Coconut has long been a staple in the lives of the Vietnamese people, particularly as a refreshing drink to cool down on hot days. For many, the benefits of coconut water extend beyond just quenching thirst, as it aids digestion and boosts the immune system. So, is coconut water good for children?
According to studies, coconut water contains numerous vitamins and minerals, as well as electrolytes that quickly hydrate the body. All of these are essential for the health of a child. Additionally, coconut water is delicious and easy to drink.

Health benefits of coconut water for children
Coconut water provides many beneficial effects, such as:
+ Enhancing skin health: Drinking coconut water helps moisturize a child’s skin from within and remove excess oil. Coconut water has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties that effectively treat skin infections. Additionally, coconut water can prevent the occurrence of acne on a child’s skin when applied topically. Coconut water firms up a child’s skin and helps them have clean, bright, and healthy skin.
+ Promoting digestive function: If your child frequently experiences digestive issues, drinking coconut water can help alleviate symptoms. Coconut water is high in fiber, which stimulates the digestive process and minimizes acid reflux.
+ Preventing dehydration: Coconut water provides better hydration for a child’s body compared to any other energy drinks. It contains a higher amount of potassium, sodium, and natural sugars than other energy drinks. Therefore, coconut water has the ability to prevent dehydration.
+ Supporting strong bone development: Coconut water contains a high amount of calcium. Therefore, drinking calcium-rich water will help your child have strong bones.
+ Treating urinary tract infections: Children are more prone to urinary tract infections than adults. Should children drink coconut water? Drinking coconut water helps treat urinary tract infections in children, as it acts as a diuretic, eliminating infections from the bladder and urinary tract, as well as minimizing the risk of kidney stones.
+ Treating intestinal worm infections: Drinking coconut water is an effective remedy for treating intestinal worm infections in children. You can give your child a glass of coconut water every morning.
+ Preventing muscle cramps: Coconut water is rich in potassium, which can prevent muscle cramps. Therefore, drinking coconut water can prevent the risk of muscle cramps. If your child is an active and playful individual who enjoys running, jumping, and playing, you can supplement their diet with coconut water.
+ Neutralizing toxins: Drinking coconut water is an effective remedy for treating diseases and disorders caused by toxins. Coconut water helps treat heartburn, diarrhea, constipation, dengue fever, and neutralizes toxins in a child’s body.
+ Increasing energy levels: Coconut water contains low amounts of sugar and sodium, and high amounts of calcium, chloride, and potassium. The abundance of different nutrients helps replenish and refresh your child’s body. Your child will feel energized after drinking a glass of coconut water.
+ Improving circulation: Coconut water enhances blood flow in the body. Good blood circulation helps provide sufficient oxygen to the skin and eliminate impurities.

Should children drink coconut water regularly
Coconut water has many benefits for a child’s body, but mothers should not give their children large amounts of coconut water regularly.
Babies under 6 months old have delicate digestive systems, so mothers should not give them coconut water. When a baby is over 6 months old, mothers can gradually introduce coconut water by giving them 2-3 teaspoons at once.
According to traditional medicine, coconut water has cooling properties. Drinking large amounts can cause low blood pressure and weaken muscles. When a child’s body is weak, they have just been exposed to sunlight, or have engaged in intense physical activity, mothers should not give them coconut water quickly and in large amounts, as it can lead to fatigue and weakening of the muscles.
Furthermore, coconut water should not be regularly consumed as a substitute for purified water.
Remember to always give your child fresh coconut water obtained directly from the coconut, and avoid bleached coconuts, coconut water left exposed to the environment for over 20 minutes, and coconut water packaged in bottles or cans.