There are a lot of studies that link the beneficial effects of avocados to pregnancy. Avocados are unique fruits that are suitable for everyone of all ages. There are a lot of food supplements that are available in the market but most consumers would still prefer to consume fresh avocado fruits because it tends to be cheaper and healthier because it doesn’t contain any other compounds that are artificial. In this article, we’ll show you the benefits of avocados that pregnant women can benefit into.
Are avocados good during pregnancy?
Avocado is one of a kind fruit that is known to be a holder of the most contained nutritious food. Since it is equipped with a lot of nutrients and minerals, it is all right to say that it is safe for pregnancy. It ensures that pregnant women are equipped with the right immunity to fight different diseases or illnesses that may harm them during the stages of pregnancy.
The consumption of avocado is not only good for pregnancy but it is also beneficial for lactating moms. Even though you would consume this fruit every day in high amounts, you will not feel any side effects unless you are allergic to it but to be sure, as soon as you know your pregnancy, you can do some tests if you are allergic to this fruit or not.
Benefits of avocados to pregnancy
- It contains folic acid
Folic acid is an important vitamin that aids in the growth and development of the fetus’s organs and major body parts if there is an insufficient level of folic acid, it may lead to different birth defects. If you have folic acid deficiencies, a half cup of avocado can fill in your daily folic acid needs.
- Treats iron deficiency
Pregnant women are prone to anemia because the iron supply in the body is also being used by the baby for development. Iron deficiency needs to be addressed immediately because it may lead to other immunity deficiencies if left untreated.Â
- Good for the digestive system
Disturbances in the stomach and constipation are common to pregnancy. It would be difficult for a pregnant woman to treat stomach aches and constipation since they are not allowed to drink any medications. If there is a problem with defecating, avocados are a good help because it is rich in fiber.
- It is enriched with vitamins and minerals
Avocado is jam-packed with nutrients such as vitamins K, B1, B2, B6, C and E. These are all the vitamins vital for the fetus’s development. It also has minerals such as phosphorus, copper, magnesium, niacin, calcium, potassium and manganese. Any nutrient deficiency will cause detrimental effects for both the baby and the mother.
- Combats morning sickness
If your pregnancy is quite sensitive, morning sickness may be felt especially during the first trimester. Foods rich in Vitamin CÂ such as the avocado will help alleviate this condition. Pregnant women won’t feel any sensitivities eating this fruit because it does not have a strong smell.
- Maintains cholesterol and sugar levels
Avocado is a good source of mono-unsaturated fats and other beneficial fatty acids such as omega-6 and omega-3 to have a sufficient supply of energy for you and your baby. These fatty acids are also important for brain development. Pregnant women need extra calories, avocados can be a good source because it ensures that the calories it provides do not add up to the sugar level.
- Relieveslegcramps
Avocados are rich in potassium that is why it aids in muscle contractions by improving nerve signals. Leg cramps attack any time of the day, if you are well-equipped with potassium, expect your cramping episodes will be lessened or totally removed.
- Helps in nutrient absorption
Avocados are known to be a nutrient and mineral giver but it also prepares the body to absorb the available nutrients that it gives and other foods can offer.
- It has antioxidant properties
Aside from the nutrients and minerals avocados offer, it also contains carotenoids, lutein, and neoxanthin that perfectly binds with Vitamins C and E to play a significant role in pregnancy in making sure that damaging agents in the body are totally removed so as not to give negative effects to both the mother and the baby.
Downsides of eating avocado during pregnancy
Avocado does not have known side effects even though you’ll consume high amounts per day. However, there are some pregnant women that are not aware that they are allergic to birch pollen and latex which are commonly found on different kinds of fruits. When you are pregnant, you may experience allergic reactions to some foods that you are not allergic to before that is why it is important to be cautious in everything that you consume. There is a possibility that you are allergic to avocados if you will experience itchiness, or swelling just after eating this fruit. You must immediately seek medical attention if you experience these to avoid further complications.
Different ways to consume avocado
There are plenty of ways by which you can enjoy the goodness of avocado. If you would always consume it in your usual way, there is a tendency that you’ll get used to its taste and would start to dislike it. But if you would be creative in presenting it then you will always have the appetite to consume it. Avocados can be used as a dip for your favorite snack, it can be mixed with fresh salad, and it can be blended into a drink. It would just depend on how you are going to make your avocado consumption extra special.
Fun facts about avocados
- The United Kingdom is known to produce avocados that have thicker consistency with smooth and green skin. There is research conducted that avocados found in the UK contain less oil that is why it takes longer for it to ripen at home.
- You indications that the avocado has ripened is when it is heavy and when the color changes into a darker color usually violet. You may speed up the ripening process by placing the avocados in a brown paper bag for about a week.
- Avocados have high protein content that makes them the only fruit that contains about 4 grams of this nutrient.
- If you are planning to grow your avocado tree, make sure that you have another avocado tree nearby because they do not self-pollinate.
Read also:
- 4 Must-try Desserts with Avocado
- Why is Eating Avocados During Pregnancy Good for Moms
- Eating Avocados Essential Guide for Pregnant and Lactating Mothers
