Oranges are extremely good for health, and even more so for the pregnant woman. The pregnant woman, of course, has to follow a strict list of do’s and don’ts, and much of this list consists of food restrictions and necessities. Oranges are usually high on the list of every health conscious person, and thanks to the fact that these fruits are extremely delicious as well, oranges are quite the favorite of much about everyone in the world. But does this situation remain the same once you are pregnant? Can you eat oranges and orange juice as much as you did when you were not pregnant? In this article, we will try to find out the facts and debunk the myths.
Vitamin C boosts immunity
Oranges are extremely good for health, period. They are great sources of Vitamin C, which is incredibly important for all people, and even more so for pregnant women. A pregnant woman is recommended to take a minimum of 85 mg of Vitamin C daily, and she will get almost all of it from a cup of orange juice, or about 3 medium sized oranges- 82 mg in all. Vitamin C is essential for boosting the immunity of the mother, which becomes compromised during pregnancy. Regular consumption of adequate amounts of Vitamin C will also ensure that the baby’s immunity system is better formed. Ample amounts of Vitamin C is the system ensures
Also read: Can I eat strawberries during pregnancy?
Folates ensure fetal development
Oranges are also a very rich source of folic acid, which is one of the most important nutrients needed by the developing baby. Regular and adequate consumption of folates or folic acid ensures that the baby’s brain and neural system develops without a glitch, which in turn greatly minimizes the risk of the baby developing defects in the spine and the neural tube. Besides, folates help in overall development of the baby by developing new tissues and blood cells and also improving and maintaining the baby’s birth weight.
Fiber battles constipation
Oranges contain a very high amount of fiber, which makes them extremely beneficial for the pregnant woman. Fluctuations in hormone production and dietary changes lead to a bunch of gastrointestinal problems, which is most manifest through problems with digestion and bowel movements. Needless to say, this is an extremely uncomfortable, if not downright painful, issue. Pregnant women are advised to eat foods that are rich in fiber because fiber helps in better digestion, which in turn leads to smoother bowel movements by making the stool softer. Naturally, this helps in effective handling of constipation and diarrhea, which are very common problems plaguing the pregnant woman.
Oranges can be eaten in many ways- as part of a salad, by themselves, mixed with yogurt and other fruits, or as part of your morning oatmeal. The refreshing scent and taste is a great antidote for nausea, and the hydrating effects are highly beneficial when you don’t want to drink plain water and crave something sweet. You can drink orange juice if the whole fruit does not appeal to you, and you can also make some unsweetened orange jam or marmalade for a change of taste. Just make sure that you do not add any sugar to any of your preparations as that will nullify the benefits of the fruit.