be given to babies below six months as there might be high chances of allergic reactions. Coconut water has high sugar and sodium content, and we recommend mixing it with rice before you serve it to babies (above six months of course) to dilute its contents.

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Frequently Asked Questions:

Is coconut safe during pregnancy?

Coconut has healthy fats, which are needed during pregnancy. Coconut also contains lauric acid which aids milk production and is super helpful during lactation! You can have coconut shredded, roasted, or even added to your desserts or meals.

What is the best water to drink while pregnant?

Only filtered or bottled water is okay for drinking or cooking. Even if the only lead is in your home's pipes, filtered or bottled water is your best bet when you're expecting, just to be extra sure there's no chance your baby is exposed.

What happens if I drink coconut water every day?

Coconut water is safe for most adults. It might cause fullness or stomach upset in some people. But this is uncommon. In large amounts, coconut water might cause potassium levels in the blood to rise.

Can I drink coconut water in the evening during pregnancy?

Coconut water is good during pregnancy both for the health of the mother and the child because of the following reason: Levels of Fluids and Electrolytes: It contains moderate amount of sugar, protein, and sodium thus helps in maintaining the daily levels of Fluids and electrolytes required by the body.

Disclaimer: Always consult your physician/paediatrician before beginning any program. This general information is not intended to diagnose any medical condition or to replace your healthcare professional. Consult with your healthcare professional to design an appropriate program for you and your child.