All of the research shows that eating healthy during pregnancy improves the long-term health of the mother and the baby. Working in the beauty/cosmetic and health industry for most of my working years I've always been a strong believer of that what we put inside our bodies will show on the outside.
I've always been a big fruit eater because as a child I grew up in a house with beautiful fruit trees and every summer I loved picking fresh fruit because of its sheer delicious(nous) and the fruit's benefits to maintain healthy and beautiful glowing skin.
So it was imperative I continue to eat fruit throughout my pregnancy as it has been my number 1 craving during my pregnancy (apart from maybe a couple of donuts here and there!) But Lucky for me and my cravings my Doctor and countless studies have shown that fruit plays an important role in a healthy pregnancy and is a major source of essential nutrients.
- Some of the other benefits include Vitamin C which helps repair body tissue, heals wounds and cuts, maintains the health of teeth and gums, and is essential for a strong immunity.
- Potassium helps in maintaining blood pressure.
- Dietary fiber promotes digestion, reduces cholesterol levels, lowers the risk of heart illness, prevents constipation and the formation of hemorrhoids.
- Folate helps in forming red blood cells and reduces the risk of spinal bifida, neural tube defects, and anencephaly in babies.
- Calcium contributes to the development of bones and teeth in babies.
Most fruits are low in sodium, fat, calories, and have zero cholesterol, making them the perfect food to eat so why wouldn't you eat lots of fruit! I could eat fruit all day if I could but everything in moderation I was told.
Just bear in mind that there are a few fruits which are not recommended in pregnancy such as grapes, papaya and pineapple. If in doubt, consult with your doc.
Moderation means eating about three servings of fruit a day. It can be confusing to know what three servings per day means so I'll break it down here:
- one serving of fruit is equal to either 1 medium whole fruit (about the size of a tennis ball),½ cup raw or canned fruit, ¾ cup fruit juice (unsweetened) however you like to eat your fruit.
The main fruit that I craved during my pregnancy were cherries, mango, kiwi, strawberries, watermelon, banana, nectarines , blueberries and raspberries.
So next time your at the supermarket don’t forget your fruit!!
- Emma Sango – Founder and CEO of emamaco