There are various benefits of watermelon for pregnant women. The reason is, the various nutrients contained in watermelon are useful in supporting the growth and development of the fetus in the womb.
The benefits of watermelon for pregnant women are obtained because this fruit contains a variety of important nutrients, such as vitamin A, vitamin B5, vitamin C, potassium, lycopene, copper, and amino acids. citrulline. Watermelon also has a sweet taste and contains a lot of water so it is refreshing to eat for pregnant women.
Nutrition and Benefits of Watermelon for Pregnant Women
The composition of watermelon consists of 91 percent water and 7.5 percent carbohydrates. This fruit contains almost no fat and protein, and contains very few calories. The high water content is very good for the body, because it can help pregnant women stay hydrated.
In addition to being able to hydrate the body, the benefits of watermelon for other pregnant women are:
1. Prevent preeclampsia
Watermelon is rich in lycopene. The antioxidants that make watermelons red in color play a role in preventing preeclampsia and reducing the risk of low birth weight babies. Even so, this benefit still needs to be investigated further.
2. Lowering blood pressure
Watermelon is a food source with amino acid content citrulline highest. Citrulline mostly found in the white skin surrounding the watermelon flesh.
in the body, citrulline converted to essential amino acids argininee. Citrulline and arginine It has important benefits in lowering blood pressure by dilating and relaxing blood vessels.
3. Control blood pressure
Potassium is an important mineral and electrolyte that plays a role in controlling blood pressure and keeping the heart healthy. In pregnant women, potassium deficiency can cause leg cramps, weakness, and disturbed heart rhythm.
Pregnant women are advised to consume 4,700 mg of potassium per day. To meet this need, you can eat watermelon or other foods that contain potassium, such as bananas, oranges, melons, potatoes, cucumbers, spinach, or broccoli.
4. Increase body immunity
The benefits of watermelon for the next pregnant woman is to help increase the body's immunity. This benefit can be obtained because watermelon contains vitamin C which is quite high.
Not only that, vitamin C in watermelon is also needed to form collagen. Collagen is a protein that makes up connective tissue, such as tendons, cartilage, bones, and skin.
Adequate intake of vitamin C can support the repair of damaged body tissues, bone growth, maintain healthy skin, and help absorb iron.
5. Overcoming cramps
Not only potassium, vitamin B5 found in watermelon can also help relieve cramps that often occur in pregnant women. This vitamin also plays a role in the formation of pregnancy hormones. Pregnant women are advised to consume vitamin B5 as much as 6 mg per day.
6. Fight free radicals
The copper content in watermelon is an antioxidant, so it can help fight free radicals that harm health. In addition, copper also plays an important role in the formation of red blood cells.
Minerals that are also contained in avocados also help form the blood vessels, heart, bones, and nerves of the fetus. Pregnant women need at least 1 mg of copper per day.
7. Supports fetal growth
The next benefit of watermelon for pregnant women is to support fetal growth and development. These benefits can be obtained from vitamin A in watermelon.
Vitamin A plays an important role in helping the development of the lungs, kidneys, heart, bones, eyes, respiration, blood circulation, and central nervous system of the fetus in the womb.
Tips for Choosing and Serving Watermelon
In order to get the maximum benefits of watermelon for pregnant women, choose fresh watermelons.
You should choose a watermelon that is strong, symmetrical, free from cracks and bruises. A ripe watermelon will have a shiny skin, a buttery yellow underside, and a dry stem.
Ripe watermelons can be eaten directly or processed into juices and salads. Considering the content citrulline there is a lot of white skin that surrounds the watermelon flesh, you are also advised to eat this part.
The benefits of watermelon for pregnant women are varied, but this fruit contains only a small amount of fiber. So, so that the intake of fiber and other nutrients is still met, also fulfill the needs of vegetables and fruit during pregnancy. If necessary, consult nutritional needs during pregnancy to a nutritionist.