Who doesn’t like to drink coconut water? A glass of coconut water can make very refreshing and energising on a hot and tiring summer day. Drink the coconut water during pregnancy. If you like its taste and want to reap its numerous benefits. However, don’t get lured towards coconut water with a dream of having a fair baby. As nothing like that is going to happen due to coconut water. Read here to know the various benefits of nariyal pani during pregnancy and also clarify the numerous myths doing the rounds around it.
Drinking coconut water during pregnancy:
Coconut water in pregnancy can help you to maintain the daily required levels of fluids. As well as electrolytes in the body. It is also a great way to keep yourself hydrated.It is great way to enjoy a nice refreshing drink while also maintaining a good health.
Nutritional value of coconut water during pregnancy:
The following are the nutritional value in 100g of coconut water.
Nutrient Quantity
- Water
- Calories 19Kcal
- Carbohydrates 3.7g
- Protein 0.7g
- Fibre 1.1g
- Fat 0.2g
- Vitamin C 4%
- Potassium 250mg
- Sodium 105mg
- Calcium 2%
- Iron 1%
- Magnesium 6%
Where g=grams, mg=milligrams.
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Benefits of drinking Coconut water during pregnancy:
Here Are Some of The Benefits of Drinking Coconut Water During Pregnancy.
1. Balancing the Daily Fluid Intake:
During pregnancy, your body needs more fluids to help maintain and replenish. The need that you as well as your unborn baby have. When you drink coconut water in pregnancy. it supplies you with the additional fluid levels that you need at this stage. It helps to improve and increase the volume of blood in your body. It also helps to maintain the volume of your amniotic fluid and help your unborn baby to move around better. While you are pregnant, you should ideally have about 3 litres of water daily. Regular foods provide about 20 per cent of your daily recommended fluid intake. Additionally, you should get at least 2.4 litres of fluid from water or other sources. A good source being coconut water.
2. Supplies the body with Essential Electrolytes:
Pregnancy needs a lot of electrolytes in addition to water to help your body to stay hydrated. The various nutrients that you need at this time and that which are available in coconut water are phosphorus, sodium, potassium and calcium. It is essential to have the right amount of electrolytes in your body during pregnancy. Consumption of coconut water will help to keep the levels of your blood pressure in control. It will also help to maintain the right amount of fluid levels in the body. This keeps the pH balance in your body well regulated and ensures. That all your muscles are functioning normally. Conditions of pregnancy such as nausea, morning sickness, heavy sweating or diarrhoea can lead to heavy loss of fluids. Having coconut water will help you replenish the body fluids as well as get your electrolyte level to the ideal count.
3. The healthy alternative to synthetic Beverages:
Everything you eat or drink during pregnancy. will directly affect your unborn baby. Coconut water is an entirely natural drink that has no added sweeteners in it. It does not contain any preservatives or colouring. Thus being a very healthy drink for you.
4. Low in sugar:
In spite of being sweet coconut water contains very less amount of sugar as compared to other drinks. In its natural form, coconut water contains only about six grams of sugar. When you are pregnant, it is essential to keep a check on how much sugar you are consuming.
Having a large amount of sugar regularly may lead to gestational diabetes. And, can have some severe negative impacts on the health of your unborn baby. Not only can it cause an abnormal increase in your baby’s birth weight to more than what is recommended. But it can also make you gain excessive weight while you are pregnant. This can lead to further complications.
5. Prevents various Infections:
Coconut water contains a chemical. Which helps to remove and reduce the number of parasites and worms inside your system. It also helps to remove the worms present in your intestines. As a result, your chances of getting an infection are reduced.
6. Reduces the possibility of Hypertension:
Many pregnant women suffer from hypertension. Which can cause further health issues to both the mother and the unborn baby. Coconut water can have a relaxing effect on hypertension and ease your blood pressure.
7. Aids in Constipation:
Constipation is one of the most common uncomfortable conditions of pregnancy. Coconut water is filled with a high amount of dietary fibres. That can help to clean out the digestive system and prevent constipation. It can also help to ease heartburn and any problems of indigestion or acidity.
8. Maintaining body weight:
Coconut water contains no fat or cholesterol. Drinking it regularly while you are pregnant. Reduces the risk of putting on weight. Drinking coconut water on a regular basis will help to keep your body weight in check.
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9. Antibacterial and Anti-fungal:
Coconut water contains various antibacterial, anti-fungal and antiviral properties. It will help to keep your health good and act as a natural defence. Coconut water also contains multiple antioxidant, antiparasitic, immune stimulant and hepato-protective properties.
10. Healthy for the foetus:
Drinking coconut water when pregnant keeps you hydrated and refreshed. And, protects you against various diseases. It also helps to keep your weight in check and your body cool. All these factors are very important as they directly contribute to keeping the unborn baby healthy.
11. Accelerates the growth of the foetus:
Coconut provides all the vital nutrients to mother. That are required for maintaining her health. It, therefore, enhances the growth of the foetus.
12. Maintains the proper level of amniotic fluids:
Coconut water improves the overall environment surrounding the foetus. Coconut water when taken during the 3rd trimester. Enhances the amniotic fluids level as well as the blood circulation.
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Side-effects of coconut water in pregnancy:
There is no side-effect as such of consuming coconut water during pregnancy. However excess consumption may lead to the following:
- Being rich in sodium, it might not be the right choice for women having a blood pressure issue.
- Ripe coconut water may lead to constipation.
- Drinking excess coconut water may cause the newborn to be born with a cough and cold problem.
Precautions to take while drinking coconut water during pregnancy:
The following are some precautions that should be taken to ensure. That the coconut water is healthy for you and your baby:
- Drink coconut water in moderation only. Try not to consume more than 1 glass per day.
- Coconut water is most nutritious when fresh. So try drinking the coconut water as soon as you open it.
- Prefer fresh coconut water against canned or bottled one.
- Do not consume the water if you find its taste foul.
Myths about drinking coconut water during pregnancy and the reality:
The following are the various myths about coconut water. And, the actual truth:
A. Myth: Coconut water contains all the nutrients required for the healthy growth of the baby.
Truth: This doesn’t hold true. A pregnant woman needs to consume a complete balanced diet. Including various fruits, vegetables, cereals, pulses and dairy for proper growth. And, development of the baby.
B. Myth: Consuming coconut water daily will make the baby have denser darker hair.
Truth: There is no proof that this theory holds true.
C. Myth: Coconut water will make the baby grow fair.
Truth: This theory is baseless as the colour of the child. Will purely depend upon the child’s genetics, and drinking coconut water cannot change it in any manner.
D. Myth: Coconut water is the best source of hydrating pregnant water.
Truth: Though coconut water is a good way of hydrating a pregnant woman. Nothing can beat water for hydration.
Hopefully, all the myths regarding coconut water have been clarified here. No doubt that drinking coconut water during pregnancy is highly nutritious. And, very healthy for the pregnant. But it can in no way alter the colour or hair density of the baby. Don’t drink coconut water with the dream of having a fairer baby. But drink it because it will make your baby very healthy and strong.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1. Is it safe to drink coconut water during pregnancy?
Ans: Drinking coconut water during pregnancy. Is considered to be extremely safe and healthy. Provided it is consumed in moderation. Drinking a glass of coconut water per day can be considered a safe quantity for pregnant women.
Q2. When to drink coconut water during pregnancy?
Ans: Coconut water can be consumed anytime during the day. However, to reap its maximum benefits. It is advisable to drink the same in the morning empty stomach. As that is the best time when the body easily absorbs the nutrients and the electrolytes contained in it.
Q3. How to choose the right coconut?
Ans: Choose the green coloured coconut as it is full of water and tastes really sweet. In order to know the content of water in it, it’s best to shake and check. While choosing the coconut make sure that it doesn’t contain any brown rims and is not damaged. The coconuts which have been aged on the tree for 5-6 months have the best taste and are full of nutrition.
