6 benefits of kiwi that pregnant mothers should know

Kiwifruit is known to be one of the very healthy fruits with loads of essential nutrients. However, should pregnant women eat kiwi? Let aFamilyToday Health  learn about this issue.

Pregnancy is the stage when you are always hungry and the food you want most must be sweets. However, sweets are not good for health. So are there any sweet foods that are still healthy?

Kiwi is a fruit native to China. This fruit is very delicious, especially it contains no cholesterol, low sugar and fat. Importantly, kiwifruit is great for pregnant women .

Benefits of eating kiwi during pregnancy

Kiwifruit is one of the most nutritious fruits. This fruit contains twice as much vitamin C as a lemon. In addition, kiwi also contains fiber, vitamin E, carbohydrates, energy and other minerals.

1. Folate

Kiwi is rich in folate, the most important nutrient for cell formation. Folate is an indispensable substance for fetal health and development. It stimulates cell production and maintenance, especially during pregnancy.

In addition, folate also ensures the growth of vital organs. Adequate folate intake will prevent birth defects such as spina bifida and spinal cord failure. More specifically, folate also helps you avoid miscarriage. The folic acid in kiwi is not only good for pregnant women but also for women who are trying to get pregnant.

2. Vitamin C

Kiwi is an excellent source of vitamin C. This fruit contains 140% of the recommended daily dose of vitamin C. The high vitamin C content is one of the main reasons that this fruit is good for both mother and baby. Kiwi helps form neurotransmitters, a substance very important for brain function. In addition, vitamin C in kiwifruit also helps reduce stretch marks.

3. Natural sugar

Kiwi contains natural sugars that help control your cravings for sweets. With a low glycemic index, kiwifruit does not increase insulin. Regulating blood sugar is very important because gestational diabetes is very common.

4. Promote digestion

Constipation and hemorrhoids are quite common during pregnancy. To alleviate this condition, kiwi is the best choice. Because kiwi contain enzymes, fiber and phenolic compounds. These nutrients feed the probiotic bacteria in the digestive system. Therefore, eating kiwifruit helps prevent constipation, diarrhea, gastritis, flatulence and colic.

5. Strengthen the immune system

Kiwi contains a lot of antioxidants, which help protect the fetal RNA and DNA from damage. It removes free radicals in the body and prevents disease. In addition, kiwi also helps to protect cells from oxidation.

6. Hormonal balance

Hormonal changes are very common during pregnancy. Depression, fatigue, and stress are not good for you. Eating kiwi will help stabilize your mood.

How much kiwi should I eat a day?

To ensure a healthy and safe pregnancy, eat about 2–3 kiwifruit per day. If you have genetic allergies, gastritis or other problems, avoid eating kiwifruit during pregnancy.

Menu with kiwi

You can try combining kiwi with salads, desserts and other dishes. Here are some simple options you can try:
• Add chopped kiwi to yogurt, salad or milk
• If you want to drink kiwi juice, puree it with a blender
• You can also make kiwi jam

Note

When eating kiwifruit, you should pay attention to the following:
• Wash thoroughly before eating to remove pathogens and harmful chemicals.
• Kiwi is highly acidic, so don't overeat as you can get mouth sores, tongue ulcers and a rash.

Kiwi is a must have in your daily menu. However, before eating, you should still consult your doctor to ensure the safety for both you and your baby.