Preparing to welcome an additional newbie in your family? Well, it is very obvious then that you are having sleepless nights wondering what is best for your baby and yourself. Of late, you have also heard a lot of warning against intake of saturated fats that might harm your baby and hence you are unsure whether coconut oil is a good option during pregnancy. Do not stress any further and read the article below to learn everything about the usage of coconut oil in pregnancy.
Coconut oil is packed with nutritional benefits for pregnant women, and can be easily made an alternative for other oils and butter. Coconut oil contains 90% saturated fats. However, the main fat in coconut oil is lauric acid, a medium chain fatty acid which undergoes rapid metabolism. It has positive effects on cholesterol and antimicrobial properties which are beneficial for both you and your baby’s immune systems.
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Benefits Of Coconut Oil for Pregnancy:
Thus, we see that coconut oil has established itself as a healthy fat and studies show that consuming healthy fats during pregnancy enables the body to get maximum nutrition and helps it absorb fat soluble vitamins.
Coconut oil for pregnancy is beneficial also because it is easy to digest and supports body health in ways more than one. Coconut oil benefits for pregnancy include:
1. Anti-infection:
Coconut oil contains lauric acid , which has antibacterial , antiviral and antifungal properties , boosts immune system and prevents infections in you and your baby too. Take 2 teaspoons of oil every day to give yourself an immunity boost during pregnancy.
2. Healthy Fat:
It is a healthy fat and helps to increase the absorption of fat soluble vitamins and calcium in the body, making it helpful for nutrition in pregnancy.
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3. Aid for Lactating Mother:
Coconut oil is known to increase the breast milk production in lactating mothers, hence becoming useful postpartum also.
4. Dry Hair:
Coconut oil is an amazing conditioner for dry frizzy hair after delivery and makes your locks soft and glossy. It helps in locking in the moisture and stimulates hair growth. Apply a little oil to your hair and leave it overnight to see results in the morning.
5. Weight Loss:
Coconut oil when used in cooking promotes the feeling of fullness and reduces hunger pangs , thus helping in weight loss. The lauric acid in coconut oil is metabolized differently than other fats and helps in increasing metabolism , thus burning fats. However , use it in moderation otherwise , coupled with a high calorie diet it leads to weight gain.
6. Massage Oil:
Coconut oil is ideal for the massage of your newborn , as it is gentle on the baby’s skin. It can be used for massage , as a conditioner and also to treat diaper rash. It soothes skin irritation effectively.
7. Lightening of Stretch Marks:
Regular application of coconut oil over stretch marks helps to lighten them considerably over time. It soothes itchy stretch marks too.
8. Improve Fertility:
Some studies have shown that regular consumption of coconut oil improves fertility over a period of time. Body fat produces estrogen , which is essential for reproductive health of a woman. Coconut oil has healthy fat which helps in improving hormonal balance in the body.
9. Treat Yeast infections:
During pregnancy , hormonal changes lead to change in vaginal pH and cause yeast infections. Coconut oil both internally and topically can help to treat Candida and yeast infections. Apply coconut oil directly over your vagina to obtain relief gradually.
10. Pregnancy Side Effects:
Consumption of coconut oil soothes the stomach and reduces the symptoms of nausea , heartburn and vomiting during pregnancy. Take a spoonful of coconut oil every morning to minimize these effects.
11. Reduces Irritation:
Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer and can be used to heal cracked and sore nipples . A few drops added to bath water results in soft and smooth skin. (1)
12. Constipation:
Coconut oil may have a laxative effect and cause increased number of softer and smaller bowel movements , thus alleviating constipation .
13. Acne:
Application of coconut oil on the face helps reduce the incidence of acne by moisturizing the skin and keeping away microbes. However do not apply on inflamed acne as it may aggravate the condition.
How to Use Coconut Oil:
- Add coconut oil to your smoothies to give them a rich consistency.
- Replace dairy products for coconut oil. It can be a great , nutritious substitute for milk in your tea.
- Consume coconut oil directly for its numerous advantages during pregnancy
Disclaimer: The information contained in these topics is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, it is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician before consuming coconut oil during pregnancy or lactation. Nothing contained in these topics is intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment.
Coconut oil is fast emerging as a substitute for oils and butter as a food choice for pregnant women. Coconut oil is perfectly safe for consumption during pregnancy and has a plethora of health benefits. So what are you waiting for? Grab a little bottle of this wonderful substance on your shelf as soon as you can.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Which coconut oil is best during pregnancy?
Answer: Organic virgin coconut oil is the purest form of coconut oil available, laden with medium chain fatty acid antioxidants and should be preferred to use during pregnancy.
2. Is coconut oil helpful for your unborn baby ?
Answer: The lauric acid in coconut oil protects your baby from viral , bacterial and fungal infections and boosts its immunity.
3. Can we use coconut oil during breastfeeding ?
Answer: Yes . Some studies suggest that coconut oil stimulates the production of breast milk. It also acts like an immune booster for your baby.
