Often times Pregnant women are encouraged to consume fruits and vegetables, This is because fruits and vegetables contain many of the nutrients needed during pregnancy.
Watermelon is a water-rich fruit purported to offer many benefits during pregnancy. These range from reduced swelling and risk of pregnancy complications to relief from morning sickness to better skin.
More than just a pretty pink fruit, juicy watermelon can soothe morning sickness, help you stay hydrated, and build a healthy baby.
One of the recommended fruits is the health benefits of watermelon in early pregnancy. Aside from being cheap in price, it tastes sweet, easy to get and it contains several nutrients, namely:
- Energy
- Water
- Carbohydrate
- Protein
- Vitamin B6
- Folate
- Sugar
- Food fiber
- Vitamin C
- Fat
- Potassium
- Phosphor
- Calcium
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Zinc
- Vitamin A
- Niacin
- Riboflavin
- Thiamin
- Pantothenic acid
Consuming watermelon early in pregnancy is important. Because of the many benefits to be gained which include the following:
Health Benefits of taking Watermelon Fruit during Early Pregnancy
1) Reduce pregnancy/edema
Swelling is common in pregnant women. This is because of the blockage causing swelling. the water content in watermelon proven to reduce blood and muscle inhibitors.
2) Prevents dehydration
When pregnant, pregnant women are advised to consume mineral water in large quantities. More than before pregnancy, it aims to prevent dehydration that can harm the mother and fetus. For that, it is important to consume watermelon because it contains 90% water
3) Prevents pigmentation
Stretchmarks during pregnancy are common. This makes the skin look ugly and rough. By consuming watermelon while pregnant, pregnant women will have a smooth skin
4) Prevent muscle cramps
Some of the content in the watermelon is also useful to prevent muscle cramps in pregnant women
5) Overcoming morning sickness
Morning sickness is a symptom of nausea vomiting experienced by pregnant women in the morning. Usually occurs in the first trimester and will disappear in the 2nd trimester. To overcome morning sickness, pregnant women can consume watermelon.
Read Also: Health Benefits of taking Watermelon Fruits for Males and Females Fertility
6) Overcome digestive complaints
As the fetus increases in the stomach, pregnant women will also often experience digestive problems. To overcome this, pregnant women are better to consume fiber-rich fruit such as watermelon.
7) Maintain heart health
The content of lycopene in fruit is beneficial to maintain heart health. Maintain heart health not only during pregnancy but when not pregnant also need to be maintained
8) Maintain the immune system
The content of vitamin C helps pregnant women to have a stronger immune system. This will prevent the entry of various diseases that will harm the mother and fetus.
9) Rich in antioxidants
Vitamin A in watermelon also acts as an antioxidant. Antioxidants serve to ward off free radicals in benefits alpha lipoic acid
10) Formation of fetal bone
At the beginning of pregnancy, many organs will grow. One of them is the formation of fetal bone. When this growth is needed potassium substances for growth is perfect. Potassium is useful for maintaining calcium in the body.
Watermelon During Pregnancy to Treat Nausea
Some pregnant women swear that watermelon is all they can keep down when morning sickness kicks in. Perhaps the only thing more refreshing than a big slice is a glass of fresh watermelon juice or a watermelon ice pop – and making either is so easy.
To make juice, purée 8 cups cubed seedless watermelon in a blender until smooth. Pour through a fine-mesh sieve (don’t press the fruit through with a spoon, or the juice will be too fibrous). Discard the pulp. Serve the juice immediately or chill it, stirring well before serving. If desired, add 1 tablespoon citrus juice (such as lime, lemon or orange) to intensify the flavor. Makes 1 quart, or about 4 8-ounce cups.
To make ice pops, purée 4 cups frozen, seedless, cubed watermelon and 1 tablespoon lemon juice in a blender. Pour purée into popsicle molds or 10 small paper cups. To forgo the fibers, strain purée through a fine-mesh sieve before pouring into molds.
Top each cup with aluminum foil, making a small slice in the top of each with a knife and inserting a wooden stick. Place in freezer until hardened, then unmold when ready to eat. For variety, mix the purée with lemonade, sweetened low-fat yogurt, fruit juice or other fruit purées before freezing.
Benefits of Watermelon Seeds for Pregnant Women
Most people discard the seeds of the watermelon when consuming the fruit. These seeds, however, are packed with nutrients that can be beneficial for the mom and the growing baby. Watermelon seeds turn crispy when roasted and can make for a delightful, healthy snack.
1. The high vitamin C content in watermelon seeds is very useful to boost the immune system of the growing foetus.
2. Along with healthy fats and protein, watermelon seeds also contain folate, vitamin B, and essential minerals like iron, magnesium, potassium and zinc, all of which contribute to the proper development and growth of the foetus.
Read Also: General Management Practices for Watermelon
Are There Any Side-Effects of Consuming Watermelon While Pregnant?
Watermelons, although generally good for health and beneficial for pregnant women, may also have certain undesirable effects; such as:
1. If consumed in excess, the sugar content in watermelons may result in high levels of blood glucose and cause gestational diabetes.
2. The diuretic properties of watermelon may result in the flushing out of essential nutrients along with toxins.
3. It is advisable to consume only freshly cut watermelons. Watermelons have a tendency to spoil quickly, and not consumed fresh may lead to nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal ailments.
Caution
Although health benefits of watermelon in early pregnancy have many benefits but do not over-consumption because it can cause low blood pressure in pregnant women. Low blood pressure results in pregnant women often dizzy.
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