Pomegranate is one fruit that has been termed as the 'God's Gift', given its various benefits. The fruit is even said to be a healthy choice for the pregnant woman and the growing fetus. Let us find out what all nutritional benefits pomegranate provides during pregnancy. Have a look:  

Nutritional Benefits 

Antioxidants: Pomegranates are rich in antioxidants and therefore they prove to be of extreme help in booting the immune system during pregnancy.

Calcium: The fruit is a good source of calcium too which helps in preventing  decalcification (loss of calcium from the bones). Also, it promotes uterine contractions. 

Vitamin A, C & E: Pomegranates is quite in rich in Vitamin A, C and E, all of which are very important during pregnancy. Vitamin A helps in baby's embryonic growth, aids in the development of heart, kidneys, eyes, lungs, and bones. Vitamin C on the other end promotes bone growth. It even aids the body in fighting infection. Vitamin E regulates the health of new cells that develop in the baby and even keeps the expecting mother safe from high blood pressure. 

Folic Acid: Pomegranates are rich in folic acid, which helps in preventing the baby from neural tube defects.

Iron: The iron found in pomegranate helps fight anemia and also increases the amount of hemoglobin during pregnancy.

Potassium: It is required to maintain fluid and the electrolyte balance in body. Pomegranate is a good source of potassium that plays a crucial role in sending nerve impulses, helps the muscles contract, and releases energy from that of protein, fat, and carbohydrates.

Phytochemicals: Pomegranates have many phytochemicals like anthocyanins, cyanidin, pelargonidins and ellagic acid which impart it an anti-viral property helpful in preventing pregnant women against infections such as fever.

Side Effects 

• Too much of pomegranate consumption can cause diarrhea in the pregnant ladies.

• Given its uterine contracting property, it can sometimes lead to hazards like abortion.

It is advised to check the healthcare provider before increasing the intake of pomegranate so as to avoid any sort of complication.