Packed with necessary vitamins, minerals, fibre and at the same time low in fats and calories, peaches are great for pregnant women and their babies. Pregnant women can and should include peaches in their diet. As with all good things, certain precautions should be kept in mind when consuming them. In this article, we discuss the unique benefits of peaches for pregnant women. We also highlight concerns regarding their consumption during pregnancy and ways to include them in your diet during pregnancy.
Peaches are a great source of Vitamin c, iron, potassium, and dietary fibre, all good and necessary nutrients for pregnant women. Yes, peaches can be consumed during pregnancy and, in fact, they have a lot of benefits for pregnant women. Vitamin C is particularly necessary, as it is crucial for the proper development of the foetus. Vitamin C helps with the proper formation and growth of bones, teeth, and other vital tissues. Dietary fibre in peaches maintains a healthy digestive tract in pregnant women, while iron and potassium are necessary nutrients for pregnant women. The one chief concern with peaches is pesticide contamination. Given this concern, it is best that organic peaches are sourced, at least while pregnant.
To best understand the nutritional value and the potential benefits for pregnant women, refer to the list of nutrients given below.
Here are some health benefits of eating peaches during pregnancy.
With up to seven milligrams per one hundred grams; peach fruit is loaded with Vitamin C. Most pregnant woman are susceptible to iron deficiency and Vitamin C is crucial for iron absorption and reducing the risk of anaemia in pregnant women. Vitamin C is also crucial for tissue formation of the foetus and is for the formation of bones, teeth, blood vessels, cartilage and muscles.
The high potassium content of peaches is particularly useful during pregnancy; potassium is helpful for maintaining optimal fluid balance in the body of both the mother and the baby. Potassium is also very useful in countering common pregnancy issues like fatigue, cramps and swellings. Furthermore, potassium in peach fruit also reduces instances of anxiety, depression and mood swings in pregnant ladies.
Pregnant women are particularly susceptible to gastrointestinal problems during pregnancy, such as constipation, indigestion, and other related issues. One hundred grams of peach fruit consists of one point five grams or more of dietary fibre, so regular consumption of peaches during pregnancy will maintain good bowel movements and reduce instances of indigestion and constipation.
Phosphorous is essential for maintaining the strength and integrity of bones. Not only will it help the baby develop strong bones but will maintain good bone integrity for the mother throughout the pregnancy and beyond. Peach fruit contains about twenty milligrams of phosphorous per one hundred grams.
Another important mineral for pregnant women, magnesium prevents the uterus from undergoing premature contractions and also prevents cramps and constipation.
Folic acid is essential for brain and spine development of the foetus during the first stages of pregnancy. With four micrograms of folic acid available in hundred grams of the fruit, peach fruit is one of the best sources of folic acid.
Essential for the development of a robust immune system in both, the mother and her baby, beta-carotene is readily available in the peach fruit.
High in nutrients and low in calories, peach fruit helps in the reduction of excessive fats.
Besides the numerous benefits of peach fruit consumption during pregnancy, pregnant women should limit their intake of peaches to no more than five hundred grams per day. Ideally, women should consume no more than two peaches per day and substitute other fruits for peaches to maintain this recommended quantity of consumption.
Peach fruit does have certain side effects that should be kept in mind.
When selecting peaches keep the following in mind:
There are various ways for pregnant women to incorporate peaches in their diet.
Peaches are wonderful fruits to have during pregnancy and the nutritional benefits that they offer for both, the mother and her baby are significant and numerous. Care and attention should be maintained while selecting peaches on account of reported instances of pesticide contamination. Source organic peaches and eat them in moderate quantities.