We know the coconut in various variations and forms, from grated to water to milk, but is coconut milk and other products of this exotic fruit healthy and good during pregnancy?
The cream from the brown coconut is called milk, but it has nothing to do with milk.
Did you know that milk is a legally protected term?
That in 2013 the European Council passed a regulation stating that “milk” only refers to products made from the whey of mammals?
You should also state the animal species from which the milk comes, otherwise it means the milk from cows.
The protection of designations is intended to promote the appreciation of farm products.
And farmers believe that hardly any other staple food comes close to the nutrients found in milk, with all its valuable calcium, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals.
The coconut, the staple food in Asian countries, is also quite something and coconut milk, as you can see, is an exception to the designation protection because it is not milked but pressed from the fruit pulp.
It is then processed in various ways and travels a long way before reaching our supermarket shelves, which is why it cannot be described as sustainable…
Nevertheless, it is firmly anchored in the diet of many people, especially the growing number of vegetarians and vegans.
But according to the rules regarding nutrition during pregnancy , is it permissible to eat coconut milk?
In this article, you will learn why it is safe and healthy, but also what else you should try from coconut.
Coconut milk during pregnancy – coconut water vs. coconut milk
Coconut water is not to be confused with canned coconut milk. The familiar canned cream is pressed from the fruit pulp and contains around 10% fat.
Coconut water, on the other hand, is low in fat and calories and, as the name suggests, is very watery.
The difference between coconut water and coconut milk can also be immediately recognized by their appearance: the former is cloudy but thin, while the latter looks more like white milk.
And while coconut milk is creamy and aromatic, the water from the coconut tastes slightly sour and sweet.
Unlike coconut milk, it is made from green, unripe coconuts and serves as a healthy thirst quencher. Coconut water is especially popular among athletes.
By the way, nothing beats fresh coconut water straight from the coconut; even the organic drink in a tetra pack can’t compete with that.
Coconut milk during pregnancy – The healthy benefits of the exotic fruit
In Asian countries and on tropical islands, coconut is a staple food, popular for its many healthy properties, including antiparasitic, antioxidant, and antibacterial.
The fruit strengthens the immune system.
Among the ingredients are many important minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, iron, zinc, iodine, fluorine, selenium and manganese.
The many minerals mean that coconut has a remineralizing effect and probably regulates muscle tone and improves heart function.
Some minerals such as zinc and selenium also have antioxidant effects.
This is also one reason why coconut is used in many beauty and care products such as shower gels, creams and sunscreens.
Coconut also replenishes your energy reserves and meets your fluid needs. Not only is coconut water recommended after exercise and physical activity and tastes great in hot weather, but coconut milk in fruit juices or shakes also contributes to refreshment and invigoration.
The saturated fatty acids contained in the ripe pulp regulate blood pressure and reduce cholesterol levels, so coconut milk is even recommended for diabetes and hypoglycemia.
And now comes the kicker: Coconut milk is said to be quite similar to breast milk in terms of its detoxifying properties! It cleanses the liver and kidneys of toxins, strengthens the immune system (contains vitamin C), and helps with cardiovascular problems.
Coconut milk can also help with urinary tract and bladder problems, flatulence, digestive problems and nausea , as well as water retention, which often occur during pregnancy.
Coconut milk during pregnancy – highly recommended
Whether in Thai curry , as an ingredient in a smoothie or as a pure drink – you can consume as much coconut water and coconut milk as you like.
The exotic fruit supports your healthy diet, even if the delivery routes are long.
For pregnant women and their babies, the consumption of coconut milk, coconut water, coconut oil and pulp is good and beneficial because of the many good ingredients, as the natural drink provides the body with fluids and the delicious pulp provides energy.
Coconut can help relieve many of the symptoms of pregnancy, such as swollen ankles, fluid retention, heartburn, nausea, or constipation.
Coconut milk is a good preventative against disease because it provides nutrients that strengthen the immune system.
After all, expectant mothers shouldn’t take any medication. And the baby’s immune system is also strengthened in the womb.
Final thoughts
Coconut milk can definitely be consumed during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
Not only does it not harm you or your baby, but it also provides you with important healthy nutrients.
The creamy liquid from the can is of course not milk and may only be called that in exceptional cases, as the term is protected.
However, with its ingredients and healthy effects, it certainly comes close to our common staple food made from whey.
And unlike certain dairy products, coconut milk doesn’t pose a risk of infection with germs and bacteria that are harmful to babies. Raw milk can be contaminated with Listeria.
In general, raw products of animal origin should be avoided.
Smoked salmon , sushi and other raw fish, salami , tea sausage and other raw meat or liquid parts of scrambled eggs should be avoided.
There is a risk not only of listeriosis, but also of toxoplasmosis and salmonella poisoning.
In this article, I have focused on the nutrients of coconut and their healthy effects.
So if you are a fan of Asian cuisine, you will be pleased to know that coconut milk is also recommended during pregnancy.
And by the way, you can eat spicy food too! Enjoy!
