In the world of functional foods, coconut water has quickly become wellness drink royalty, and let’s face it, we get it.
This delicious tropical drink is ideal for drinking poolside or after a workout, usually without any added flavors or colors. Plus, because it’s just the juice from the inside of a coconut and not the pulp, this plant-based drink packs tons of nutrients without the high amounts of saturated fat found in many other coconut-based foods.
You may have even seen coconut water touted for its pregnancy-related benefits, such as: B. speeding up labor and relieving morning sickness, but are these claims true? And if you’re pregnant, are there any warnings when opening a can?Here’s what you need to know about coconut water and pregnancy.
Safety of Coconut Water During Pregnancy
Typically, foods on the do not eat list for pregnant women are those that have the potential for harmful bacterial growth. (We see you and we miss you, sushi and soft cheese). This is why many expectant mothers wonder whether pasteurized coconut water is safe to drink.
If this sounds familiar, you can relax. Many commercially available forms of coconut water have been pasteurized to ensure their safety for pregnant women.
Even many cold-pressed, unpasteurized coconut waters use a microfiltration process to remove bacteria and produce a sterile product. However, it is important to keep these drinks refrigerated and consume them before the printed freshness date. And if you have any questions about the safety measures, please contact the manufacturer.
The other place to take your food safety questions? Your doctor. Always consult your doctor if you have any concerns about food or drink during pregnancy.
Coconut Water Health Benefits During Pregnancy
Coconut water may be refreshing and delicious, but science has not yet conclusively linked it to any dramatic health claims. However, it contains some important nutrients and may have pregnancy-specific benefits.
Hydrate
Coconut water is about 95 percent pure water.
Coconut water may be an option during pregnancy massage safe because it provides hydration and electrolytes, nutritionist Alyssa Pike, RD, nutrition communications manager at the International Food Information Council. If you’re thirsty, this trendy drink isn’t a bad option to keep yourself hydrated.
On the other hand, the moisturizing effect of coconut water is nothing special compared to that of good old H2O. Water is the gold standard for hydration and is cheaper than coconut water, notes Pike.
Replaces electrolytes lost due to morning sickness.
Who doesn’t like to start the day by throwing last night’s dinner into the toilet bowl? Wait, nobody.
If you experience nausea and vomiting, the electrolytes in coconut water can help your system stabilize.Women with hyperemesis gravidarum (an extreme form of morning sickness) often need additional electrolytes to make up for losses caused by excessive vomiting. Coconut water contains valuable electrolytes such as potassium, sodium and magnesium.
Replenish Lost Fluids
If morning sickness keeps throwing away cookies, it’s important to replenish your body’s fluid reserves. Coconut water is a drink that doesn’t contain a lot of added sugar.
It can relieve acid reflux.
Ugh, the pain of pregnancy heartburn! As your baby’s belly grows and progesterone relaxes the stomach valves, gastric juice can rise into the esophagus, causing discomfort and the dreaded acid regurgitation.
Some pregnant women swear that drinking coconut water relieves reflux. However, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims.
Contains some nutrients for fetal development
You’ve probably heard how important vitamins and minerals are for the development of your growing baby; Therefore, your doctor recommends taking your prenatal vitamins. Coconut water can sometimes be added to this mixture. According to the brand, micronutrients include calcium, potassium and magnesium.
During pregnancy, magnesium supplementation has been associated with increased birth weight and a reduced risk of preeclampsia. Calcium is another nutrient to consider: Calcium is essential for the development of bones and teeth. However, coconut water is not a micronutrient that is useful throughout pregnancy, he warns.
Although coconut water contains small amounts of some minerals, it is important to focus on a nutrient-dense diet rich in whole foods that provide important macro- and micronutrients necessary for fetal and maternal health.