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As parents, you may want your children to consume natural beverages and foods to develop a healthy lifestyle. One such popular, refreshing, and healthy drink during summertime is coconut water. The benefits of coconut water for kids are numerous; it keeps them hydrated while boosting their energy levels.
Coconut has not been known to cause any harmful effects in children. Its antimicrobial properties help promote skin and digestive health while preventing urinary tract infections.
Scroll through this post to learn more about the goodness of coconut water for children, how to choose the best coconuts, and how much coconut water children can consume.
What Is Coconut Water?
Coconut water is a natural, nutritious, and refreshing liquid found inside the coconut fruit. It is a low-calorie, low-fat drink rich in minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, and other nutrients. Key nutrients include iron, chloride, potassium, sodium, phosphorus, magnesium, lauric acid, and calcium. It boasts of twice the potassium content than one banana. Just one coconut offers an 11 ounce serving of water. Let’s learn various health benefits of coconut water for kids.
Health Benefits Of Coconut Water For Kids
Coconut water is not just a refreshing drink; it’s a powerhouse of nutrition that can play a vital role in your child’s hydration and overall health. Here are some of its benefits.
1. Boosts skin health
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Drinking coconut water moisturizes your kid’s skin from within and eliminates the excess oil. Coconut water possesses anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, and anti-viral properties that help cure skin infections effectively, also acting as an immunity booster. So, it prevents blemishes and acne from surfacing on the skin when you apply it topically. Coconut water tones your little one’s skin and helps him have clean, clear, and healthy skin.
2. Promotes digestion
If your child is constantly suffering from digestion disorders, drinking coconut water provides great relief to your little one. Coconut water contains a high concentration of fiber, which promotes digestion and minimizes the occurrence of acid reflux.
3. Prevents dehydration
Coconut water promotes better hydration for your child’s body than any other energy drink.
It contains a higher amount of electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, and natural sugar than other energy drinks. So it helps prevent dehydration (1).
Jenn, a mother from Texas, shares why she offers coconut water to her son, Jack. She says, “Coconut water is one of my faves for Jack and I feel great giving it to him. I rely heavily on it when Jack is sick — it is a great way to rehydrate (i).”
Nutrition fact4. DHelps develops strong bones
Coconut water contains a high amount of calcium. So drinking calcium-rich water helps your kid have strong and healthy bones (2).
5. Treats urinary tract infections
Kids are more prone to urinary tract infections than grown-ups. Drinking coconut water helps treat urinary tract infections in kids, since it acts as a diuretic. The nutritious water flushes out infections from your kid’s bladder and urinary tract as well as minimizes the risk of kidney stones.
Caution6. Treats intestinal worms
Drinking coconut water is an effective remedy to cure intestinal worms in kids. Offer your kid a glass of coconut water every morning.
7. Prevents muscle cramps
Coconut water is rich in potassium, whose deficiency can cause muscle cramps. Drinking coconut water prevents the risk of muscle cramps and if your kid is fond of running and playing games, you might want to include coconut water in his diet.
8. Neutralizes toxic effect:
Drinking coconut water is an effective remedy for treating ailments and disorders resulting due to toxins. Coconut water helps cure heartburn, dysentery, constipation, and dengue fever in children and neutralizes toxins present in your kid’s body.
9. Boosts energy
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Coconut water contains low sugar and sodium, and high amounts of calcium, chloride, and potassium. The abundance of various nutrients aids in the rehydration, replenishment, and refreshment of your child’s body. Your little one will feel energetic after drinking a glass of coconut water.
Quick tip10. Improves oxygen circulation
Coconut water boosts your kid’s blood circulation. Good blood circulation provides sufficient oxygen to his skin and removes impurities. As a result, he will enjoy good health and a flawless complexion.
Consuming Coconut Water
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You can get your little one to drink coconut water daily. Coconut water can be a stand-alone drink or added to another liquid or drink. Choose fresh, young coconut fruit that has a green shell to obtain coconut water. Avoid coconuts with hard brown shells as they contain less water than the green ones. An eight-ounce serving of coconut water provides 45 to 60 calories. In addition, coconut milk can be used as a milk alternative or substitute for dairy milk for children who are intolerant to lactose. However, be mindful that some children may develop allergies to coconut products. If your child is prone to allergies, consult with a healthcare provider before introducing coconut water to them.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does coconut water compare to other drinks for kids?
Coconut water is relatively healthier than plain water, fruit juices, sports drinks, and sodas. Coconut water is low in sugar, calories, and carbohydrates. It also has several essential vitamins and minerals and helps replenish lost electrolytes (7).
2. Is coconut water harmful to boys?
Coconut water is advised for males, especially athletic males, as a natural energy source to enhance their performance (3). In addition, a study recommends males consume coconut water to stimulate fertility (4). Therefore, coconut water is not known to be harmful to boys. However, you may consult a doctor to know its effects and be safe.
3. Is coconut water good for anxiety in children?
A lack or deficiency of potassium can lead to anxiety issues. Therefore, consuming coconut water may help prevent anxiety by increasing the potassium content in the body (5).
4. Can coconut water be used as a natural remedy for colds and headaches in children?
Coconut water contains cytokinins and lauric acid, known for their immunity-boosting properties (8). Studies on traditional therapies suggest using coconut water as a general remedy for colds and headaches (9).
5. Can children drink coconut water at night?
Coconut water is generally safe and can be consumed anytime on an empty stomach or with a meal (10). However, if you have concerns about giving coconut water to your child at night, you may consult your doctor.
6. Can coconut water be used in cooking or baking for children?
Anecdotal evidence suggests that coconut water can be used to cook food such as rice, broth, soups, and stews. In addition, it can also be added to smoothies, juices, or shakes (10). However, checking with a pediatric dietician before preparing recipes using coconut water for your child is best.
7. Are there any potential allergic reactions to coconut water for kids?
Coconut water allergy is a rare phenomenon that may occur in children with nut allergies. Therefore, it is best to consult a healthcare professional. However, you may also give your child a small amount of coconut water first and observe for skin and gastrointestinal reactions over a period of one to two days (11)
Coconut water is loaded with nutrients, including potassium, sodium, phosphorus, and iron. It is highly hydrating, boosts skin health, strengthens bones, and treats urinary tract infections. Regular consumption of coconut water may also enhance a child’s energy, remove toxins from the body, and prevent muscle cramps. The potential benefits of coconut water make it an ideal natural, refreshing, and healthy drink for kids. However, if apprehensive, discuss it with your doctor before introducing coconut water to kids.
Infographic: Health Benefits Of Coconut Water for Children
Every parent is concerned about their children’s health and nourishment. Coconut is the finest alternative to water for keeping your children hydrated. Scroll through the infographic below to find out the various health benefits of coconut water for children. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Key Pointers
- Coconut water contains minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients.
- It has low sugar content, making it ideal for kids’ beverages.
- Coconut water can improve digestion and effectively treat intestinal worms and urinary tract infections.
- It helps to balance potassium levels in the body and can cure muscle cramps, which are common among active kids who enjoy running and playing.
Illustration: Wonderful Health Benefits Of Coconut Water For Kids
Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team
Personal Experience: Source
MomJunction articles include first-hand experiences to provide you with better insights through real-life narratives. Here are the sources of personal accounts referenced in this article.
i. Coconut water for kids. https://deliciousmaven.blogspot.com/2011/02/one-coconut-water-for-kids.html
References
- Mohamed Saat et al.; (2002); Rehydration after exercise with fresh young coconut water carbohydrate-electrolyte beverage and plain water.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12056182/ - How coconut water helps our health.
http://english.bentre.gov.vn/node/317 - RAYANNE K. NGUYEN (2015); THE EFFECTIVENESS OF A COCONUT BEVERAGE ON EXERCISE PERFORMANCE.
https://huskiecommons.lib.niu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=6586&context=allgraduate-thesesdissertations - Augustine I. Airaodion et al.; (2020); Consumption of Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) Water Improved Fertility Parameters in Male Wistar Rat.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/339051366_Consumption_of_Coconut_Cocos_nucifera_L_Water_Improved_Fertility_Parameters_in_Male_Wistar_Rats - MOOD & BRAIN SUPPORTING MICRONUTRIENTS.
https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/vitamin-and-nutrients-handout.pdf - Nuts, coconut water (liquid from coconuts).
https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/170174/nutrients - Is coconut water healthy?
https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/blog/is-coconut-water-healthy - I. I. Bello et al.; (2021); Coconut water enhances immunity of cockerels before and after vaccination against Newcastle disease virus
https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/blog/is-coconut-water-healthy - Shubhashree. M.N et al.; Therapeutic and Nutritional Values of Narikelodaka (Tender Coconut Water) – A Review https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/blog/is-coconut-water-healthy
- The Health Benefits of Coconut Water; Cleveland Clinic
https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/blog/is-coconut-water-healthy - Katherine Anagnostou; (2017); Coconut Allergy Revisited
https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/blog/is-coconut-water-healthy
- Mohamed Saat et al.; (2002); Rehydration after exercise with fresh young coconut water carbohydrate-electrolyte beverage and plain water.
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