Another best fruit to consider to resolve pregnancy cravings could be watermelon. Surely the delectable watermelon fruit will be a worth-while portion to those fancying something sweet and is too good to retain all the nutritional goodies for both expectant mothers and their babies. Watermelon lightens the load in pregnant women as it is just water, with some vitamins and minerals to come with it.
Let’s go on to demonstrate some of the countless reasons watermelon ought to be in your pregnancy diet!
Significance of Watermelon
Scientific Name: Citrullus lanatus
Country of Origin: Southern Africa
Other Names: Tarbooz in Hindi/Urdu, Tormuj in Bengali, Puchakaya in Telugu, Kadu Vrindavana in Marathi, amongst others.
Watermelon is a fruit as gratifying as it is refreshing: with a water content greater than 90 percent, it is another wonder that plays its role in refreshing and cooling the body during the warm weather. Besides being very high in water, watermelon is low in calories and is rich in nutrients such as vitamin A, C, B6, magnesium, potassium, and fiber—these benefits are worth impregnating mothers considering added nutrition during summertime.
Well, watermelon is tasty by itself, but also find its place in smoothies and fresh salads in one form or the other every day. More importantly, let’s now see what health benefits are on offer during pregnancy.
12 health benefits of eating watermelon during pregnancy
- Alleviates Heartburn and Acidity
Heartburn is among the most commons troubles during the nine months of pregnancy, but watermelon can do miracles. It is very comforting
because of its high-water content; it neutralizes stomach acids and helps treat acidity and heartburn. Watermelon is the best fruit to munch
when you have that burning sensation in your chest because it also gives your body a cool feeling. - Reduces Swelling in Hands and Feet
Along with most of the other conditions associated with pregnancy, swollenness- or edema, as it is so-called-is also very prevalent at least in
the feet and hands. The high water content in watermelon hydrates the body, promotes circulation, and decreases water retention to help reduce such swelling. The potassium found in watermelon also controls the fluid build-up around the swollen areas. - Relieves Morning Sickness
One of the difficult aspects of early pregnancy is getting through morning sickness. Thankfully, watermelon can assist in cooling those queasy
mornings. It has hydrating properties that calm the stomach and it can really satisfy those sweet cravings as well. Try this: begin the day with
a glass of chilled watermelon juice to soothe your gut and freshen your mind. - Stops Dehydration
Proper hydration is one requirement for pregnancy, as dehydration can lead to complications such as preterm labor. Watermelon is composed of over 90 percent water, thus making it the ideal fruit for staying hydrated during the day. After all, it is a delicious fruit for keeping you and your baby healthy. - Relieves Muscle Cramps
It is common to cramp during pregnancy, especially in the legs. Although an act of discomfort, cramps have the potential of ruining an entire day. Watermelon can indeed offer some relief. Potassium and magnesium work together to help relaxed muscle cramps and any tension that you may feel as your body adapts to pregnancy. - Prevents Skin Pigmentation
Pregnancy is often associated with skin changes that include pigmentations or dark spots. Fiber present in watermelon aids digestion and regularizes bowel movement, which in return enhances skin health. By encouraging the natural detoxifying process in the body, watermelon can greatly help reduce pigmentation troubles and keep the skin radiant. - Increases Immunity
During the course of pregnancy, immunity has been adapted to work in parallel with that of the mother. The system from time to time tends to become less capable leading to a vulnerability to infection. In the case of watermelon due to the enormous concentration of Vitamin C as well as antioxidants, it helps build the immune system. During this time, lycopene, which is an extremely potent antioxidant, helps to further reduce the risk for preeclampsia and strengthen function at all levels that are important in pregnancy for immunity. - Cures Constipation
From acquaintance at some point during the entire gestation period, constipation becomes a major affliction. However generous watermelon is filled with water and fiber, it has turned out to be a highly effective laxative. Watermelon makes feces soft and allows easy movement in the digestive tract as it passes through the body. This way, he gets relief and comforts himself from the pain of constipation, especially because it bloats. - Reduces Heat Rashes
Age changes, which are accompanied with body temperature regulation, can also bring about some forms of skin rashes, resulting in skin irritation. Watermelon, being cool, proves excellent for the treatment of such symptoms. Based on the fact that water diffuses into your body and also keeps hydrating your skin, it helps to soothe irritated skin and minimize the drying effects, especially during the hotter months. - Cure for Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Urinary tract infections are such common problems in the time of pregnancy. Watermelon is also a good natural remedy for the ailment. This fruit is loaded with water, which flushes the urinary tract, and its natural antibacterial properties inhibit any possible infection. Consuming watermelon juice or fresh watermelon helps in the prevention and treatment of UTI.
Vitamin A: Watermelon promotes healthy eyesight. Beta-carotene, present in watermelon, is converted into vitamin A by the body. It is a vitamin needed by the eye for protection against damage and the overall health of the visual system. So eating watermelon is good for eyesight both in you and in your unborn child during pregnancy.
- Soaking wet with above nutrient sweet fruit possess calcium and potassium which are appropriately responsible for the bone development of the fetus. Watermelon is rich in these nutrients since calcium aids in building strong bones and teeth while potassium regulates the balance of fluids and minerals in the body. Adding watermelon in the diet does not only supplement the intake of nutrients for you and your baby through healthy bone formation.
- Watermelon as a source of carbohydrates: Watermelon is truly more than a treat for hydration. It contains 91.4% water and, at just over 30 calories per 100 grams, can be indulged in while counting calories to avoid extra weight gain during pregnancy. Vitamin C: 8.1 mg and increases immunity. Potassium: 112 mg, for maintenance of blood pressure. 10 mg Magnesium: helps muscle function and effectively eases cramps.
Nutrient-rich watermelon are good fruits one can afford to eat while pregnant.
How To Enjoy Watermelon While Pregnant: Watermelon lemonade: An invigorating refreshment for a hot day.
Watermelon pops: Block watermelon juice for a cooling and soothing treat.
Sogs: Tastebud pleaser dip that goes well with chips or is a salad topper.
Watermelon Smoothie: Blend watermelon with yogurt for an easy and healthy drink.
A Word of Warning
Too much watermelon consumption may predispose one to all the above disadvantages while watermelon consumption has many advantages. Overeating increases the blood sugar level thus leading to develop gestational diabetes. Consult with your physician before introducing watermelon or any other food in your diet during pregnancy, and the health professional could inform if it is in the best interest of your pregnancy.
Conclusion
Watermelon is a fruit that is full of nutrients. It is refreshing to your body and can be very useful for your pregnancy diet. You can have it fresh, as a juice, or in a smoothie. Either way, this fruit is worth its health benefits – and that makes it quite beautiful at the time of pregnancy. Because, as we all know, during this time every food is balanced and moderate, watermelon will indeed serve as a sweet and healthy boost to your pregnancy diet!
