Fruits high in water content, like watermelon, are said to have many advantages for pregnant mothers. These include healthier skin, a reduction in morning sickness, and a decreased chance of pregnancy problems, among others.
But only a small portion of these advantages are backed by research. This piece will explore the benefits and risks watermelon poses to pregnant women.
Benefits of watermelon consumption for Pregnancy mothers
1. Decrease your preeclampsia risk.
Preeclampsia risk could be decreased by watermelon. Lycopene, the substance that gives tomatoes and other crops their analogous colour, is abundant in watermelon.
According to a few studies using watermelon, consuming 4 milligrams of lycopene daily, or roughly 60% of the amount in 1 cup (152 grams) of the fruit, may help lower the risk of preeclampsia to 50%.
Preeclampsia is a typical pregnancy problem characterised by high blood pressure, oedema, and protein loss in the urine.
2. It reduces heartburn.
Heartburn symptoms are lessened with watermelon. Heartburn is a common digestive issue for pregnant women. By calming the stomach and food pipe, watermelon instantly relieves heartburn.
3. Reduce morning sickness.
Taking care of morning sickness early in the morning is a fantastic time to consume a glass of fresh watermelon juice when pregnant. All day long, watermelon offers a calming and refreshing feeling. Watermelon’s stimulating and nourishing qualities also help reduce morning sickness.
The downside of watermelon consumption during pregnancy
1. Nutrient loss:
Because watermelon has natural diuretic properties, overeating it can cause nutrients to be lost. Consequently, it is advised that you only consume a small amount of it.
2. Allergies:
Watermelon should be avoided if you are allergic to latex as it contains latex.
3. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
If you have IBS, limit your intake of watermelon to avoid gastrointestinal problems that could make your pregnancy challenging.
4. Gestational diabetes:
Consuming high GI foods may make the condition more likely. Since watermelon has a mean GI of 76, excessive consumption of the fruit is not advised.
Possibly unsafe situations of eating watermelon during pregnancy.
In general, watermelon consumption while pregnant is safe. This fruit’s moderate carbohydrate content and lack of fibre, on the other hand, can increase blood sugar levels.
Because of this, women who have diabetes already or who acquire gestational diabetes during pregnancy may wish to refrain from consuming a lot of watermelons.
Watermelon should be carefully washed before slicing, as with any fruit, and consumed right away. Pregnant women should also avoid eating watermelon left at room temperature for more than two hours to reduce the risk of food illness.
