The refreshing water found inside coconuts has been enjoyed for centuries, but did you know that this excellent natural water has also been used as medicine? It turns out that coconut water can be beneficial for the expectant mother, and some of its many benefits will be listed below.
Benefits of drinking coconut water in pregnancy
The coconut water is a natural source of electrolytes, prevents dehydration, reduces the acidity of the body and is also fully charged nutrient. It is not surprising that many doctors encourage their patients and pregnant women to drink coconut water.
Do you want to know more about this incredible refreshing drink? Read on and discover the 12 great benefits that you and your baby can get from drinking coconut water!
1. Healthy breast milk
Drinking coconut water (and eating fresh coconut pulp) will help you produce plenty of healthy breast milk for your baby. A single meal containing coconut oil will affect the fatty acid composition of a woman's breast milk for up to 3 days, with the highest concentration being within the first 10 hours.
2. Improves immunity
Coconut water is naturally sterile as it is kept safe from contaminants within the shell. Coconut water contains antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal compounds that can help prevent you from getting sick or catching the flu while you're pregnant.
3. It is a natural relaxant
One of the best things about coconut water is that it naturally relaxes the muscles and nervous system because it contains magnesium. Coconut water can help relieve joint pains and itchy sensations that often come with pregnancy.
4. It has no cholesterol
Coconut water contains absolutely no cholesterol, making it a heart-healthy drink. Yes, plain water doesn't have cholesterol either, but it doesn't have magnesium or other nutritive compounds either. Consumed regularly, coconut water can even increase good cholesterol (HDL) in the body.
5. Improves energy levels
Carrying the extra weight during pregnancy can make you feel tired most of the time. Coconut water can help restore energy levels by increasing metabolism and stimulating thyroid function.
6. Improves amniotic fluid
If you want to improve your baby's general environment and health, coconut water can help improve and increase the levels of amniotic fluid.
7. Relieves heartburn
Many pregnant women experience indigestion and heartburn. Drinking coconut water lowers your stomach acid level, preventing heartburn and indigestion before they start. Enjoy half a cup of coconut water before each meal.
8. Prevents constipation
This delicious drink is a natural yet mild laxative that can help prevent constipation that tends to affect pregnant women.
9. Contains many nutrients
Coconut water improves blood circulation and is a great source of fiber and vitamin C. Vitamin C improves the immune system and fiber is important in preventing constipation.
Coconut water has potassium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorous. Both potassium and electrolytes are important for pregnant women. Coconut water and other coconut products are a great source of lauric acid, which can help protect your body from illness and viruses.
10. It is a natural diuretic
Coconut water can help you treat and prevent urinary tract infections. Being a mild diuretic, coconut water can help prevent these types of painful infections.
Coconut water also has antibacterial compounds that can stop urinary tract infections when caught early. Drinking coconut water regularly can also help prevent kidney stones.
11. It is a low-calorie drink
Coconut water is packed with healthy electrolytes the body needs, and it's also a great low-calorie drink! Since this refreshing drink has amino acids and other healthy enzymes, coconut water can help combat dehydration and exhaustion that are common problems for pregnant women.
12. May lower blood pressure
Regular consumption of coconut water can help lower blood pressure levels due to its high potassium level. Potassium binds with salt and helps remove it from the body. Lowering sodium levels in your blood means that you will have lower blood pressure.
Of course, as with anything new that you plan to implement to your diet during pregnancy, you should speak with your doctor first. Your diet plan is very important, especially when you are pregnant, so pay close attention to what you eat and drink.
From a pregnancy standpoint, virgin coconut milk is one of the best things you can drink due to its many health benefits.
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