Pregnant Women Go Nuts……..for Coconuts!
Written by admin on May 3, 2008 – -
In many tropical countries, coconuts have long been lauded as having fertility and pregnancy enhancing properties. In India, for example, a woman hoping to conceive will go to her priest for a special coconut; Thai babies receive, as their first solid food, three spoonfuls of soft coconut meat from their priests; a Balinese woman is forbidden to touch a coconut tree for fear she will drain its fertility into her own; and pregnant women from tropical countries consume large amounts of coconut water, hoping to increase their unborn child’s strength and vitality.
Folklore aside, there is now scientific evidence of the numerous health benefits of coconuts. While these health-boosting properties extend to everyone, they can be particularly beneficial to pregnant women. Here are some of the amazing ways the coconut can be a pregnant woman’s best friend:
• It alleviates vomiting – coconut water has long been used as a remedy for typhoid, malaria and other illness-induced vomiting. Thus, it should also help mitigate a bad case of morning sickness.
• It soothes the stomach – in addition to offering some relief from vomiting, coconut water can quell a queasy tummy and lessen the symptoms of nausea.
• Virgin coconut oil balances blood sugar and controls diabetes – this also helps keep morning sickness in check and offers some protection against gestational diabetes, a potentially dangerous condition common among pregnant women.
• It alkalizes the body – high in potassium, magnesium and other alkalizing minerals, coconut water can help to create an environment more conducive to conception and perhaps even reduce the risk of miscarriage.
• It keeps the body hydrated – nature’s “sports drink”, coconut water replaces fluids and minerals lost during physical exertion as well as those extra needed to help support pregnancy and expanding blood volume. Dehydration can be particularly threatening during pregnancy.
• It is a mild laxative – drinking moderate amounts of coconut water can help to keep things running smoothly and relieve the constipation so common during pregnancy.
• It cleanses the kidneys and offers protection against UTI’s – Urinary Tract Infections are very common during pregnancy and can be dangerous if antibiotics are not used to treat them. Best to avoid them all together!
• It keeps the body cool – with excess weight, progesterone, and anxiety, it’s easy to get overheated during pregnancy. Drinking coconut water helps to regulate body temperature and keep you cool.
• It is great for skin – virgin coconut oil can be applied to soothe the dry, itchy skin associated with pregnancy; it may also help to reduce the occurrence of stretch marks; and, when applied to the perineum in the weeks leading up to labor, can help reduce tearing during birth. Coconut water applied to the face helps to clear blackheads and acne that many women experience with the surge of hormones during pregnancy.
• It boosts the immune system – virgin coconut oil is comprised of nearly 50% lauric acid, which has been shown to have antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. This can help protect a mother-to-be from a host of potentially threatening infections as well as boost her immunity, which is naturally weakened during pregnancy.
• It promotes healthy lactation – the only other significant source of lauric acid is human breast milk. Research has shown that lactating mothers who consume virgin coconut oil and other coconut products have higher levels of lauric and capric acids in their breast milk; this increases its antimicrobial and immune boosting properties, while promoting both brain and bone development in the infant. Since the body stores lauric acid in the adipose tissues, consuming coconut during pregnancy may also help to ensure successful lactation.
With all that in mind, pregnant women would be nuts not to go for coconuts!
-Ardis
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Sources:
“The Coconut Article.” Coconut Haven. 1 May 2008 <http://www.coconuthaven.com/article01.htm>.
Fife, Bruce, N.D. “Diabetes and Virgin Coconut Oil.” Coconut Connections. 1 May 2008 <http://www.coconut-connections.com/diabetes.htm>.
Fife, Bruce, N.D. and Dr Vermen M. Verallo-Rowell M.D. “Understand the Benefits of Coconut Juice – Why does it Feel so Good?” Coco Tap. 1 May 2008 <http://www.cocotap.com/nutrition.htm>.
“Seven Benefits of Coconut Water.” Medical Health Articles. 1 May 2008 <http://google-sina.com/2008/04/26/seven-benefits-of-coconut-water/>.
“What is Coconut Milk?” Wise Geek. 1 May 2008 <http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-coconut-milk.htm>.
Young, Cori. “Coconut Oil and Babies! Coconut Oil Increases Beneficial Properties in Human Breast milk.” Natures Juices. 1 May 2008 <http://www.naturesjuicecoop.com/map4.php>.
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26 Responses
to “Pregnant Women Go Nuts……..for Coconuts!”
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- Jan 17, 2011: Grace and Wen - Blog » Tip: Coconut Water
By Suzi Greenhalgh on Oct 1, 2008
Thank you for compiling such useful and exciting information about coconuts!! Very useful for this first time mother-to-be!
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By Ardis on Oct 3, 2008
Thanks, Suzi! Glad you enjoyed the article. I’ve been loving young coconut water throughout my pregnancy. The coco butter has been amazing on my skin – and it smells and feels so luxurious too!
xoxo,
Ardis
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By Zoe on Apr 5, 2009
Thanks for the article. I came accross coconut water by accident a few weeks ago (I’m now 32 weeks pregnant) and I absolutely love it! It’s so refreshing and now I really crave it with a few ice cubes on a regular basis. Interesting to find out it’s so good for me…my body/baby obviously knew this already as it’s so keen on it!
)
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By coconutlvr on Jul 6, 2009
Older mom trying to conceive. I use on skin once to twice daily, take in a smoothie and eat in macaroon. Any suggestions?
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By Ellie on Jul 7, 2009
Chinese says that coconut juice is too windy and cold for preggers. Might lead to miscarriage. Am craving for coconut juice, but worried sick! Browse thru some webpage (like this one) says C.J is exceptionally beneficial to preggers. Any real experience to share dear mums? I am 12weeks pregnant now.
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By Susan on Aug 4, 2009
Hi, I was very interested in reading this article, especially since my biggest problem is my fluid intake. I get nauseous very fast and can barely get any fluids down. So this coconut stuff sounds fantastic. The only question I have is: where can I find this magical juice? I’m in desperate need of getting my fluids going.
Thank you for your help!!!
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By namsie on Aug 12, 2009
Try any Indian or asian grocery store
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By Christina on Aug 18, 2009
I am 21 weeks pregnant and have been drinking coconut water every day for the last 2-3 weeks. I get mine at Whole Foods. It’s a great way to keep hydrated. I’ve never heard anything bad about pregnant women drinking it. Apparently Dr.’s in India recommend it to pregnant women: http://www.babycenter.in/pregnancy/nutrition/coconutwater_expert/
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By Coconut-Oil-Taylor on Sep 2, 2009
Yes I agree Coconut water is good in keeping you hydrated than just drinking water or softdrinks. And also it is a good treatment on UTI(Urinary Tract Infection).
Great Article!
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By Sunisa on Sep 5, 2009
I’m from Thailand and my the old folks always recommend drinking coconut water after 5 months pregnant. It’ll clear the baby’s skin when it comes out from your womb and of course apart from other huge benefits you read above… I live in LA., and it’s easy to get them fresh in a coconut (not in a carton box) at Asian markets… Love it…
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By Best Superfoods on Sep 25, 2009
We love coconut water, especially cold!! amazing taste, thanks for sharing this helpful info.
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By ts on Sep 30, 2009
I love the cocout oil as well i take 3 teaspoons a day, i pur it in my orange juice, i put it on my belly, back andjust whole body and you can definately tell the difference in skin looks like a baby. The author is definately right i have not had one measure of morning sickness and it keeps your system smooth and regular. I use the organic virgin coconut oil, i have not tried the water but i will now. thanks for an informative site God bless you.
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By Alana on Nov 2, 2009
Do you think it’s safe to eat RAW organic coconut oil when pregnant? I cooked with it before I was pregnant. I also added it to my smoothies. My only concern is the raw part now that I am pregnant.
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By moona on Mar 22, 2010
hi,
very good information it is.m from uae,i have also heard about coconut during pregnancy.m 23 week pregnant n i take a tbs ful of crushed coconut with milk at night.its very useful during pregnancy as my mother n grand ma advised me.after reading the article i have no fear left to take cocunut.
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By anuradha on Apr 19, 2010
hi i am 21 weels pregnant how many number of cocconuts should i take in aday .i have avery heat body n i am sufferingf from stomach ulcer from 4 yrs .though i love cocconut water alot i am worried to take ofeten coz i find burning sensation in my stomach wen ever i drink coco water.but still am drinking it. is it ok or not. i heard drinking coconut water will improve hair growth in un born babies is it true.
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By sharla on Apr 26, 2010
Great info, thanks for sharing… Now I know why i love coconut water, so much… smiles
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By amanda on May 24, 2010
I am pregnant and have felt great from drinking coconut water and feasting on coconut flesh.
I just returned from a large walk just mainly to get coconuts.
the coconut water was a great reward when I returned.
makes me feel amazing.Its boiling hot today,I have no thirst.
always eat and drink juices and fruit on an empty belly to get total energy and goodness.
will energise you and your precious new life/lives growing inside.
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By katie on Jun 11, 2010
I buy my coconut water from the health food section at Kroger.
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By Moira Randal on Jun 20, 2010
Great information, thanks!
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By Leslie on Oct 15, 2010
I have recently discovered “UNSWEETEND” Coconut Milk by So Delicious! You can find it in the health section at Kroger and at Fresh Market. I think you can order it online too! I had severe nausea with my third and fifth pregnancies and couldn’t hardly keep anything down for the 15 weeks and beyond. I wore a zofran pump for two months and needed IV fluids regularly! This time I am 6 weeks pregnant with our sixth child and have been having nausea and queaziness all day long…I have been drinking the coconut milk and I feel really good. Plus, for the last three months I have been doing Crossfit training and started the paleo diet (this diet excludes all processed foods from my diet…no breads, no pastas, no sugar, no fake sugars…only natural sugars from fruits…and with the fruits I try to only eat a variety of berries). I also eat foods high in protein and lots of fresh veggies. Funny thing is for FIVE pregnancies I would devour saltines all day long and it never helped me. No wonder…it all turns to sugar in your body and sugar is the last thing you want to take in when you are nauseated (even if it does taste so good at that moment)! I hope this helps all you ladies out there suffering from morning sickness. For really tasty Paleo recipes, go to http://www.everydaypaleo.com! Best of luck to all!!!
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By Isabel Spiewak on Jan 14, 2011
good stuff. Do you have an RSS feed? And also will it be cool if I added in your feed to a website of mine? I have a site which pulls content via RSS feeds out of a number of sites and I would like to include yours, many folks don’t mind given that I link back and everything but I like to get authorization first. Anyway let me know if you can, thank you.
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By Fiona on Jan 16, 2011
Hi Isabel, That’s fine, as long as you include our links and credits etc. Yes you can subscribe to our RSS feed – there is a link on the homepage http://www.rawmom.com/ xxxx What is your url?
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By earthmama on Jan 17, 2011
I am elated to find this information this morning. I suffered from hyperemisis during five pregnancies.I did have to get IV fluids. I do not wish it on any woman. I am determined to find relief and remedies for woman. I wish I knew about coconut water for this but We just started drinking coconut milk. I’m excited to add this to my blog about natural pregnancy.
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By rose on Oct 26, 2011
i feel better after reading on this website.. i’m 25 weeks pregnant now and from my conception i do always craving for any dishes with coconut milk. i’m so worried with what would be the effects of coconut oil/milk on my body since i am pregnant. but after reading this website.,i feel better now. its good to know that there were many beneficial effects of coconuts to a pregnant moms like me. Godbless us mommies!
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By Online Nutrition on Jan 21, 2012
We love coconut oil for cooking, skin, hair and more. Great article!
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