Pregnancy can greatly alter your diet. Food you may like may not be suitable for you and your baby. While those you never liked before may turn out to be what you’re craving for now. Fruits of most types are generally good for the health during pregnancy. While you may have never liked oranges or citrus fruits, pregnancy has been known to alter your taste and make you crave such fruits. With a weird craving for Pomelo, are you wondering ‘Is pomelo good for pregnant women’?
Pomelo is a lesser common citrus fruit. The fruit is native to Southeast Asian countries. Pomelo now though is available in most parts of the world. It is slightly larger than a grapefruit. The flesh is white, yellow, pink or red. The fruit is sweet and tart in taste. The white variety is milder in taste than the pink pomelo fruit. It has all the nutritious value of other citrus fruits. Can pregnant women eat pomelo? Let’s find out.
Benefits of Pomelo During Pregnancy:
Here are some of the benefits of pomelo for pregnant women.
1. Foetas Health:
All citrus fruits including pomelo are very good sources of folic acid. Lack of folic acid during pregnancy can greatly increase the risk of fetal birth defects. Pomelo during pregnancy helps to maintain good health of the baby later.
2. Strengthening the Immune System:
Pomelo like most citrus fruits is a storehouse of vitamin C. Pregnant women need at least 85mg of vitamin C nutrient every day. Having a fresh pomelo fruit or consuming its juice is a great way to fulfill vitamin C requirement during pregnancy. It also adds variety to your citrus food sources during the pregnancy. Vitamin C protects from cold infections. It basically strengthens the immune system.
3. An Antioxidant:
Pomelo is also a great source of other antioxidants such as lycopene, mostly found in the pink or red variety of the fruit. It strengthens the body cells and protects it from illnesses.
4. Boost Digestive System:
Pomelo is a good source of fiber. Regular consumption of the fruit, along with other citrus fruits, can provide you with healthy fiber. This can relief you from common pregnancy problem such as constipation and indigestion.
See More: benefits of plums during pregnancy
5. Healthy Muscles and Good Nervous System:
Pomelo for pregnant women is ideal as it is a good source of potassium. Potassium in the fruit keeps your muscles and nerves healthy. It also helps in keeping your blood pressure normal.
6. Strong Bones:
Pomelo has a good amount of calcium. Consumption of pomelo during pregnancy can help to fulfill your body’s growing calcium requirement during your pregnancy. Calcium helps in strengthening the bones and overall health in general.
See More: persimmon in pregnancy
Side Effects:
- Overdose of vitamin C may cause certain side effects such as diarrhea and kidney stones. If you notice side effects such as nausea, stomach cramps, and heartburn after consuming foods rich in vitamin C like pomelo, then you need to stop consuming it and see a doctor. Excessive vitamin C consumption may also harm the fetus.
- Certain active ingredients found in some citrus fruits including pomelo may interact with drugs for cancer and heart conditions. You need to discuss with a specialist about consuming citrus fruits during pregnancy if you are under treatment for any of these conditions. Furanocoumarins is found in pomelo, which may cause harm to the mother and the unborn baby.
Can Pregnant Women Eat Pomelo?
If you don’t have conditions that might interact with pomelo fruit negatively and your doctor approves of it, then pomelo should definitely be included in your diet list. So, is pomelo good for pregnant women? Yes, if taken in right amount and by expert instruction.
See More: can you eat pistachios when pregnant
