The benefits of pears for pregnant women are not small, ranging from preventing cramps during pregnancy to increasing endurance. These benefits come from the water content, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals in it.
Pear is one of the fruits commonly consumed by Indonesian people. This fruit has a sweet and refreshing taste, and has a distinctive texture. Besides being delicious, pears also have a number of benefits for anyone who eats them, including pregnant women.
Pears can usually be consumed immediately after washing, mixed with yogurt, made into fruit salads and salads, until processed into juice or smoothies.
Nutritional Content and Benefits of Pears for Pregnant Women
One medium pear contains about 120 ml of water and 85–100 calories. In addition, in one pear also contains various nutrients that are good for pregnant women and fetuses, namely:
- 25–27 grams of carbohydrates
- 6–6.5 grams of fiber
- 0.5–1 gram of protein
- 6.5 milligrams of vitamin C
- 250 milligrams of potassium
- 5 micrograms of vitamin K
Pears also contain small amounts of other vitamins and minerals such as copper, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, vitamin A, B vitamins, and folate. In addition, pears also contain good antioxidants to ward off the dangers of free radicals.
Because of its diverse nutritional content, it is not surprising that there are various benefits of pears for pregnant women. The following are some of the benefits of pears for pregnant women:
1. Prevent and relieve constipation
Constipation is one of the most common complaints experienced by pregnant women. Constipation during pregnancy can be caused by many things, from hormonal changes, an enlarged uterus, not drinking enough water, to a lack of fiber intake.
Therefore, one way to prevent and relieve constipation in pregnant women is to consume fiber-rich intake. nowThis high fiber intake can be obtained by eating vegetables and fruit. One of them is pear.
2. Relieve symptoms morning sickness
Pears contain various types of B vitamins. Vitamin B3 functions to improve digestion and relieve migraines, while vitamin B6 plays an important role in supporting the development of brain function and the baby's nervous system.
Not only that, the two vitamins are also able to relieve nausea and vomiting or morning sickness during pregnancy.
3. Prevent cramps during pregnancy
Complaints of leg cramps that are often experienced by pregnant women may be caused by mineral deficiencies, such as potassium and magnesium. nowTo prevent this from happening, pregnant women need to eat lots of green vegetables and fresh fruits such as pears and bananas, which contain these nutrients.
Potassium is also able to balance electrolyte and fluid levels in the body, so that the body's organs can function normally. Meanwhile, the magnesium content plays an important role in supporting muscle relaxation so that pregnant women don't cramp often.
4. Strengthening the immune system
The content of vitamin C in pears acts as an antioxidant that is able to keep the immune system strong, and protects the body cells of pregnant women and fetuses from the dangers of free radicals. This vitamin is also good for helping the absorption of iron, so that pregnant women are prevented from anemia.
In addition, the content of vitamin C and copper in pears also functions to support the development of bone, muscle, and skin tissue in pregnant women and fetuses.
5. Prevent babies from being born with defects
Pears also contain folate which is important for fetal growth and development in the womb. Folic acid for pregnant women is good for supporting the production of red blood cells and helping the development of the brain and spinal cord of the fetus.
Thus, the fetus can avoid the risk of neural tube defects and the risk of other pregnancy complications.
6. Prevent dehydration during pregnancy
Frequent vomiting and difficulty eating or drinking during pregnancy can make the pregnant woman's body vulnerable to lack of fluids or dehydration.
Well, to prevent dehydration, pregnant women can drink more water, eat small portions but often, or eat fruits that contain lots of water, such as pears.
Before consumption, pears must be washed first until clean. To make it more durable, pregnant women can also wash the pears and store them in a clean container and place them in the refrigerator.
Make it a habit to always wash fresh fruit and vegetables before consumption. This is because dirty fruits and vegetables can contain bacteria that can cause pregnant women to experience food poisoning or dangerous parasites that cause toxoplasmosis.
To get all the benefits of pears for pregnant women, consume pears in sufficient portions, which is about 1 or 2 pieces per day. Don't forget to also apply a balanced nutritious diet.
If you want to know more about the right amount of pear intake during pregnancy, pregnant women can consult an obstetrician or nutritionist.