Grapefruit during pregnancy - benefits and harms

Citrus fruits are one of the controversial food categories that many pregnant women are wary of. This is due to the fact that their excessive consumption of food can adversely affect the intrauterine condition of the child. But grapefruit can be safely eaten at any time. Due to the balanced composition and the absence of potential allergens, it will not harm health. What is useful in this original fruit, and in what cases should it be discarded?

Grapefruit Features

Grapefruit is a subtropical evergreen tree belonging to the root family. Its fruits resemble oranges, but often exceed their size and have a denser skin. It was first discovered in Barbados in the 17th century, and since then it has been considered a miracle of the island. Today it has become popular far beyond the borders of its historical homeland - there are more than 20 varieties of grapefruit in the world that grow in subtropical countries.

For the unique bitter taste of this fruit, the flavonoid naringin, contained in the zest, films and peel, is responsible. This is a unique component that has a powerful effect on the body: from strengthening vessels and capillaries to improving the functioning of the cardiovascular system. It also serves as an antioxidant, protecting against cancer and stimulating the immune system. One of the most striking properties of naringin is the stimulation of outflow of bile and the protection of the liver from the negative effects of the environment.

The main concern associated with citrus fruits is whether they will provoke an allergy. If a woman did not have a reaction to grapefruit before pregnancy, then she will not appear during the bearing of a child either. Moreover, it is considered one of the safest among all citrus fruits. The only caveat is a safe dosage (one fruit per day is enough).

Useful properties of grapefruit for pregnant women

Consider what is good in grapefruit and why women should eat it in the position:

1. Vitamins PP and K, which are part of the fruit, strengthen the walls of blood vessels and stimulate good blood flow to the placenta.
2. Iron protects a pregnant woman from anemia, which according to statistics is more than 80% of all women in labor. Due to its decrease, the number of red blood cells responsible for the transfer of oxygen to tissues decreases.
3. Grapefruit also contains calcium, which is responsible for laying the skeleton and teeth of the child. It is also necessary for the normal functioning of the kidneys and the proper functioning of the blood system of the body.
4. This fruit is also rich in ascorbic acid: up to 57 mg of vitamin C per 100 grams of pulp. Regular consumption of grapefruit strengthens a woman's immunity, helping to cope with bacterial and viral infections.
5. Due to pectin substances, grapefruit perfectly stimulates intestinal motility, eliminating constipation.

In addition to the above minerals, grapefruit also includes manganese, sodium, potassium and zinc. In addition to vitamin C, provitamin A and vitamin E are present in the pulp.

Grapefruit juice has a high antibacterial activity, it improves digestion and is often recommended for physical and mental overwork. It will also help get rid of dizziness, general weakness and drowsiness.

Contraindications

The fact is that grapefruit glycosides, including the naringin mentioned above, block the activity of the liver cytochrome, which are responsible for the breakdown of all substances entering the body. As a result, the hormonal background is disturbed, which during pregnancy is fundamental. Including this affects the assimilation of certain medications, which can cause their serious overdose. Therefore, no medicine, especially antihistamines and lowering blood pressure, can be washed down with grapefruit juice.

Grapefruit should be discarded in case of increased acidity of the stomach and gastritis.

How to choose and store grapefruit

There are several basic rules for choosing grapefruit:

1. The fruit should be intact, the skin color should be uniform, and its structure should be the same (there should not be too soft patches).
2. A unique feature of grapefruit is that it does not ripen after being picked. Therefore, you need to choose the heaviest and most fragrant fruits.
3. The color of the peel indicates a particular variety, and not whether the fruit has ripened or not. It can range from pale green to deep orange.

Grapefruit can be stored for several days at normal room temperature. If you need to extend this period, then the fruits must be removed in the refrigerator in a special department for fruits. There they can lie for several weeks.

How to eat grapefruit?

You can eat grapefruit in any way acceptable for a woman. It should be added to fruit or vegetable salads, or make juice from it. Some recipes include it as the basis of a side dish for meat. But it is advisable to eat the fruit in its pure form, without subjecting it to heat treatment. Optimal - half an hour before meals. But immediately after eating it is better to refuse it, as, however, from any other fruit. In this case, the fetus will simply rot in the intestine, being, as such, a ballast.

If you suffer from early toxicosis, eat up to half the fetus in the morning before breakfast. You need to eat slowly, literally a teaspoon. This will reduce morning sickness and help get rid of vomiting.

Supplementation of Grapefruit

The fruit has proven itself in the fight against bleeding gums. To eliminate this problem, you can use the recipe above, only the broth you need to rinse your mouth twice a day immediately after eating. Many people use fresh grapefruit juice for these purposes, but dentists are against such manipulations. Since pregnant women’s tooth enamel is very weak, and grapefruit juice has a lot of acids, the juice from the pulp of the fetus will destroy it.

Grapefruit essential oil

Pregnant women can also actively use natural grapefruit essential oil. The safest way to use it is to drip 2-3 drops into an aromatic lamp and inhale the vapors. Oil perfectly disinfects indoor air, helps increase overall energy tone, helps in the fight against nervous exhaustion and depression. It can be combined with other citrus oils or lavender. A natural extract from grapefruit can be added to cosmetic products or base oils (wheat germ or almond) and used as a natural nutrient. And from the 16th week you can drip it into natural olive oil and rub it into the abdomen, thighs and chest. This is a great combination to prevent stretch marks.

Grapefruit is very useful during pregnancy. It has a beneficial effect on the body, helps eliminate early toxicosis and edema.Finally, it is just a delicious fruit with an amazing aroma, uplifting.

Video: Health Benefits of Grapefruits