They say pregnant women need to eat for two. While that’s not entirely true as you will only need around 300 extra calories per day, but you will surely need to eat a lot of healthy foods to ensure the good development of the baby in your womb.
Fruits are one food item that you should definitely include in your diet. Apart from providing your body with much-needed nutrition, fruits also help you to stay hydrated as the water content is high in them. Pregnant women lose a lot of water because of vomiting and frequent urination. Including fruits in your diet will prevent your body from dehydration. Here, we have curated a list of the ten best fruits to eat during pregnancy.
#10 Cherries
Cherries are a good source of Vitamin C, potassium, calcium, protein, and other vitamins. Vitamin C in cherries helps your body to fight the common cold. The yummy red fruit also contains flavonoids, a type of antioxidant which helps to boost your immunity level, thus protecting you from infections.
High blood pressure levels can lead to preeclampsia in pregnancy, potassium in cherries helps to keep your blood pressure level under control. If you are having trouble getting good sleep, cherries are a must-have for you. Cherries contain melatonin, which is a natural sleep inducer.
Other benefits of cherries for pregnant women are: Keeping blood sugar levels under control, helps in relieving swelling and inflammation, promotes brain health of the baby in the womb, excess water content in cherries keeps you energetic, high fiber content in cherries helps to prevent constipation.
#9 Watermelon
Who does not love watermelon? This juicy fruit is very healthy for pregnant women. It helps in relieving heartburn and acidity, thanks to its soothing nature. Watermelon is also effective in managing nausea and morning sickness. A glass of fresh watermelon juice in the morning will keep you energized throughout the day. As its name suggests, watermelon contains about 90% water, which means it is the best source to keep your body hydrated if you can’t drink much water.
Avoid eating sliced watermelon which has been kept at room temperature for a long time. Also, eat it in moderation if you have gestational diabetes.
#8 Strawberries
Strawberries are a storehouse of all the essential nutrients for a healthy pregnancy. Folic acid, Vitamin C, Potassium, and Magnesium are to name a few. All these nutrients help in the baby’s development.
You can eat them fresh or make smoothies, jams and jellies. You can also add them to yogurt for a fresh and yummy treat.
#7 Grapes
Grapes have anti-inflammatory properties which help in controling arthritis and asthma. Grapes are loaded with Glucose and fructose sugars which help in keeping you energized. They also contain essential vitamins such as B1, B2, and B6. Dietary fiber in grapes helps to prevent constipation.
However, grapes should be consumed in moderation as they contain a toxic compound named resveratrol, which can be harmful for pregnant women. Also, grapes are acidic in nature and too much consumption can result in heartburn and acidity.
#6 Orange
Oranges are packed with Vitamin C, a vitamin that boosts your immune system. Vitamin C helps the body to absorb nutrients like iron. Oranges also contain folate, which aids in fetal brain development. If constipation is trobling you during pregnancy, you should include oranges in your diet as they have a lot of fiber content which helps in easing bowel movements.
#5 Avocado
About half a cup of Avocado provides you with about 5 mcg of folic acid. Apart from that, Avocados are packed with iron, potassium, magnesium, choline, fiber, Vitamin B, C, and K. Avocados helps in relieving morning sickness, fight anemia, keeps cholestrol and sugar levels under control, and reduces the risk of preeclampsia. Avocados contain healthy fats in the form of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Overall, Avocado is a complete fruit and very much recommended during pregnancy.
#4 Apple
“An apple a day, keeps the doctor away” We all have heard this famous saying and it’s true for pregnant women too. Apples are rich in fiber content, which keeps your digestive system running smooth. Apples also contain iron, which keeps your hemoglobin level high, thus preventing the risk of anemia. Apples also provide your body with Vitamin C, glucose, potassium, sodium, calcium, phosphorus, etc. All these nutrients are beneficial for you during pregnancy.
#3 Guava
Guava, a fruit rich in Vitamin C, E, B9, folic acid, carotenoids and polyphenols helps in keeping you healthy during pregnancy. Vitamin C in Guavas boosts your immunity, potassium in guavas keeps your blood pressure levels in check, and high fiber content in guavas prevents constipation. Guavas also help to keep gestational diabetes at bay, thanks to their high fiber content and presence of complex carbohydrates. Guavas help to improve digestion as well.
#2 Kiwi
This delicious fruit has no cholestrol, and despite having a low amount of sugar, it’s very flavorful. Kiwi fruit is packed with all the essential nutrients such as vitamins C, K, and E, folate, potassium, dietary fiber, choline, copper, magnesium, and phosphorus. It helps in digestion, boosts your immunity and energy level, manages blood sugar level, and prevents anemia. Vitamin K present in Kiwis helps to strengthen the bones.
#1 Banana
Number one on our list is Banana. Bananas are loaded with carbohydrates, vitamins C and B, dietary fiber, essential fatty acids, and vital minerals. Bananas provide countless benefits for both the pregnant woman and the baby in her womb. Banana, being a good source of folic acid, aids in fetus brain development and preventing neural brain defects. Banana also comes in handy to get relief from morning sickness, as it contains Vitamin B6. Eating a banana everyday can help you to get relief from constipation as there is good amount of dietry fiber in bananas. Bananas are a source of healthy carbohydrates, eating a banana will leave you feeling full.
So, these are the top 10 fruits you should eat during pregnancy. Remember, excess of anything is not good, hence eat them in moderation. If you are having gestational diabetes, do consult with your doctor about which fruits are safe to eat for you.
Which is your favorite fruit from the list? Share with us in the comments below.