Importance of Fruits in Pregnancy

Importance of Fruits in Pregnancy

Interestingly, child development experts in Canada have recently found that women who consumed more fruits during pregnancy gave birth to children who performed better on developmental testing once they touched 12 months of age.
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Fruits form the most important part of your diet, and eating fruits rich in vitamins, fiber and minerals provide nutrition for the mother and the growing baby. Some of the key nutrients are obtained from fruits, and they can help you and the baby in the following ways:

16 Healthy Fruits to Eat during Pregnancy

It is prudent to eat the following fruits as part of your daily diet in pregnancy:

1. Banana

Banana tops the list of fruits because it contains key nutrients such as folate, vitamin C, B6, potassium and magnesium. While folate performs the job of protecting the foetus from neural tube defects, Vitamin B6 helps regulate your sodium levels. Imbalanced fluid levels can cause nausea and vomiting in pregnant women, but the rich magnesium content in banana ensures a healthy fluid balance. Generally, one banana is recommended every day during your first trimester.

1. Kiwi

Kiwi is second in the list because it is loaded with nutrients such as Vitamin C, E, A, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, folic acid and dietary fibre. Kiwis have a healing effect on the respiratory system. Kiwis also help protect you from cold and cough. They reduce the risk of blood clotting, as they have a high phosphorus content and help absorb iron.

1. Guava

The nutrients available in guava make it a must-have in pregnancy. It is rich in Vitamin C, E, ISO-flavonoids, Carotids and Polyphemus. Guava also aids digestion and provides strength to the baby’s nervous system.
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1. Apple

This is one of the most important fruits to eat while pregnant because eating it can enhance the immunity and strength of your baby. It helps reduce the risk of wheezing, asthma and eczema in your child as he grows. Apples are rich in nutrients and contain Vitamins A, E and D and zinc.

1. Pear

Pears are close cousins of apples and contain high amounts of folic acid. They are a rich source of Vitamin C too.

1. Custard Apple

Custard apples are rich in vitamin A and C, which are necessary for the eyes, hair, skin and body tissues of the growing baby. This seasonal fruit is also recommended because it enhances the cognitive development of your baby.

1. Pomegranate

Pomegranates contain calcium, folate, iron, protein and Vitamin C. Thus, they are highly recommended during pregnancy.

1. Avocados

Avocados are known to have more folate than other fruits. They are also a great source of Vitamin C, B, and K, and contain fibre, choline, magnesium and potassium. Avocados also contain iron. Choline is important for your baby’s brain and nerve development because the deficiency of choline may impact the baby’s memory.
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1. Mango

Mangoes contain a high amount of Vitamin C, which aids digestion, prevents constipation and protects you from minor infections. However, mangoes are seasonal fruits and may not be available in all seasons.

1. Cherries

Loaded with Vitamin C, cherries help fight infections such as a common cold. Cherries also ensure efficient blood supply to the placenta.

1. Oranges

This juicy fruit is a good source of potassium and helps in lowering high blood pressure. Orange is best source of Vitamin C.

1. Grapes

Grapes are full of nutrients such as glucose, fructose, phenobarbital, gallic acid, silicic acid, oxalic acid, pectin, magnesium, calcium, iron, folic acid and different types of vitamins such as B1, B2, and B6