A growing fetus needs very specific food for their development. Eating the right foods while pregnant can help reduce the risk of diseases for both the developing baby and its mother. For the baby, the essential vitamins and minerals found in fruit can strengthen the baby’s immune system and body as well as maximise their current stage of development. An added benefit for mothers is that fresh fruit can curb sugar cravings in a healthy way.
Here are some of the best pregnancy fruits for regular consumption:
1. Oranges
Oranges are packed with vitamin C which is excellent for both mom’s and baby’s immune system while helping prevent cell damage and assist in iron absorption–a much needed factor in the second trimester. PLUS it has natural folate, which baby’s need for their development and growth. Other benefits include a natural juice that is great at keeping a woman’s body hydrated, an important factor while pregnant.
2. Mangoes
The Philippine’s national fruit, mangoes are juicy, delicious, and satisfying. Rich in vitamin C and vitamin A. Both vitamins are important for fetal development. Vitamin A, for example, contributes in strengthening a baby’s immune system and lessens the risk of postnatal complications, such as respiratory problems.
3. Avocadoes
One of the healthiest sources of fat around, avocados provide fiber, copper, potassium, the B vitamins, as well as vitamin E, vitamin K, and vitamin C. The fetus can benefit from all these, especially when it comes to how avocadoes aid in boosting the baby’s skin building and development of brain tissues. For moms, avocados are a natural remedy to muscle cramps, sometimes felt in later trimesters.
4. Guavas
Unlike other fruits, guavas contain a different cocktail of healthy vitamins and minerals. Apart from vitamins C and E, they are a good source of carotenoids, isoflavanoids, folate, and polyphenols. For moms, guavas can help relax tense muscles and move bowels, which can sometimes be constipated in various stages of pregnancy.
5. Apples
Perhaps the easiest fruit to eat and available all-year-round, apples provide vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. These are all good for a pregnant mother, but–perhaps more importantly–for a developing baby, these can reduce the risk of allergies and the development of asthma.
Adding these fruit to a pregnancy diet can really help boost a mother and a growing baby’s health. It is important for pregnant moms to remember, however, that not all fruit are good for them. While conventionally, everyone is brought up and taught that fruit are good for the body–and they are!!–when it comes to pregnant bodies there are some that need to be taken off the list, such as pineapples, grapes, and papayas. The bottom line? It is best to check with a doctor or with trusted pregnancy and maternal websites before regularly adding certain fruit to a pregnancy diet.
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