Eating Guava During Pregnancy - Is It Safe To Consume?
Eating Guava During Pregnancy - Nutritional Value, Health Benefits, Side Effects, And Is It Safe To Consume
A well-balanced diet is very essential for the growth and development of your unborn baby. You need to include healthy veggies and fruits in your diet to ensure your baby's well-being in the womb. Guava is among healthy and nutritious fruits that are extremely beneficial for you during pregnancy. Guavas are packed with nutrients that make it an essential fruit to add in the pregnancy diet.
Health Benefits of eating Guavas during pregnancy
Some amazing health benefits of guavas during pregnancy are:1. Promote Healthy Growth of Fetus
Guavas are a rich source of vital nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that contribute to the healthy growth of the fetus. Guava contains folic acid (Vitamin B9) and ascorbic acid. Both of these acids play a major role in the healthy growth of the fetus. Folate also helps to prevent birth defects. It is also essential for the development of the baby's nervous system.2. Prevent Gestational Diabetes
Guavas are known to keep blood sugar levels under control thus lowers the risk of developing gestational diabetes during pregnancy.
(Also read: Why is Kale so good for you during pregnancy?)
3. Combats Anemia
Guava is a good source of Vitamin C that is required to absorb iron. Iron deficiency causes anemia during pregnancy. Due to iron deficiency blood cannot carry enough oxygen to the tissues throughout the body that is harmful to both the expectant mother and her baby. Therefore it's essential to include such fruits in your diet that are rich in Vitamin C. Guava is one of those fruits that contain Vitamin C and consuming it lowers the risk of developing anemia during pregnancy.4. Maintains Cardiovascular Health
Guava is a rich source of fiber hence it is known for keeping blood cholesterol levels under control during pregnancy. High cholesterol levels can lead to serious cardiovascular problems that can adversely affect you, especially during pregnancy. So eat guavas to keep such complications at a bay.5. Regulated Blood Pressure Levels
Guava contains potassium that helps to keep your blood pressure at a normal and healthy level thus lowers the risk of premature birth or miscarriage.6. Promotes Digestive Tract Health
Guavas are a rich source of fiber and water that keeps the digestion related issues at a bay. And ensure the smooth functioning of your digestive tract during pregnancy. It keeps you away from digestion issues such as constipation, irregular bowel movements, heartburn, acidity.
(Also read: Health Benefits of Kiwi fruit during pregnancy)
7. Prevent Hemorrhoids
Constipation is a common problem faced by many pregnant women. The high fiber and water content of Guava prevent constipation. Guava has laxative properties that help to ease bowel movements while pregnant. And by preventing constipation it also lowers the risk of developing hemorrhoids during pregnancy.8. Fight Infections
Pregnant women are more prone to illness and infections as their immune system is weak at that time. Guavas are an excellent source of antioxidants, anti-toxins such as Vitamin C, E, carotenoids, and polyphenols that help the body to fight and prevent infections and also lowers the risks of diseases.9. Strengthen Immune System
Guava is an excellent source of Vitamin C which is well known to strengthen the immune system. Vitamin C helps the body to fight against infections hence improves the body's immunity and metabolism. It protects your body from infections and various other diseases during pregnancy.10. Muscles and Nerves Relaxation
Guavas contain magnesium that helps to keep the muscles and nerves relaxed during pregnancy. Muscles and nerves relaxation leads to stress release that is quite a common complication during pregnancy period.
(Also read: Apples during pregnancy)
11. Alleviate Morning Sickness
Morning Sickness is a common pregnancy complication faced by most of the pregnant women. The vitamin C content present in guava helps to combat morning sickness.12. Prevents Cancer
Guava contains an antioxidant called lycopene and Vitamin C. Both of these helps to protect the cells from damaging thus lowers the risk of developing cancer.Side Effects of Guavas during pregnancy
Although guavas are healthy, nutritious, and highly beneficial to consume during pregnancy. But if you consume them in the excess amount it can adversely affect your health too. Some of the side effects caused due to overconsumption of guavas are:- Guavas are known to prevent constipation due to its high fiber and water content but consuming them in large amounts can cause diarrhea.
- Consumption of unripe or half-ripe guavas can lead to dental problems such as toothache.
Nutritional Value of Guavas
100 gram of Guava contains:| Calories | 68 kcal |
| Fats | 0.95 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 14.3 grams |
| Protein | 2.55 grams |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.4 grams |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Vitamin A | 624 IU |
| Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) | 0.067 mg |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | 0.040 mg |
| Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | 1.084 mg |
| Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) | 0.451 mg |
| Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) | 0.110 mg |
| Vitamin B9 (Folate) | 49 µg |
| Vitamin C | 228 mg |
| Vitamin E | 0.73 mg |
| Vitamin K | 2.6 µg |
| Sodium | 2 mg |
| Potassium | 417 mg |
| Iron | 0.26 mg |
| Calcium | 18 mg |
| Copper | 0.230 mg |
| Manganese | 0.150 mg |
| Magnesium | 22 mg |
| Phosphorus | 11 mg |
| Selenium | 0.6 mcg |
| Zinc | 0.23 mg |
| Carotene-β | 374µg |
| Lycopene | 5204 µg |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is it safe to eat guava during pregnancy?
Yes, guavas are perfectly safe to eat throughout your pregnancy as they are highly nutritious. Don't consume guava in preserved forms such as jellies and jams. Wash guavas well before consuming them as unwashed guavas can cause bacterial infections which adversely affect your health during pregnancy. Consume fruit form of guava during pregnancy. Avoid consuming any supplements or medications of guava as they pose risk during pregnancy period.2. Is it safe to eat guava seeds during pregnancy?
Yes, guava seeds are safe to eat during pregnancy.Guavas are highly beneficial for you and your growing baby due to its nutritional value. But before including this fruit to your pregnancy diet make sure to consult your doctor.
Also, read other 'pregnancy-related' articles:
Disclaimer: This content is intended for general information only and it should not be used as the basis of patient treatment. The given content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, treatment, or any diagnosis. Always consult a doctor for more information. Our website doesn't claim responsibility for this information.
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