Consuming a watermelon during pregnancy is an essential need for both mother and the baby. As this pink and mouthwatering fruit is capable of soothing morning sickness and aids the sound health of the baby. Eating watermelon during pregnancy is good. Because the fruits have 92% water content and keep the to-be-mom hydrated and free from acidity or acid refluxes. Hence, it is also considered to be one of the best fruit during the summer. It also enriches the body with fibres, vitamins, and minerals. Additionally, watermelon is a good source of lycopene. After tomato, an antioxidant that is anti-carcinogenic and prevents the body from cardiovascular diseases.
Nutritional Values Of Watermelon During Pregnancy:
Scientific studies revealed that a cup of diced watermelon for pregnant women offers 43 grams of calories, 11 grams carbohydrate, 2 mg sodium and 1 gm of fibre. However, this fruit is also a good source of vitamins and offers 17% vitamin A, 21% vitamin C, along with a minute quantity of iron and calcium. This fruit also contains riboflavin, niacin, folate, pantothenic acid, potassium, zinc, copper, magnesium, and other micronutrients. A study revealed by the National Watermelon Promotion Board stated that watermelon contains more amount of lycopene as compared to other fruits and vegetables. Besides, you will be astonished to know that this fruit is completely fat-free. So have a happy pregnancy diet, without worrying about getting overweight.
Is It Safe To Eat Watermelon During Pregnancy?
Yes, it is safe to eat watermelon during pregnancy and advantageous for both, the expecting mother as well as her unborn baby. Also, the consumption of watermelon for pregnant ladies especially during the last trimester of the pregnancy is highly profitable for the lady, as it offers diuretic in nature, which looks forward in reducing the extra weight gained during this period. The consumption of watermelon also relaxes the swollen feet conditions in pregnant ladies that get triggered due to the water weight gain.
See More: Can I Eat Brinjal During Pregnancy
Benefits Of Watermelon For Pregnancy:
Let us know the benefits of watermelon for pregnancy.
1. Heartburn Issues :
Pregnant ladies generally suffer from such digestive issues, including acidity and heartburn issues. And the consumption of watermelon offers cooling properties that focus on easing such conditions and providing instant relief.
2. Morning Sickness:
The energizing property of watermelon also tackles the problem of morning sickness, and thereby, it is suggested to start your day with a fresh watermelon juice.
3. Prevents Edema:
The high water content of watermelon also aids in diminishing blockages in the veins and prevents oedema. It also keeps the body hydrated and reduces the chances of premature birth due to early contractions.
4. Stomach Related Problems:
Eating watermelon in pregnancy soothes the stomach and the oesophagal-related problems in the expecting mothers.
5. Baby Body Development:
High calcium and potassium content in this fruit also aid the body development of the unborn baby, whereas, the presence of beta-carotene facilitates a healthy vision by defending the cornea.
6. Moreover, the benefits of eating watermelon during pregnancy also help in flushing of stagnating bacteria from the urinary tract and relieving the body from painful urination.
7. Problems like heat rashes, constipation, and muscle cramps are also curable with the consumption of watermelon during pregnancy.
8. Prevent Pigmentation:
Regular consumption of watermelon in pregnancy is also proved to be beneficial in treating pigmentation problems.
The lycopene content present in watermelon also boosts the immunity and minimizes the coincidental pre-eclampsia by 50%.
9. Furthermore, this fruit also smoothens the bowel movements and eases the digestion of food; resulting in a silky smooth texture of the skin.
10. The colour of watermelon is red due to the presence of lycopene in this fruit. The consumption of fruits and veggies, bearing this antioxidant holds is a very significant role during pregnancy. Lycopene present in watermelon reduces the risk of preeclampsia during pregnancy, which is considered to be dangerous for both the mother and baby!
11. Other benefits of watermelon in pregnancy accounts to the presence of amino acids that contains citrulline and arginine responsible for maintenance of blood flow.
12. However, watermelon is also cholesterol free, fat-free and sodium-free fruit that aims at keeping the heart healthy. It also offers approximately 80 calories per servings and aids the energy recovery after the exercising sessions. Enhancing the body performance too.
No matter how you consume this fruit; in the form of solids (fruit chats, salads, or even nachos) or the form of liquids (juices or mocktails) it will always benefit your body and will offer a healthy growth to the baby too!!
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Side Effects of Watermelon during Pregnancy:
Overeating watermelon during pregnancy can lead to possible side effects:
1. Diarrhoea:
Increased water levels may lead to frequent visits to toilets and cause dehydration
2. High Glucose Levels:
The sugar content in watermelon juice can push up your blood glucose levels
3. Irregular Heartbeat:
Potassium increase can lead to irregular heartbeat and blood pressure.
Pregnancy is the most beautiful time of your life. This phase is when we are often getting crowded with unnecessary information. Park your fears aside and talk to your doctor if you have any questions. Eat a healthy diet in moderate portions, and try to involve natural food to benefit your body.
How To Consume Watermelon During Pregnancy:
Watermelon is good for pregnant ladies and can be consumed in many ways.
1. Juice or Mocktails:
It can be directly eaten as a whole after dicing or can be churned into juice or mocktails. Watermelon juice can also be frozen to form watermelon Popsicle, and it can be used to prepare watermelon jellies. Additionally, it can also be eaten as a salad or as a salsa.
2. Watermelon Lemonade:
Watermelon lemonade is considered to be as one of the most refreshing juice!! And it can be prepared with four cups of diced watermelon fruit, half cup of fresh lime juice, sugar, cold water, and few ice cubes. The preparation of this juice starts with the blending of diced watermelon, followed by the development of sugar syrup from one cup of water. Both these mixtures are then blended and tossed with lemon juice, water, and ice cubes.
Watermelon Popsicle can be prepared in the same way, but the only difference is that the popsicles are frozen made out of watermelon juice and water.
3. Watermelon Jellies:
Furthermore, the preparation of watermelon jellies requires 3 cups of watermelon juice, 100 gm gelatin, white sugars, fresh lemon juice, and canola oil. Initially, the gelatin is mixed with the liquid and allowed to stand for up to 5 minutes. Rest of the fluid is heated and mixed with sugars; followed by the addition of lemon juice and gelatin mixture to obtain a thick mixture. This mixture is then transferred to a pre-greased baking dish and cooled.
4. Watermelon Salsa:
Lastly, watermelon salsa, it is another very delicious and mouthwatering dish to satisfy the craving needs!! Just mix watermelon with other veggie salads like cucumber, mango, onion, and basil leaves, add lime zest and toss it well. Then add lime juice, sugar, salt, and pepper according to your taste. Enjoy your salsa with nachos or chips.
Overall, the consumption of watermelon during pregnancy is beneficial for the lady, along with her developing baby. It only initiates the feeling of fullness, but aids in numerous health benefits. The high water content has been proved beneficial and essential for the lady, as it encourages hydration process in the body of the host. Moreover, the presence of micronutrients in this fruit, accounting to the essential minerals and vitamins, also benefits the growth and development of the fetus. Thus, a pregnant woman should eat watermelon to support the growth and development of both her body and the fetus.
See More: Can We Eat Papaya During Pregnancy
FAQ’s:
Q1. Can I Consume Watermelon At Night Time When Pregnant?
Ans: Any fruit is generally good for diet and health nutrition values. However, it is recommended not to consume this fruit at night before you sleep. This is because watermelon is acidic in nature, and hence, the digestion process may not happen right in case you consume it at night time.
Q2. Can I Eat Watermelon Seeds When Pregnant?
Ans: While many of them discard and throw away the seeds of watermelon.They are generally packed with vitamins and nutrients. These are highly beneficial for both expectant mother and fetus development. There is a high quantity of vitamin C, which boosts the immune system of both mother and unborn baby.
Q3. My Doctor Asked Me To Limit Intake Of Watermelon During The First Trimester. Is It Okay?
Ans: While generally, watermelon is safe at any trimester. It depends on your health condition and requirements demanded by the body. For some pregnant women, there are specific health concerns or nutrition requirements. Depending on that, particular fruits may be suggested while other fruits may be limited every day.
