Watermelon is a great food to have in pregnancy. Rich in water content, it provides the body with proper nourishment and regulates all the major body functions. Whether as a solid fruit or in the juice form, it only provides you with nutritional benefits. Here let us explore some of its benefits that make the fruit so good for pregnancy:
Nutritional Benefits
Potassium: The mineral potassium plays a significant role in maintaining the balance of fluid and electrolyte in your body cells. It even aids in preventing the nasty leg cramps during pregnancy. Watermelon is a rich source of potassium and thus is a must have fruit for the pregnant woman.
Vitamin A: Watermelons have Vitamin A in abundance, a primary nutrient that helps in giving proper vision to the baby after birth.
Vitamin C: This juicy fruit has good amounts of Vitamin C that is known to boost the absorption of iron in body. It even aids in preventing anemia during pregnancy.
Folate: Folate or folic acid helps in the genes and new cells growth and development. Deficiency of this vital B vitamin can cause neural tube defects in the babies. Intake of watermelon provides you with adequate amount of folic acid.
Added Benefits
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Watermelon helps in curbing morning sickness, a common pregnancy problem.
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It flushes out the unwanted toxins out of your body, thus helps in cleansing.
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Provides you relief from heartburn, another of pregnancy side effect.
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It can even reduce the swelling on hands and feet during pregnancy.
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As it is immensely rich in water, it prevents your body from dehydration.
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Watermelons help in keeping the bowel movements smooth thereby easing digestion, which subsequently keeps the skin safe from pigmentation.
Side Effects
Watermelon is one safe food that you can have during pregnancy. However, it's known to cause some minor gastric troubles if not eaten in the fresh form.
Do seek your doctor's advise to ensure watermelon will suit your body and pregnancy type!