The number one enemy of pregnant mothers in dealing with constipation. Poor bowel movement can lead to gastrointestinal issues, heartburn, vomiting, and nausea. These events can be troublesome and can increase the vulnerability of a pregnant mother as well as the unborn baby inside her.
Health benefits of avocados:
The best advice for women is to eat avocados during pregnancy. Avocado is a fantastic fruit. Any home cook can create an innovative and delicious dish with Avocado. In general, Avocado is a fruit that brings five significant benefits;
1. Benefit for the heart
Avocados have beta-sitosterol that helps maintain a healthy cholesterol level. The fruit is full-packed with monounsaturated fats that when consumed in moderation, will be the best to reduce bad cholesterol (LDL).
2. Makes your eyes healthy
The fruit has carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin that will keep your eyes healthy as you age. It will also reduce the risk of macular degeneration that can cause a loss of vision.
3. Support the growth and development of young kids:
An ounce of Avocado contains 3.5 grams of unsaturated fat that is essential for the development of the child’s central nervous system and brain.
4. Avoid the rise of blood pressure
Avocados have no sodium content. They are best for the DASH diet for persons with hypertension to lower blood pressure. The fruit has the right amount of potassium that will lower blood pressure. Avocado is best to replace butter and mayo. So, consider adding Avocado in your salad.
5. Helps in losing weight
Eating Avocado will make your body satisfied because it bears healthy fats which makes the body longer to digest. So, you will not crave any snacks. Avocados have over 20 vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients that are good if you want to cut calorie intake.
Why is eating avocados during pregnancy healthy for mothers?
Avocados are perfectly safe for pregnant women. The fruit is high in folate and potassium that are essential for fetal growth and development. The good fats, vitamins, and minerals will help for a positive impact on pregnancy.
1. Good source of folic acid
One in 1,000 babies that are born has neural tube defects such as anencephaly and spina bifida. These cases happen when mothers have a lack of intake of folic acid. The fetus requires sufficient folic acid so the organs will adequately grow and develop. Folic acid can be found in Avocados. For every half cup of Avocado, it provides 5mcg of folic acid.
Folic acid is the synthetic form of Vitamin B9 that is found in fortified food and other supplements. Typically useful to produce new cells and nucleic acid. It is vital to carry out the formation of red blood cells, making the ability of the child to hear and support the baby’s organ to develop. Further, folic acid will lower the baby’s risk of cleft lip and palate, premature birth, miscarriage, and birth weight problems.
Besides, the adequate daily intake of folic acid can help pregnant women prevent preeclampsia, heart stroke, heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease.
2. Treatment for anemia
Iron deficiency is one of the foremost nutrient concerns among pregnant women which can lead to anemia. Eating Avocados during pregnancy will give the amount of iron that is sufficient to support mothers during pregnancy.
The body of pregnant women increases the amount of blood by about 20-30 percent which increases the need to increase the supply of iron and vitamins to make hemoglobin. If anemia becomes severe, the baby will be put at risk. The mother will also have a pre-term delivery problem and low-birth-weight among babies. It also increases the risk of blood loss during labor, and she may have difficulty fighting infection.
3. Promotes better digestion
Pregnant moms will experience stomach illnesses and constipation. Avocado is rich in fiber that will aid digestion and eases bowel movement.
4. Contains several vitamins
The fruit contains Vitamins B1, B2, B5, B6, C, E, and K that are all vital for maternal diet and growth of the fetus.
5. Fights morning sickness
Although experiencing morning sickness is an indicator of a healthy pregnancy, it is still extremely tiring for mothers. Nausea and vomiting in the first three months of pregnancy will make it less likely to have a miscarriage. But, the feeling is not comfortable and needs to be managed well. Eating Avocado will help combat morning sickness because it is rich in Vitamin C that is useful to beat the condition.
6. Decreases cholesterol and sugar level
Eating the Avocado can keep the cholesterol and sugar level in a normal state. When cholesterol and sugar go up, maternal complications may happen when giving birth.
7. Relieves leg cramps
Leg cramps are common to pregnant women. The high level of potassium can ease cramping.
8. Ensures proper brain development for the fetus
Eating one cup of avocado can benefit 22 mg of chlorine that can support the development of the baby’s brain and the nerves.
9. High level of minerals
There is an increase in metabolic needs during pregnancy. The intake of minerals will minimize the risk of pregnancy risks and enhance fetal growth. Complications may include gestational diabetes and preterm or low birth weight. Eating Avocado every day will supply the right level of calcium, potassium, magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, copper, zinc, and manganese.
10. Lowers risk of gaining weight
Avocados have high dietary fiber that helps lower the potential of gaining weight. The fiber is soluble and enhances the bacteria of the digestive tract to boost metabolism. Pregnant women having tremendous weight will have difficulty during labor and delivery of the baby.
Since eating avocados during pregnancy will give such amazing benefits, women should know and understand the nutritional facts of the fruit. The healthy growth and development of the unborn child depend on the food intake of the mother. The child inside the womb deserves the love and care to survive.
Read also:
- Avocado a Miracle Fruit To Pregnancy
- The Ultimate Pregnancy Meal Plan Guide
- Eating Avocados Essential Guide for Pregnant and Lactating Mothers
