Coconut has its own flavor and is rich in many vital nutrients. It is a superfood that must be added to the pregnancy diet, as it is good both for the mother and the baby. Coconut during pregnancy in any form, whether it is solid, coconut oil, tender coconut, ripe coconut-all are excellent for the health of the mother-baby duo. It helps with proper growth and development, boosts breast milk production, helps in combating joint pain, etc.
Let us now study how safe coconut consumption during pregnancy is, its health benefits, the risks associated with its consumption, and the proper ways to consume it. Read on it to know more about the wonder fruit.
In This Article
- Video of Coconut During Pregnancy
- Is Eating Coconut Safe During Pregnancy?
- Nutritional Value of Coconut
- 12 Amazing Benefits of Eating Coconut During Pregnancy
- Is Dried Coconut Equally Beneficial During Pregnancy?
- Eating Coconut During the First Trimester
- What Are the Complications Associated With Consuming Coconut When Pregnant?
- Guidelines For Eating Coconut During Pregnancy
- FAQ’s
Video of Coconut During Pregnancy
Is Eating Coconut Safe During Pregnancy?
Coconut is enriched with vitamins and minerals, and coconut water is highly beneficial during the pregnancy phase. Intake of coconut, more specifically, coconut water, helps in the prevention of dehydration, nausea, bowel movements, and infections as well. Coconut water is an excellent source of various minerals, which play a vital role in maintaining body fluid levels and ensuring that the various functions of the body function well. Even coconut oil helps in combating morning sickness, acidity, and bowel movements.
Nutritional Value of Coconut
| Nutrients | Value |
| Calories | 130 |
| Fat | 8 grams |
| Fiber | 3 grams |
| Protein | 1 gram |
| Potassium | 103 mg |
| Sodium | 81mg |
| Magnesium | 14 mg |
| Calcium | 3 mg |
When it comes to coconut milk, the nutritional value increases. Half a cup of coconut milk has 296 calories. Similarly, the level of potassium in coconut milk is 316 mg. It also contains 2 mg of Iron.
12 Amazing Benefits of Eating Coconut During Pregnancy
Truly, every pregnancy is different, and so the pregnancy symptoms vary as well. Pregnancy hormones keep changing for all. For some, it becomes really tough, while for others, it is very smooth, but in both cases eating healthy and right as well as being fit are equally important. The mother’s nourishment is what determines the baby’s growth and development. So it is crucial for the mother to get all the required nutrients, and hence she should consume food from all groups.
Some benefits of having coconut during the pregnancy phase are:
1. Super Loaded With Minerals
Coconut is rich in minerals, vitamins, fiber, etc. If taken in moderate quantities, it can help in the prevention of blood loss, urinary tract infections (UTI), nausea, and swollen feet.
2. An Excellent Source of Good Fat
It has good fats, which can help to flush the toxins from the body. Coconut milk is an ideal choice for pregnant ladies as it offers good fats and helps in the healthy growth of the baby.
3. Excellent For Breast Milk Production
If you eat coconuts regularly during the entire gestation period, you will not be short of breast milk after delivery. This is because coconut contains lauric acid, which is an important constituent of breast milk.
4. Virgin Coconut Oil Provides All the Nutritional Goodness
The coconut oil taken by cold-pressing of the coconut is known as virgin coconut oil since no heating, bleaching, deodorizing are used for the same. Virgin coconut oil is the purest form of coconut oil and can be used for cooking as well.
[Read: Amazing Benefits Of Coconut Oil During Pregnancy]
5. Easy to Incorporate in Pregnancy Diet
Coconut can be used for the preparation of many dishes. Shredded coconut, roasted coconut, Coconut milk, coconut oil, coconut powder, etc., are all the different forms that you can incorporate into your diet. Each form of coconut can be used in different recipes too.
6. Good For Skin
The application of coconut oil helps in keeping the skin supple, helps in the removal of stretch marks and itchiness that happens during the pregnancy phase. Since the oil has an extensive amount of lauric acid as well as vitamin E, it indeed is the secret for keeping one beautiful through and post-delivery.
7. Promotes Overall Health
Coconut water has a good amount of water content and is not high in calories as well. It even helps to control the blood sugar levels, prevention of dehydration, fatigue, and drowsiness, and aids digestion.
8. Alleviates Constipation and Heart Burn
Since coconut has good fiber, it works as a laxative and relieves constipation. Constipation is a common yet annoying issue during pregnancy. Likewise, coconut is excellent in combating another annoying issue during pregnancy-the heartburn.
9. Prevents Anemia
Coconut milk is rich in Iron, and therefore, drinking coconut milk in moderation helps to combat anemia.
10. Alleviates Foot and Leg Pain
Incorporating coconut in the pregnancy diet helps to enhance blood circulation. Foot and leg pain during pregnancy is mainly due to poor blood circulation. Therefore, coconut during pregnancy helps to alleviate pregnancy pains.
11. Boosts Immunity
Coconut water is an ideal source of electrolytes, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and is known to boost the immune system.
12. What Coconut Water Can Do For You During Pregnancy
Drinking coconut water is a healthy way to keep hydrated and fight fatigue. 94% of it is water, and it contains relatively few calories. Pregnant women should drink coconut water to keep their blood volume regulated, prevent dehydration, fatigue, and nausea. Because coconut water is easily digestible, it can be absorbed very quickly.
Is Dried Coconut Equally Beneficial During Pregnancy?
Having coconut during pregnancy in any form, be it tender or normal in moderate quantity, is absolutely safe and highly advisable. Coconut water should be taken as a supplement and not a replacement for water. Always have a word with your doctor and discuss the right quantity you can safely take.
Eating Coconut During the First Trimester
The first trimester is a very crucial period, both for the mother and the baby since maximum changes and development happen at this time. The baby at this time is also vulnerable to damages from medication, alcohol, etc. Since coconut has a good quantity of fiber, calcium, and vitamins, it surely is a safe way to sail through this period, as coconut is highly beneficial for the health of both the mother and the developing fetus.
What Are the Complications Associated With Consuming Coconut When Pregnant?
The coconut taken in moderation really does wonders for the growing baby as well as the mother. Yet there are certain complications that are worth pondering, and some of them include:
- Too much consumption of a coconut-rich diet can lead to difficulties, especially for obese women, as their cholesterol levels can shoot up instantly.
- A mother-to-be who has developed allergies towards pollen and plants from the coconut family before pregnancy or any products made with coconut should also not try the same throughout their pregnancy phase.
- The intake of coconut water should never be substituted for a saline transmission without medical guidance, as it could be dangerous.
[Read: Are Apricots Safe During Pregnancy?]
Guidelines For Eating Coconut During Pregnancy
Coconut is a wholesome food, full of taste as well as nutritive qualities. You can have coconut in any form when pregnant, all of them have equal health benefits, the ability to fight infections and keep one healthy and fit. Find out the guidelines for eating coconut during pregnancy:
- Drinking coconut or eating coconut first thing in the morning on an empty stomach helps boost the metabolism and even aids in weight loss.
- It is best to consume it as soon as it is cut since it is fresh and heavily loaded with nutrients.
- Never pick up a coconut that has cracks, look for the one that has white pulp and is heavy to carry.
- In case the coconut is heavy, it means more water and better quality.
- You can drink coconut water frequently to avoid dehydration, replenish cells, regain energy, and fight out stomach ailments as well as infections but do remember to exercise moderation.
[Read: Ice Apple During Pregnancy]
FAQ’s
1. Can I Drink Coconut Water When I am Pregnant?
Yes, you can. It is indeed recommended for pregnant women. Coconut water is rich in minerals and electrolytes which is very good for your health.
2. Can I Eat Coconut Immediately After Delivery?
It is an old wives tale that a new mother should avoid eating coconut for a few months. Today. The doctors encourage a new mother to follow her usual diet unless the baby shows any reaction. This helps the baby adapt to the mother’s diet easily.
3. Can Eating Raw Coconut Increase My Constipation When Pregnant?
Many pregnant women suffer from constipation. While the coconut is famous for relieving constipation, you need to maintain a limit. Binging on coconut can result in constipation for some women.
4. Can Drinking Coconut Water Give Me Cold When am Pregnant?
No, on the contrary, it can help you. When you have a cold, your body gets dehydrated and there can be an electrolyte imbalance. Coconut water can hydrate you and restore your balance.
5. Is Coconut Water Good For Gestational Diabetes?
Coconut water is full of electrolytes, fiber, and essential nutrients. It helps reduce the acetone levels in your blood. Acetone levels increase when your sugar levels shoot up.
6. Can I Drink Coconut Water In The Third Trimester?
Yes, you can drink coconut water in the third trimester. The third trimester is a time when most pregnant women feel low on energy. Coconut water, being rich in electrolytes and antioxidants, boosts your energy levels and helps you stay away from fatigue and dehydration. However, anything in excess is not good, hence it is always better to drink coconut water in moderation during pregnancy.
7. Is Eating Raw Coconut Good For Health?
Eating raw coconut is very good for your health. Raw coconut is rich in nutrients like zinc, copper, iron, and selenium. The good fat present in raw coconut helps in boosting the body’s metabolism.
Read Also: Benefits of Eating Avocados During Pregnancy
