The benefits and harms of citrus fruits during pregnancy
Citrus fruits are a treasure trove of minerals and a number of vitamins that have a positive effect on overall well-being. Citrus fruits during pregnancy should be eaten with caution in order to avoid serious consequences.
The benefits and harms of citrus fruits during pregnancy
Use during pregnancy
Popular representatives of the citrus family: orange, tangerine, lemon, grapefruit, sheddock and fortunella - they have a beneficial effect on the child during the formation and development of the fetus.
Lemon is recognized as the most useful - it is allowed to eat it throughout pregnancy and during breastfeeding.
The rest of the citrus fruits during pregnancy can be eaten in limited quantities, because they are strong antigens that can harm the baby.
Starting from the 20th week of pregnancy, it is advisable to limit yourself to the use of these fruits. This is explained by the fact that during these periods, the fetus develops its own antibodies, which increases the risk of subsequent allergies in the child.
Benefits of citrus fruits during pregnancy
In the absence of contraindications for citrus fruits, eating them during pregnancy is useful due to the composition:
- vitamin B (necessary for the correct development of the central nervous system of the fetus);
- retinol, tocopherol, cholecalciferol;
- potassium, calcium, phosphorus, ferum (useful in early pregnancy, they can prevent a decrease in the concentration of hemoglobin in the blood);
- an abundance of fiber (stabilizes the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract).
Citrus fruits during early pregnancy can relieve unpleasant nausea. To do this, you need to drink a glass of freshly squeezed lemon juice or pure water with a lemon wedge. The antioxidants contained in it relieve the symptoms of intoxication of the body.
Citrus detoxifies the liver
Citrus fruits during pregnancy have a positive effect on liver cells, cleansing them of toxins. Grapefruit is especially famous for this quality, so women who suffer from liver pathologies, hepatitis C, should consume several slices of grapefruit a day.
To stabilize the work of the heart muscle and neurons, pregnant women need to include lemon in their diet, which is also famous for its ability to normalize blood pressure.
The use of citrus fruits during pregnancy, and in particular tangerines, improves digestive processes. They contain fiber, protein, pectin, salts, calcium, vitamins of groups A, B, E and do not contain triglycerides at all.
During the season of exacerbation of influenza, acute respiratory infections, acute respiratory viral infections, pregnant women need to add lemon, kiwi, lime to their daily diet - they increase immunity, help fight viral and colds. The same fruits are used daily for iron deficiency and aching pain in the lumbar spine.
Lime is a fruit that can restore firmness and elasticity to the skin due to the active stimulation of collagen and elastin in the skin.The issue of skin laxity is relevant for many pregnant girls, because a sedentary image during pregnancy leads to a loss of skin elasticity. Lime has a positive effect on the nervous system, its aroma soothes and helps to overcome and prevent subsequent nervous breakdowns, depression, apathy.
Precautions
It is not always possible to eat citrus fruits during pregnancy: remember about possible allergic reactions, they can lead to various pathologies in the development of the fetus.
Contraindications to citrus fruits during pregnancy:
- increased acidity;
- ulcerative formation of the mucous membranes of the stomach and duodenum;
- gastroduodenitis;
- endocrine diseases, diabetes (tangerines with oranges are famous for their high sugar content).
Conclusion
Citrus fruits for pregnant women are a source of antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, which, if used correctly, have a positive effect on the mother's body before and after childbirth, as well as on the development of the fetus. Excessive consumption of fruits can lead to hypervitaminosis, so the maximum allowable amount is 5 fruits per week.