Did you know that coconut water has so many benefits for toddlers coconut water is a nourishing beverage and is suitable for your toddler. It is high in electrolytes, chlorides, potassium, and magnesium and has a moderate amount of sugar, sodium and protein

1. Health benefits of coconut water for babies-
http://parentinghealthybabies.com/health-benefits-of-coconut-water-for-babies/
The health benefits of coconut water for babies include supply of essential vitamins, minerals
and electrolytes, treats gastrointestinal diseases, useful in treating cholera, possesses
antimicrobial properties, can treat urinary tract infections and acts as a remedy for bilious
fever.
Coconut is regarded as ‘wonder food’ and ‘perfect food’ by many because it is an almost
complete food in most respects. Coconut has all the essential nutrients that are required for
survival.
Though its name is coconut, still it does not qualify as a real nut. In fact coconut tree belongs
to the palm family and it is a palm fruit. Just like most other palm trees, coconut tree grows
vertically and spreads its palms. Just underneath the base of the palms, coconut fruits grow
and mature. A fully grown coconut can range between 20-30 cm in length and it more or less
looks like a rugby ball. This is the outer layer of the fruit which is covered in thick fibres. In
the interior the real coconut fruit is sphere shaped and hard shelled. Inside this shell is the
white coconut flesh and coconut water.
Young coconut fruit has lots of water inside it. This water is of particular importance.
Coconut water is one of the best fluid replenishing agents known to man since ancient times.
Coconut flesh develops inside the shell with the help of the water.

2. Coconut tree is believed to have originated in the Indo-Malay region and it is very popular in
many South East Asian countries, Pacific Asian islands, Australia, Papua New Guinea, Africa
and it finally reached the Americas during the Spanish conquest. Generally, coconut tree can
be widely seen in tropical and sub-tropical places with above average temperatures.
Can coconut be given to my baby?
There is a debate going on whether or not coconut can be given to babies or not. This is
because the flesh of coconut is hard to chew for infants. It is hard even for those infants who
have grown teeth. Even grated coconut can be hard for them to digest. On the other hand, it is
easy and safe to give your baby coconut water. Coconut water is known to be very safe. In
fact, freshly cracked young coconut’s juice is as good as sterilized saline water. (Roberts, et
al, 1979).
Nutrition in coconut water
According to the National Nutrient Database from the United States Department of
Agriculture, the nutrition found in coconut water includes
Nutrition Value per 100 g Nutrition Value per 100 g
Water 94.99 g Energy 19 kcal
Protein 0.72 g Total Lipid 0.20 g
Carbohydrate 3.71 g Fiber 1.1 g
Sugars 2.61 g Calcium 24 mg
Iron 0.29 mg Magnesium 25 mg
Phosphorous 20 mg Potassium 250 mg
Sodium 105 mg Zinc 0.10 mg
Vitamin C 2.4 mg Thiamin 0.03 mg
Riboflavin 0.057 mg Niacin 0.08 mg
Vitamin B-6 0.032 mg Folate 3 ug
Health Benefits of Coconut water for babies
Here are some of the health benefits of coconut water for babies
Best source for rehydration: Coconut water is the best source of rehydration, especially
during hot summers. Infants, children and aging people are the most vulnerable to heat stroke
and dehydration. The best way to beat the heat is not by sweet sodas but with coconut water.
Coconut water is sweet with fewer calories and also has all the essential vitamins, minerals
and salts.
Remedy for gastrointestinal diseases: Coconut water is also useful as a remedy for
gastrointestinal diseases such as indigestion, gastric ulcers, diarrhea, dysentery and piles. It is
also useful in treating flatulence, vomiting and dyspepsia as well. When suffering from
diarrhea, coconut water can be given to eliminate dehydration which often increases the risk.
Can treat cholera: Research shows that coconut water can be used to treat cholera. Coconut
water mixed with 1-2 teaspoons of lime juice or a pinch of salt is helpful in cholera. It not
only corrects the electrolytic balance but also reduces the acidosis in the body. Use of

3. coconut water in areas of abundant supply can be good because it is cost effective and
coconut water when taken fresh from the fruit is as sterile as any commercially available
saline solution. (Roberts, et al, 1979).
Possesses antibacterial properties: This might sound unreal to some people, but it is true.
Coconut water can kill bacterial species in both gram positive and gram negative categories.
Certain biochemicals called peptides have been identified in coconut water. These peptides
possess antimicrobial properties. There is an emphasis to find new and natural drugs against
microbial infections because in the recent years, numerous bacterial species are becoming
increasingly immune to commercially available antibiotics. (Mandal, et al, 2009).
Treats urinary tract infections: Babies are vulnerable to urinary tract infections. These
infections can be reduced by giving coconut water to your baby. Coconut water acts as a
diuretic. Due to this any infections in the bladder and urinary tract are flushed out, thus
reducing urinary tract infections. Also, coconut water is helpful in reducing stones in the
kidney. (Bakhru, Foods That Heal,1997).
Remedy for bilious fever: A fever with nausea and vomiting is generally known as bilious
fever. This fever can affect toddlers and children as well. Under these circumstances, coconut
water can reduce the effect of the fever. Coconut water must be given in small doses and no
other liquid should be given, unless otherwise specified by your pediatrician. (Bakhru, Foods
That Heal,1997).
Other uses of coconut
Coconut is not just a standalone fruit offering just water or flesh. But so many products and
foods are processed out of coconut.
Coconut milk is obtained from squeezing the fresh meat of coconut.
Coconut oil is also obtained from matured flesh. Coconut oil has many applications ranging
from cooking, salad dressing and it is widely used for hair growth.
Coconut oil (virgin) also has numerous benefits in cooking because it is good source of
unsaturated fats.
Unsaturated fats are essential for the body and are also easily digested, unlike those fats
found in cheese which are saturated fats and take longer time to get digested, else they add to
the pounds.
Measures to be taken while giving coconut water to your child
Here are some of the measures that can be taken while giving coconut water to your child
Prefer fresh coconut water: Coconut water is best when had directly from the green fruit. If
you can find fresh green coconuts in your locality opt for them. Otherwise commercial
coconut drinks are good enough. Do check for additives and date of manufacture in packaged
coconut water before buying them.

4. Do not drink it in haste: Coconut water is not just water but a natural saline solution and it
needs to be had in slowly. Taking it in haste would devoid you or your child of its uses.
Coconut allergies are rare: Coconut allergies are generally very rare, hence you shouldn’t
be too concerned about it when giving coconut water to your baby. But, do look out for any
allergic symptoms as there might be a small population that is allergic to coconuts.
Coconut milk allergy: Another area of concern is coconut milk. Coconut milk can be
compared to soymilk. Just as soymilk can induce allergies, so doe coconut milk. So, please be
very careful while feeding your baby with coconut milk. Consult your pediatrician if you
want to introduce coconut milk into your baby’s diet.
Avoid matured coconut flesh: Matured coconut flesh is not meant for babies. They do not
have sufficient teeth and jaw power to chew on coconut flesh. So, do not feed it to your baby.
But, you can try giving the fresh meat from green coconut. Remember the flesh from green
coconut is almost transparent unlike mature coconut flesh which is white in colour. This meat
can be digested by toddlers rather than matured flesh.
Website: www.parentinghealthybabies.com