Is watermelon beneficial for pregnancy?

Eating a cup of watermelon gives you -

• Calories: 46
• Protein: 1 gram
• Fat: less than 1 gram
• Carbs: 12 grams
• Fiber: less than 1 gram
• Vitamin C: Provides 14% of the daily value.

Watermelon is also rich in lutein and lycopene, two antioxidants that help protect your body from damage and disease. These antioxidants can maintain good eye, brain and heart health as well as provide protection from cancer. Some research suggests that these specific antioxidants may also help reduce the risk of premature birth and other pregnancy complications. Watermelon has high levels of magnesium and potassium along with vitamins A, C and B6. Magnesium helps relax muscles, which can prevent premature contractions during pregnancy. Additionally, watermelon reduces morning sickness, can reduce heartburn and prevent dehydration.

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Beneficial for women's health, controlling hormones like estrogen and progesterone, maintaining the health of the uterus, removing toxins from the body and reducing inflammation, definitely consume ashokarishta manufactured by myUpchar Ayurveda.

• Relief from Morning Sickness: Nausea and vomiting, commonly known as morning sickness, are symptoms of pregnancy. The mild flavor and high water content of watermelon can help soothe vomiting and is also helpful for morning sickness.
• Reduction in Swelling: Edema or swelling due to fluid retention is a common occurrence during pregnancy. The diuretic properties of watermelon can help reduce swelling and ease the discomfort associated with swollen hands and feet.
• Relief from Heartburn: Heartburn and acid reflux are common during pregnancy. Watermelon is an alkaline fruit that can help neutralize stomach acid, thereby relieving these discomforts.
• Prevention of Constipation: Constipation is a common problem during pregnancy due to hormonal changes and pressure of the increasing uterus on the digestive system. The fiber present in watermelon can help regulate bowel movements and prevent constipation.
• Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight during pregnancy is essential for the health of both mother and baby. Watermelon is a low-calorie and low-fat fruit that can be part of a balanced diet to aid healthy weight management.
• Helpful in Reducing the risk of Preeclampsia: Watermelon is rich in lycopene, the compound that gives tomatoes and similar colored fruits and vegetables their red color. One study shows that eating 4 mg of lycopene per day – or one cup of watermelon, which provides about 60% of the recommended daily intake of lycopene – may reduce the risk of preeclampsia by 50%. Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure, increased swelling, and loss of protein in the urine. This is a serious condition and one of the major causes of premature birth. Lycopene-rich watermelon is commonly believed to protect women from preeclampsia during pregnancy.
• Helpful in Reducing side effects in Pregnancy: During pregnancy, a woman's daily fluid requirements increase to support optimal blood circulation, amniotic fluid levels and overall higher blood volume and digestion slows due to these two changes. Due to this, the risk of dehydration in a woman's body increases, due to which the risk of constipation or piles increases during pregnancy. If there is a lack of water in a woman's body during pregnancy, the chances of premature delivery and other birth defects increase along with poor development of the fetus. The water in watermelon can help pregnant women better meet their increased fluid requirements, thereby reducing the risk of constipation, hemorrhoids, and pregnancy complications. All water-rich fruits or vegetables can do this, including watermelon, tomatoes, cucumbers, strawberries, zucchini and even broccoli.

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Eating watermelon during pregnancy not only benefits the mother but also helps in the healthy development of the fetus.

• Folate Content: Watermelon contains folate, a B vitamin that is important for preventing neural tube defects in the developing baby. Adequate folate intake is essential, especially during the first trimester of pregnancy when the neural tube is forming.
• Antioxidants: Watermelon is rich in antioxidants, including lycopene, which may aid brain development and protect the growing baby from oxidative stress.
• Reducing Pregnancy Cravings: Many pregnant women experience cravings for sweet foods. Watermelon can satisfy these cravings and provide a nutritious alternative to sugary snacks and desserts.

There are different ways to consume watermelon during pregnancy. You can consume it in the form of watermelon juice, watermelon popsicle, watermelon salsa, watermelon milkshake etc.

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Eating watermelon during pregnancy is generally considered safe but may increase blood sugar levels due to it being low in fiber. As such, women already suffering from diabetes or those who develop high blood sugar levels during pregnancy – known as gestational diabetes – should avoid consuming watermelon. To reduce the risk of food poisoning, pregnant women should not eat watermelon that has been kept at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

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Watermelon is a hydrating fruit rich in various nutrients and health-benefiting compounds. Eating it regularly during pregnancy can reduce the risk of preeclampsia, constipation or piles. Watermelon is a nutrient-rich fruit and a great way to add variety to a pregnant woman's diet. But before starting anything new, definitely consult your doctor so that any kind of problem can be avoided.