Can pregnant women eat grapefruit?

Some mothers wonder why the baby has an allergy or other health problems? Very often, certain pathologies are laid in the prenatal period. That is, if the baby is allergic, the cause of this may be a combination of many factors. This may include genetics and a predisposition of parents to allergies, sterile living conditions. Very often the cause of food allergies is the abuse of allergens during pregnancy. Everyone knows that some foods are at risk. Among them are chocolate, strawberries, nuts, honey, citruses. Use them during pregnancy should be very careful, be sure to know the measure. In this article we will talk about grapefruit - how safe citrus is during pregnancy and what is its effect on the body of a woman and a child.

The benefits of grapefruit for a pregnant woman

Grapefruit is a hybrid of orange and pomelo. This amazing, juicy, sweet and at the same time bitter taste of citrus is liked by many people, especially women in an interesting position. The composition of grapefruit is amazing - it contains a huge amount of vitamins and minerals, fiber and organic acids. Citrus is rich in colossal amounts of vitamin C and potassium. All this has a positive effect on the health of a pregnant woman.

1. The high level of ascorbic acid in the composition of the fruit protects a woman from colds and flu, and supports immunity in the autumn-winter period. In the early stages of pregnancy, immunity is artificially reduced so that the body does not push away a foreign body that attaches to the wall of the uterus. Against the background of this disease, they arise very often.
2. If you prefer a full-fledged piece of grapefruit juice along with pulp to the juice, you will get precious dietary fiber, which, unchanged, enters the intestines and cleanses it of feces. Constipation occurs frequently during pregnancy, so citrus comes in handy as never before.
3. Grapefruit contains a huge amount of folic acid, which is very necessary in the early stages of pregnancy. Vitamin B9 is involved in the formation of the central nervous system of the fetus, it protects the baby from possible malformations in the nervous system.
4. Grapefruit juice can be added to meat dishes so that they are better absorbed. This will make a heavy fatty meal easier. After grapefruit sauce, you will not feel drowsiness or abdominal pain.
5. The fruit contains tocopherol. This vitamin improves the condition of the skin, makes the tissues more elastic. This helps prevent stretch marks and birth injuries.
6. Despite the rich and varied composition of the fruit, citrus has a low calorie content, which makes it a great addition to any diet. Using grapefruit during pregnancy, you can not worry about the extra pounds - they are not afraid of you.
7. Grapefruit is rich in vitamin A. Retinol has a positive effect on a woman's eyesight, protects the retina from possible labor loads, so that there is no exfoliation. Moreover, a sufficient amount of vitamin A in the body is the prevention of diseases of the fetal organs of vision.
8. Grapefruit has invigorating and tonic properties, which helps a woman recover, regain working capacity, and gather her thoughts. If you have not yet gone on maternity leave and continue to work, this is exactly what you need to concentrate.
9. A large amount of potassium makes the fruit simply indispensable for the heart - it reduces the risks of heart attack and stroke, perfectly calms, stabilizes blood pressure, lowers blood cholesterol.And most importantly, the establishment of the heart and kidneys helps to cope with edema, reduce the enormous load that the body experiences during pregnancy.
10. Grapefruit is very useful for mothers who suffer from diabetes. Citrus can quickly and safely lower blood sugar.
11. There is a lot of pantothenic acid in grapefruit, which is necessary for the formation of the baby's endocrine system.
12. Calcium and magnesium in the composition of the fruit are essential microelements for building the baby’s bone tissues, excellent prevention of diseases of the child’s musculoskeletal system in the future. In addition, a sufficient amount of magnesium and calcium will protect the pregnant woman from seizures of the extremities, which appear very often in late pregnancy.
13. Grapefruit has a special - sweet, bitter and tart taste at the same time. This flavoring bouquet helps a woman cope with toxicosis. A slice of grapefruit eaten after meals can help prevent nausea and vomiting.

Useful not only the fruit itself, but also its essential oil. It is used for cosmetic purposes. A large amount of vitamin E in the oil makes the product indispensable in the prevention of stretch marks. Oil should be applied regularly to the skin of the abdomen, thighs and chest. It is well absorbed and leaves no greasy or sticky residue. In addition, the smell of essential oil perfectly calms and pacifies.

What is the danger of eating grapefruit during pregnancy?

The main danger is an allergen. But if the woman herself is not allergic to citruses, there is no need to worry and worry in vain. It is enough to observe the measure in eating grapefruit - no more than 200 grams of pulp per day. In late pregnancy, the amount of citrus eaten per day should be halved or citrus should be excluded from the diet altogether. The fact is that after 32 weeks, the child’s own immunity, different from the mother’s, begins to form. At this time, the abuse of any allergens can cause the development of allergies in the baby in the future.

Grapefruit has a characteristic bitter taste, which is concentrated in a film of citrus, dividing the slices. That is why, in order to get rid of bitterness, you need to eat the fruit correctly, cleaning off this film. It contains many glycosides that are good for the heart. However, at the same time, they have a powerful tonic effect, this can cause a reduction in the uterus and the threat of miscarriage.

It is best to eat grapefruit with other fruits - they need to be cut and seasoned with yogurt, you will get a delicious and healthy dessert. Citrus goes well with fish and meat, complements any vegetable and meat salad. Grapefruit not only gives dishes a subtle citrus flavor and aroma, but also perfectly decorates them, delighting with bright colors and shades.

Video: Health Benefits of Grapefruits