Coconut water is an isotonic drink that tastes sweet and gives a refreshing feeling.It is packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and electrolytes that replenish and rehydrate the body.In moderate amounts, Coconut water is safe to drink for pregnant women and it gives many health benefits.
Stops Dehydration Caused by Morning Sickness
Morning sickness is a common event during the first trimester of an expectant mother's pregnancy.Nausea and vomiting are the natural symptoms of morning sickness.Typically, nausea can be associated with the lack of water intake.But some pregnant women vomit, particularly in severe cases of morning sickness, after drinking water and the savage cycle begins.Dehydration caused by vomiting must be resolved to avoid losing electrolytes that can lead to weakness and muscle cramps.
According to the American College of Healthcare Sciences, coconut water helps rehydration as it restores electrolytes to the body.To maximize the benefits of coconut water, drink it early in the morning with an empty stomach.
Flushes Toxins Out of Your Body
Coconut water is a natural diuretic that helps the kidneys remove excess water.Kidneys have difficulty in eliminating excess water from the body if there is too much sodium or salt.The potassium in coconut water acts as a diuretic to keep the kidneys healthy, prevent the development of kidney stones, and aid it in flushing out toxins from the body.
Relieves Constipation and Heartburn
During pregnancy, a woman's body seems to transform as hormones from every gland change.The hormonal changes can lead to constipation, heartburn, indigestion, and other similar digestive problems.Drinking coconut water can help relieve these problems.The high fiber content of coconut water increases the resilience and strength of the digestive tract, improves the expectant mother's digestion, and prevents constipation.
Boosts Your Immune System
Coconut water contains B vitamins, various plant hormones, enzymes, and amino acids, and antioxidants.All of these can boost one's immune system to fight off infections.According to the author of the book, Two Trees and Twelve Fruits That Will Change Your Life Forever, Michelle-Lee Young, coconut water has lauric acid.This particular acid is a saturated fatty acid that can produce a powerful antiviral chemical called monolaurin.This has been used to treat the herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2, shingles, and the Epstein Barr virus.According to a study published in February 2010, the lauric acid variant, glycerol monolaurate, has been found to possess antibacterial and antiviral properties while keeping good bacteria alive.
Keeps Your Heart Healthy
The lauric acid, magnesium, and potassium in coconut water help regulate one's blood pressure and blood circulation.According to a study dated January 2005, drinking coconut water may lower the risk of heart attacks.The study also suggested that regular drinking of coconut water may lower systolic blood pressure by up to 71 percent in people with hypertension.
Maintains Your Figure
The extra weight from one's pregnancy is normal.In order to prevent the gain of unwanted fat, drink coconut water regularly.The fiber in the coconut water helps flush out bad cholesterol from the body.
Amniotic Fluid Levels
Coconut water can keep one's body energized and hydrated.It is important that the pregnant mom drinks plenty of fluids because it supports many bodily fluids, particularly the amniotic fluid which is needed by the baby.According to the Institute of Medicine, pregnant women should consume a total of three liters of water each day.About 2.4 liters of this fluid is from the intake of non-caffeine beverages and drinking water while the remaining 20 percent are from the moisture of the food eaten.
Healthy Breast Milk
According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, a single meal that contains coconut oil affects the fatty acid makeup of a lactating mother's breast milk.The effect lasts for up to three days with the maximum concentration within the first 10 hours.When lactating, a woman can get coconut oil from fresh coconut meat.
Side Effects of Coconut Water
Moderation is still the key to drinking coconut water.Studies have not fully understood the whole potential of coconut water.However, there is no evidence pertaining to the side effects of drinking it.The main concern of medical experts is the fair amount of sodium found in coconut milk.It is recommended to avoid the food product if a woman needs to reduce sodium intake.
If the pregnant mother is taking medications for any reason, it is recommended for her to consult her doctor about coconut water or fresh coconut consumption.As of today, coconut water is not a therapeutic product and should not replace any medications.Also, there is no official recommended dosage on the number of cups of coconut water that can be drank; it is up to the one drinking to set her own limitations.
Additional Information
- Up to 74 percent of pregnant patients with kidney stones have calcium phosphate stones; it is commonly associated with a high pH level in the urine.
- High blood pressure in pregnant women may develop after 20 weeks of pregnancy.
- During the first trimester, fatigue is the most common health condition of pregnant women.