 |
| watermelon |
There are various benefits of watermelon for pregnant women. The reason is, the various nutrients contained in watermelon are useful in supporting the growth and development of the fetus in the womb.
The benefits of watermelon for pregnant women are obtained because this fruit contains various important nutrients, such as vitamin A, vitamin B5, vitamin C, potassium, lycopene, copper, and the amino acid citrulline. Watermelon also has a sweet taste and contains a lot of water, making it refreshing for pregnant women to eat.
Benefits of watermelon for pregnant women
Nutrition and Benefits of Watermelon for Pregnant Women
The composition of watermelon consists of 91 percent water and 7.5 percent carbohydrates. This fruit contains almost no fat and protein, and contains only a few calories. The high water content is very good for the body, because it can help pregnant women well hydrated.
Apart from being able to hydrate the body, the benefits of watermelon for other pregnant women are:
1. Prevent preeclampsia
Watermelon is rich in lycopene. Antioxidants that make watermelon red color play a role in preventing preeclampsia and reducing the risk of low birth weight babies. Even so, this benefit still needs further investigation.
2. Lower blood pressure
Watermelon is a food source with the highest content of the amino acid citrulline. Citrulline is mostly found in the white skin surrounding the watermelon flesh.
In the body, citrulline is converted into the essential amino acid arginine. Citrulline and arginine have important benefits in lowering blood pressure by dilating and relaxing blood vessels.
3. Controlling blood pressure
Potassium is an important mineral and electrolyte that plays a role in controlling blood pressure and keeping the heart healthy. In pregnant women, potassium deficiency can cause leg cramps, weakness, and disturbed heart rhythm.
Pregnant women are advised to consume 4,700 mg of potassium per day. To meet this need, you can eat watermelon or other foods that contain potassium, such as bananas, oranges, melons, potatoes, cucumbers, spinach, or broccoli.
4. Increase body immunity
The benefits of watermelon for the next pregnant woman are to help increase immunity. This benefit can be obtained because watermelon contains vitamin C which is quite high.
Not only that, vitamin C in watermelon is also needed to form collagen. Collagen is a protein that makes up connective tissue, such as tendons, cartilage, bone, and skin.
Adequate intake of vitamin C can support the repair of damaged body tissue, bone growth, maintain healthy skin, and help iron absorption.
5. Overcoming cramps
Not only potassium, vitamin B5 found in watermelon can also help relieve cramps that often occur in pregnant women. This vitamin also plays a role in the formation of pregnancy hormones. Pregnant women are advised to consume vitamin B5 as much as 6 mg per day.
6. Against free radicals
The copper content contained in watermelon is antioxidant, so it can help fight free radicals that endanger health. In addition, copper also plays an important role in the formation of red blood cells.
This mineral which is also contained in avocado also helps form the blood vessels, heart, bones and nerves of the fetus. Pregnant women need at least 1 mg of copper per day.
7. Supports fetal growth and development
The benefits of watermelon for pregnant women further support the growth and development of the fetus. This benefit can be obtained from vitamin A in watermelon.
Vitamin A plays an important role in helping the development of the lungs, kidneys, heart, bones, eyes, respiration, blood circulation and central nervous system of the fetus in the womb.
Tips for Choosing and Serving Watermelon Fruit
To get the maximum benefits of watermelon for pregnant women, choose fresh watermelon.
You should choose a watermelon that is strong, symmetrical, free of cracks and bruises. A ripe watermelon will have shiny skin, a buttery yellow underside, and dry stems.
Ripe watermelons can be eaten directly or processed into juices and salads. Given the citrulline content there is a lot in the white skin surrounding the watermelon meat, you are also advised to eat this part.
The benefits of watermelon for pregnant women are varied, but this fruit only contains a small amount of fiber. So, in order to keep your intake of fiber and other nutrients met, you should also meet the needs of vegetables and fruits during pregnancy. If necessary, consult your nutritionist during pregnancy with your nutritionist.