6 Fact Health Benefits of Coconut Water in Pregnancy

Pure young coconut water benefits is rich in minerals and vitamins that the body craves during pregnancy. By drinking coconut water you will get manganese, dietary fiber, magnesium, calcium, vitamin C, riboflavin and other B vitamins as a good nutrition source for your body. In general, coconut water is very healthy but is even more beneficial during pregnancy. Coconut helps to maintain good health of the mother and the growing fetus.

During pregnancy, it is important for a woman to include healthy and nutritious food and drinks in her daily diet. For women who lack energy during pregnancy, the vitamin B1 in coconut water may help to prevent fatigue and improve stamina by converting blood sugar into energy to fuel your body. Vitamin B6 raises levels of serotonin in the brain helping to regulate mood.

Health Benefits of Coconut Water in Pregnancy

• Pure coconut water acts as a digestive aid by removing toxins, promoting nutrient absorption, and soothing the digestive tract.  Pregnant women appreciate how natural coconut water helps reduce heartburn, acid reflux, and nausea, while decreasing constipation and encouraging good urine flow, so as to lower the risk of bladder infection.  It also brings a cooling sensation to the stomach and throat.
• Coconut water is greatly known for strengthening immunity. As coconut water is rich in lauric acid, it can have anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and antifungal properties. Such properties can help to strengthen the immune system of the mother.
  
• This tropical drink is rich in potassium, sugar, magnesium and protein. These ingredients help in the growth of the unborn baby in the mother's womb.
• Coconut water is a natural diuretic meaning it helps the body lose excess water. Diuretics can help control blood pressure as well. Coconut water may also help prevent urinary tract infections, which often occur among pregnant women. The American Pregnancy Association reports that women are at increased risk of bladder infections from the sixth week of pregnancy through until the 24th week when the increased weight of the uterus prevents the bladder from releasing urine.
• It helps in treating constipation. During pregnancy many women suffer from digestive problems. Coconut water helps in cleaning the system.
• As it is a 100% natural refreshing drink full of electrolytes, free of fat and cholesterol, coconut water has been marketed as a sports drink to aid in rehydration for light, moderate to intense physical exercise. There have also been cases where coconut water has been used as an intravenous hydration fluid in some developing countries where medical saline was unavailable.

Nutrition Facts of Coconut Water

Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)
Energy	354 kcal (1,480 kJ)
Carbohydrates	24.23
- Sugars	6.23
- Dietary fiber	9
Fat	33.49
Protein	3.33 g
Water	47
Thiamine (vit. B1)	0.066 mg (6%)
Riboflavin (vit. B2)	0.02 mg (2%)
Niacin (vit. B3)	0.54 mg (4%)
Pantothenic acid (B5)	1.014 mg (20%)
Vitamin B6	0.05 mg (4%)
Vitamin C	3.3 mg (4%)
Calcium	14 mg (1%)
Iron	2.43 mg (19%)
Magnesium	32 mg (9%)
Phosphorus	113 mg (16%)
Potassium	356 mg (8%)
Zinc	1.1 mg (12%)
Percentages are relative to US recommendations for adults. Source: USDA Nutrient Database

This natural water has long been hailed for its medicinal value. For years people are consuming this drink directly from the fruit. In tropical countries, people usually consume the drink during outdoor work. This will not only reduce the chances of dehydration in the hot summer afternoon, but also gives instant energy and refreshes the body.

In addition, proper hydration helps alleviate many of the discomforts of pregnancy – it aids digestion, breaks up constipating stool, greatly reduces the risk of bladder infection, and relieves muscle cramps and headaches.  Good hydration will even promote skin elasticity, thereby limiting “stretch marks”.

Though, the benefits of coconut water during pregnancy are well-known, there are not enough studies done on this subject. To be on the safer side, consult your doctor when including coconut water in your diet when you are pregnant or breast-feeding.