Let’s know about Cantaloupe during pregnancy. Vegetables and fruits are an essential part of a pregnant woman’s diet, as they provide the mother with essential vitamins, minerals and fiber for the growth and development of the baby. Fruits, mainly those in the melon family that grow during the summer, are rich in vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants and anticoagulants. One such melon is the cantaloupe, which is a superfood for pregnant women. Read on to know how it plays an important role in the health of the developing baby.
should we eat watermelon during pregnancy
Yes , cantaloupe is a very safe fruit for pregnancy if consumed in moderation. This fruit has a low calorie count and is rich in nutrients and fibre, making it a very safe and healthy snack option for an expectant mother. Generally, a bacteria called listeria bacteria is found on the outer skin of fruits, which can be harmful for pregnant women. Some doctors may tell you to avoid it because of this. However, if it is cleaned properly then this fruit is safe from inside.
Nutritional Properties of Watermelon
Cantaloupe is rich in essential vitamins and minerals. Vitamin A, B1 and C and minerals like iron, calcium and phosphorus are found in it. This fruit also contains a good amount of folic acid or vitamin B9. It is one of the most important vitamins required during pregnancy as it prevents neural tube defects in babies. It also contains zinc, which is essential for proper tissue development of the fetus. Cantaloupe is also an excellent source of antioxidants and anticoagulants (properties that prevent clot formation).
benefits of eating watermelon during pregnancy
Eating cantaloupe during pregnancy has many health benefits.
1. Avoids tube defects
The baby’s neural tube, which develops into the brain and spinal cord, forms during the first trimester. Consuming folic acid-rich cantaloupe boosts the daily dose of vitamin B9 which is essential for this and helps prevent the chances of any neural tube defects in babies. This is one of the most important benefits of eating cantaloupe during pregnancy.
2. Prevents Blood Clotting
One of the complications that can arise during pregnancy is the formation of a blood clot. Although it is rare, but consumption of cantaloupe helps in thinning the blood and preventing such clots.
3. Improves Immunity
Cantaloupe contains carotenoids that act as antioxidants and prevent the formation of free radicals in the body. It also helps in building new cells and improving the immunity of the mother and the baby.
4. Aids in digestion
Heartburn is a common pregnancy-related problem for expectant mothers in the second and third trimesters. In such a situation, cantaloupe is one such food item that can soothe your digestive system. Vitamin C found in cantaloupe aids in digestion and absorption.
5. Prevents Anemia
Anemia during pregnancy can be dangerous for the mother and the fetus. Anemia can be prevented by consuming cantaloupe as it contains a good amount of iron and vitamin C. Vitamin C helps with the absorption of iron in the digestive tract, making it available for use by the body.
6. Helps with leg cramps
Many pregnant women experience cramps in their legs , especially at night. Leg cramps are caused by a lack of potassium, and cantaloupe helps to replenish this essential mineral in the body.
7. Develops the child’s eyesight
A baby’s eyes begin to develop in the first trimester of pregnancy. During this time, consuming a good source of vitamin A such as cantaloupe significantly reduces the risk of any ocular abnormalities in the fetus.
8. Controls blood pressure
During pregnancy, many mothers develop blood pressure problems which can lead to complications. Cantaloupe contains a good mix of essential mineral salts that help in controlling blood pressure and preventing hypertension.
9. Relieves Constipation
Consuming cantaloupe during pregnancy can be very helpful in preventing constipation . Many times, women complain of constipation due to lack of fiber in the diet. The digestive-aiding vitamins and fiber found in cantaloupe ensure proper colon cleansing during pregnancy.
10. Helps in weight management
Watermelon is a great low calorie food. Expectant mothers can consume this fruit as a snack and thus control their food cravings during pregnancy, which can lead to less weight gain. There is very little fructose in this fruit and it does not contribute to weight gain.
11. Strengthens the bones of the child
Calcium is needed from the mother during pregnancy to build the baby’s bones and teeth. To meet this requirement, an expectant mother can have one serving of calcium-rich cantaloupe every day.
12. Helps in recovery after delivery
A mother’s body needs a lot of nutrition to recover after delivery. Vitamin A present in cantaloupe consumed during pregnancy gets accumulated in the liver, which greatly enhances the recovery process of the new mother.
13. The source of energy is
Although melon is not a high-calorie food item, it is a good source of protein and carbohydrates that burn and convert into energy. This fruit gives the much-needed energy during pregnancy to fuel the activities of both the baby and the mother.
Are there any disadvantages of eating cantaloupe during pregnancy?
Cantaloupe is a very safe fruit to eat during pregnancy. If you’ve heard people around you avoid this fruit, it could be because of the listeria bacteria that are sometimes found on its surface. If the fruit is not washed well it can cause the bacteria listeriosis, which has been linked to some complications in pregnancy. Apart from this, it should not be eaten by those women who are already allergic to it. Additionally, cantaloupe is a very safe and nutritious fruit for an expectant mother.
Safe Ways to Eat Cantaloupe During Pregnancy
To avoid all forms of listeriosis, it is very important to wash and clean fruits thoroughly before eating them. To clean the rind of a cantaloupe, wash it thoroughly under running water and dip it in diluted vinegar for a few seconds. Then wash it again with water before cutting. Make sure the knife and cutting board are thoroughly cleaned.
Consuming a clean watermelon during pregnancy does not cause any harm to the body and acts as a storehouse of nutrients for the expectant mother.
Cantaloupe is a gift from nature to all diet conscious women who want to have a healthy diet and keep themselves hydrated during their pregnancy. If you have any allergies to this fruit, please talk to your doctor before consuming it.
