Key Takeaways
- Keeps you hydrated and replenishes electrolytes lost during periods
- Potassium, magnesium, and calcium help muscles relax and reduce cramps
- Magnesium improves blood circulation and reduces period fatigue
- Natural diuretic properties reduce bloating and water retention
- Gentle on the stomach and easier to digest than sugary drinks
- Rich in antioxidants that support skin health during hormonal changes
- Avoid flavoured or packaged varieties with added sugar
Every month, women go through significant physical changes during their menstrual cycle. During this time, bodies undergo significant changes that often bring discomfort and cramps along. While there is no single solution for period discomfort, there are definitely ways to manage those days and make them a bit more comfortable.
Coconut water is one simple and natural option worth considering. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of drinking coconut water during periods. We will also shed some light on how coconut water can help you manage those period cramps during your period.
Here is how coconut water can support your body during periods.
Benefits of drinking coconut water during periods
1. Hydration and Maintaining Electrolyte Balance
We all know the importance of staying hydrated during the menstrual cycle. Coconut water can be a great friend in achieving this. It is a natural source of electrolytes such as potassium, magnesium, and sodium, which help replenish the minerals that are lost due to blood flow during periods.
Enjoying fresh coconut water can be a great way to refresh and beat the heat during summers and keep your body balanced. We suggest you consume coconut water as a mid-morning drink or an afternoon drink to keep yourself hydrated.
2. Abundance of Nutrients for Nourishment
Coconut water is packed with essential nutrients that your body can benefit from. It is like a natural vitamin drink. As coconut water is packed with potassium and calcium, they make sure your muscles and bones stay stronger. You can add coconut water into your diet along with your regular meals, or you can use it in regular smoothies and shakes for an extra nutrient boost during periods.
Also read: Best Indian Period Recipes for Easier Periods
3. Enhances Blood Circulation
Coconut water is called the “nature’s sports drink” as it can have some great benefits for your body, including helping with blood circulation. Coconut water contains magnesium, which helps keep the blood flowing smoothly.
Another great thing about magnesium is that it helps blood vessels relax and widen a bit, which makes it easier for blood to move around.
Research on potassium-rich and electrolyte-rich drinks such as coconut water shows that their mineral content, especially potassium and magnesium, can support vascular function and help maintain healthy blood flow and blood pressure.
When blood circulates well throughout your body, it carries oxygen to all the parts of your body that need it. So, during your period, your body might need a little extra oxygen, and coconut water can make sure your body gets what it needs.
4. Coconut Water Reduces Bloating and Water Retention
Coconut water is a great natural diuretic. A diuretic helps your body to get rid of excess water. When you are on your period, your body may hold extra water, which makes you feel bloated.
Drinking coconut water can help you get rid of that extra water. Read more about bloating and gas before periods and other ways to reduce it naturally. For some women, they may experience a puffy face or swollen fingers when they wake up in the morning. Coconut water can help your body balance the water, reducing puffiness and making you feel more comfortable.
Sometimes, this water retention can make your cramps worse. The benefit of having this natural diuretic is it helps your body release that extra water, helping you ease those pesky period cramps.
5. Coconut Water soothes Period Cramps
Ever wonder why some women call coconut water a "cramp-fighter"? The reason is that this tasty drink might help you combat those annoying period cramps. When you're on your period, your uterus muscles can get all stressed and crampy. Here comes magnesium to your rescue. It helps relax those cranky muscles.
Several clinical and quasi-experimental studies in adolescents and young women have found that green or young coconut water, which naturally contains magnesium and calcium, can significantly reduce dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain) scores when consumed during menstruation.
It helps them to loosen up, so that they do not squeeze too hard and cause cramps. When you're sipping on coconut water, you're also keeping yourself hydrated. Appropriate hydration during periods can ease cramps too. So, it gives your body two benefits at once: relaxed muscles and better hydration.
6. Gentle on the Stomach and Digestive System
We all know how sometimes your stomach can be a bit sensitive during your period. That is where coconut water steps in. Coconut water is very gentle on your stomach.
Unlike some drinks that might upset your tummy, coconut water is known for being very soothing. During your period, your body is already working hard, and the last thing it needs is a heavy load on your digestion.
Coconut water is light and easy to digest, which means your stomach does not have to work hard to process it. For more relief options, read about how to reduce stomach pain during periods.
7. Packed with Antioxidants for Health
Coconut water is recognised as an antioxidant-rich functional beverage, with its natural compounds helping to reduce oxidative stress in the body.
They work as your body’s defence squad. During your period, your body might go through some stress, and that's when antioxidants come in. Antioxidants neutralise the free radicals that can harm your body. Antioxidants help your body stay strong and healthy.
Antioxidants in coconut water are great for your skin too. Read about how your menstrual cycle changes your skin and how antioxidant-rich drinks can help.
Your body goes through a lot of hormonal changes during your periods, which may lead to very dull and unhealthy skin.
Antioxidants can help your skin stay clear and glowing, even when your hormones are fluctuating. Antioxidants also help your body fight off germs and infections, keeping you feeling your best.
8. Healthier Choice Over Sugary Drinks
Coconut water is a great refreshing drink. Unlike many sugary drinks that can be loaded with sugars and artificial additives, coconut water is naturally sweet without the excessive sugar. It is always suggested that you avoid excess sugar, as it may spike your blood sugar levels and leave you feeling sluggish.
During your period, your body needs to be balanced. Drinking coconut water over those sugary drinks is much healthier.
While sugary drinks give you empty calories, coconut water provides essential nutrients like potassium, calcium, and vitamins. Your body needs these nutrients more than ever during your periods. Choosing coconut water helps maintain balance.
Also read: 11 Must-Have Items for a Smooth Period Cycle
Precautions while drinking coconut water
It is essential that you are aware of certain precautions to ensure you enjoy Coconut water safely and get the most benefit from it. Some women may have allergies to coconut or coconut-related products.
If you are trying coconut water for the first time and you have a history of allergies, start with a small amount. Always monitor your body for adverse reactions such as itching, swelling, etc. It is always suggested that you talk to your family doctor about it.
While coconut water is generally safe, too much of it may lead to an upset stomach or diarrhoea due to the natural laxative properties present in coconut water. It is advisable to drink coconut water in moderation to avoid any digestive issues.
A word of caution when purchasing pre-packaged or flavoured coconut water, as some brands may add sugars and artificial ingredients. Prefer to choose options with no added sugars if you prefer a more natural and healthier beverage.
Another thing to note is the freshness of the coconut. Check for any signs of spoilage or unusual taste, as coconut water can worsen over time. You can also read about the benefits of drinking lemon water during periods as another hydrating option during your cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Let us discuss the frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding drinking coconut water during periods:
Q. Does coconut water increase period flow?
A. No, drinking coconut water is not known to increase period flow. Period flow is controlled by hormonal changes in the body, and coconut water does not contain substances that would affect these hormonal processes.
Q. Is coconut water good for irregular periods?
A. Coconut water, due to its natural electrolyte content and nutrients, may be included as balanced diet that promotes overall well-being. But it may not directly address irregular periods; maintaining proper hydration and a balanced diet can improve reproductive health.
Q. Does coconut water help with period cramps?
A. Coconut water contains magnesium, potassium, and calcium, which are nutrients known for their potential muscle-relaxing properties. It may not eliminate period cramps, but some women find that staying hydrated and consuming magnesium-rich foods or drinks like coconut water can help mild to moderate cramp discomfort during periods.
In Summary
While Coconut water may not perform miracles for you, it offers numerous benefits that can make your period days a bit more comfortable. From hydrating your body and refilling essential electrolytes to providing vital nutrients and potentially soothing muscle cramps, coconut water offers several benefits during your period.
Adding coconut water to your daily menstrual diet can be a simple and refreshing way to give your body a natural boost and support your body's needs during periods.
Including coconut water in your period diet becomes really important.
References:
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Hydration and electrolytes/coconut water vs sports drink
Kalman, D. S., Feldman, S., Krieger, D. R., & Bloomer, R. J. (2012). Comparison of coconut water and a carbohydrate-electrolyte sport drink on measures of hydration and physical performance in exercise-trained men. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 9(1), 1–10. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3293068/ -
Coconut water and dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain)
Indriani, D. I., Aprinawati, I., & Nugroho, H. (2020). Non-pharmacological randomised controlled trial: Green coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) water to reduce dysmenorrhea pain. Jurnal Kedokteran Brawijaya, 31(1), 54–60. https://jkb.ub.ac.id/index.php/jkb/article/download/2612/745 -
Micronutrients (including magnesium) for primary dysmenorrhea
Moini, A., Ebrahimi, N., & Shabani, M. (2020). The effect of micronutrients on pain management of primary dysmenorrhea: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Pain Research and Management, 2020, 1–13. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7146731/ -
Water intake and menstrual pain
Torkan, B., Mousavi, M., & colleagues. (2021). The role of water intake in the severity of pain and menstrual distress among females suffering from primary dysmenorrhea: A semi-experimental study. BMC Women’s Health, 21, 40. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7845092/ -
Potassium, electrolytes, and fluid balance (supports diuretic / less bloating angle)
National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. (2024). Potassium: Fact sheet for health professionals. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Potassium-HealthProfessional/
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