Things to note when pregnant women eat tomatoes

In addition to rest and healthy exercise, pregnant mothers also have to pay special attention to nutritional issues during pregnancy. If you are in need of a food that promotes the health of your fetus, the pregnant woman eating tomato is considered a very great choice.

There is a fact that every pregnant mother wants to choose foods rich in vitamins and nutrients, but wondered which new ones are safe for the health of themselves and the fetus. The following article will help mothers feel more secure when choosing tomatoes, a leading food to enhance the health of mothers and babies during pregnancy.

How is the correct way for pregnant women to eat tomatoes?

There are many ways to enjoy tomatoes depending on the taste and taste of each person. Some people like to use tomatoes as an ingredient in salads, others find joy in cooking and indulging in their favorite recipes.

The abundant amount of vitamin C in this vegetable helps to absorb iron better than pregnant women need. If your doctor has recommended iron supplements, then consuming tomatoes during this time will help with better iron absorption. ( 1 )

At the same time, due to its acidity, tomatoes are often transformed into sauces, soups or juices. Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C, so pregnant mothers should not eat them with cucumber because the enzyme inside cucumber will divide the vitamin in the fruit.

The benefits from tomatoes don't stop here. The things that tomatoes bring to your pregnant mother will surprise you.

Health benefits from eating tomatoes during pregnancy

Tomatoes are both delicious and bring a wealth of health benefits that are important for pregnant women. If used in reasonable quantities, the benefits that this fruit brings can be mentioned as:

1. Provide essential nutrition:

A medium-sized tomato provides almost 40% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C (RDA) and 20% of the RDA for vitamin A. It is also high in vitamin K, potassium, iron and calcium, all of which are important for development of healthy fetus. ( 2 )

2. Increase energy level:

It is common during pregnancy that you will feel tired and lethargic during pregnancy. The rich amount of calories in tomatoes provides enough energy and reduces lethargy, helping mothers feel more comfortable and happy.

3. Digestive aid:

Tomatoes contain a lot of fiber, which helps in good digestion. The fiber helps promote peristalsis of smooth digestive muscles, and stimulates digestive juices. Thereby helping to treat constipation in pregnant women , diarrhea and also prevent conditions such as colorectal cancer. ( 3 )

4. Reduce the risk of preeclampsia:

Eating tomatoes regularly can reduce the risk of hypertension, as well as pre-eclampsia   - common complications in pregnancy. The potassium content in tomatoes improves blood flow and reduces stress on the heart, thereby treating high blood pressure. ( 4 )

5. Excellent source of antioxidants:

Tomatoes contain high amounts of lycopene, an antioxidant that can fight cancer-causing free radicals. It is especially helpful against cervical cancer, prostate cancer, stomach cancer, rectal cancer, throat cancer and esophageal cancer. ( 5 )

6. Lower cholesterol and protect the heart:

Lycopene present in tomatoes helps prevent oxidation of serum lipids to protect the heart. Of great significance in reducing the concentration of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. ( 6 )

7. Prevent birth defects:

The folic acid content in tomatoes may reduce the risk of birth defects of the brain and spinal cord in infants. Folic acid also reduces the likelihood of heart disease and cancer. ( 7 )

8. Management of gestational diabetes:

Gestational diabetes is a common condition that increases your risk of developing type II diabetes later on (8). Pregnant women who eat tomatoes on a regular basis will reduce the oxidative stress of diabetes. ( 9 )

9. Vitamin C is abundant:

The high vitamin C content in tomatoes aids in the formation of healthy baby's skin, teeth, bones and gums. It also protects the skin from UV-induced erythema (redness of the skin caused by increased blood flow). The practical application is that of tomato juice, which has vitamin E, also has a very good sunburn protection effect. ( 10 ).

10. Prevent urinary tract infections:

Tomatoes contain excess water content and therefore act as a diuretic. Consuming tomatoes may stimulate urination and reduce the risk of urinary tract infections and bladder problems (11).

11. Remedy to overcome gallstones:

Drinking tomatoes regularly during pregnancy prevents gallbladder conditions like gallstones ( 12 ).

The nutritional value of tomatoes

The nutritional value of raw, ripe, or red tomatoes per 100gm serves as follows (13):

Nutrients QUALITY

Calories18kcal

Carbohydrate3.89g

Protein: 0.88g

Fiber1.2g

Fat: 0.2g

VITAMIN 

Folic acid 15mcg

Pyridoxin0.08mg

Niacin0,594mg

Riboflavin0.19mg

Thiamin 0.037mg

Vitamin A833IU

Vitamin C13.7mg

ELECTROLYTE 

Potassium237mg

Sodium5mg

MINERAL 

Calcium10mg

Iron 0.27mg

Magnesium 11mg

Zinc0.17mg

Phosphorus24mg

Can eating tomatoes during pregnancy be harmful?

Just like other foods, eating too many tomatoes is not good at all. Eating tomatoes in moderation helps you have a harmonious diet and good health. Overeating tomatoes can lead to the following consequences:

Heartburn caused by tomatoes is high in acid;

Indigestion causes abdominal pain and flatulence; ( 15 )

According to some studies, eating a lot of tomatoes during pregnancy has a slight risk of causing mother and fetus to become color blind.

Tomatoes are a great food for pregnant mothers. However, besides the outstanding benefits, you should also eat tomatoes properly to avoid the harmful effects that tomatoes cause.