Perfect Pregnancy Foods- Fruit Edition
First we explored ideal vegetables for pregnancy, now we are looking at beautiful fruits to maximize nutrition during pregnancy. Eating a healthy and balanced diet is important for all of life but throughout pregnancy many women pay extra attention to nutritional intake. We have highlighted 10 favorites fruits to help power pack your intake. Explore different ways to cook and consume fruits. Grilled, for example, is a great option for a change.
If you missed part 1 of Perfect Pregnancy Foods: Veggie Edition, check it out here.
Pineapple: raw, grilled
Contains digestive actions which can help with relieving constipation and heartburn
Contains Vitamin C and manganese which many believe allow for the pregnancy hormones to rise and eventually induce labor. In many cultures pineapple is not allowed to be eaten during pregnancy except in the final trimester.
Contains properties to help steady blood sugar
Cherries: Raw or in pie!
Contains Antioxidants
Contains Vitamin C which helps growth and repair of tissues. It also helps heal wounds and is needed for bone strength.
Have an anti-inflammatory action which can help prevent pre-eclampsia and skin problems
Cherries can also help with sluggish bowels
Grapefruit:
Contains Vitamins C, B3, B5, and A
Can naturally help keep pH levels on track
If you are on medications, discuss grapefruit consumption with your HCP due to grapefruit containing naringin which can affect the way medications are metabolized
Strawberries:
Contains Folate which helps prevent neural tube defects and defects of the spinal cord
Contains Vitamin C which enables absorption of iron needed to produce new red blood cells
Contains Proanthocysnidin which works with Vitamin C to help prevent symptoms of poor circulation which can lessen nosebleeds and potentially hemorrhoids.
Dried Figs
A healthy energy source
Contains high levels of potassium
Be careful eating too many as dried fruit can cause diarrhea
Apples:
Contains Fiber to promote digestive health
Apples naturally regulate blood sugar which helps prevent nausea and reduce cravings
Contains Antioxidants for immunity support and circulation
Raspberries:
Contains Vitamin C which helps growth and repair of tissues. It also helps heal wounds and is needed for bone strength.
Contains a high Fiber count
Contains Fragine which some believe helps prepare the body for labor by strengthening the smooth muscle of the uterus.
Contains high levels of Antioxidants
Pears:
Contains soluble Fiber
Pears are considered to be hypoallergenic so are often included in diets of individuals with food sensitivities or allergies
Contains Vitamin C and Potassium
Blueberries:
Contains many Antioxidants
Contains Vitamins C and A
Natural anti-inflammatory which can help relieve some common pregnancy symptoms
Contains Proanthocyanidins which help support the circulatory system.This is important due to additional blood flowing during pregnancy
Bananas:
Contains a high level of Potassium which can help with muscle cramps. Nighttime leg cramps are common during pregnancy
Contains Vitamin C and B6 which can help with a good mood and sleep
Have been known to support healthy bowel movements which can help prevent hemorrhoids
Bosom Buddy, LLC nor any of it's doulas are nutritionist or dieticians. For specific dietary concerns or questions, always check with your healthcare provider. The above information is not medical or professional nutritional advice.
