kiwi fruit during pregnancy

Let us know about kiwi fruit during pregnancy. Your desire to eat increases during pregnancy. This is normal as the mother needs to eat for both herself and the baby. Certain foods are very beneficial for the development of the foetus. While the mother-to-be may have different food cravings during pregnancy, especially sweet cravings, it is recommended to replace chocolate or other sugary foods with fruits.

Can pregnant women eat kiwi? If you love eating juicy kiwi, then you can continue reading this article to know more about this delicious fruit.

Best Health Benefits of kiwi fruit during pregnancy

Is it safe to eat kiwi during pregnancy

Kiwi or Chinese Gooseberry is a green, pulpy and delicious fruit, which is loaded with numerous health benefits for pregnant women.

Rich in Vitamin C and low in sugar and fat, kiwi is a great fruit to eat during pregnancy. Plus it is cholesterol-free. If you have gastritis or heritable allergies, then only you should avoid consuming it. It is completely safe to eat 2-3 kiwis daily.

Nutrients found in Kiwi

This superfruit is packed with important nutrients: vitamin K, vitamin C, vitamin E, potassium, folate, dietary fiber, copper, choline, magnesium, and phosphorus. It supplies more than 140% of Vitamin C for the day.

Nutritive Values ​​Found in 1 Medium Kiwi

Health benefits of eating kiwi for pregnant women

Below are some of the health benefits of kiwi:

1. Folate: Folic acid plays a big role in the cognitive development of the fetus. It helps in the development of the brain as well as the nervous system and protects the unborn child from neurological defects. It is an important nutrient for building cells. It also helps in the development of vital organs of the child. Folate prevents birth defects in babies, such as spina bifida, in which the baby’s spinal cord is not fully developed. Eating kiwi in the early stages of pregnancy can reduce the chances of miscarriage.
2. Vitamin C: Vitamin C is important for the formation of neurotransmitters, which are important for brain function. Rich in antioxidants, this fruit protects the mother-to-be from the harmful effects of free radicals. Also, it helps in increasing the energy level and strengthening the immunity system. 
3. Natural Sugar: Kiwi, like all fruits, has natural sweetness that helps you control your sweet cravings. It has a low glycemic index, which does not increase insulin levels. It is essential to control blood sugar levels in the form of diabetes during pregnancy.
4. Improves digestion: Constipation is common during pregnancy . You must include probiotics in your diet to help prevent diarrhea, bloating, nausea, abdominal discomfort, abdominal pain and gastritis. Kiwi fruit is rich in dietary fiber, which keeps the colon healthy. Fiber-rich foods contain natural laxatives, which help improve digestion.
5. Iron: Pregnant women often develop iron deficiency anaemia , which occurs due to lack of hemoglobin in the blood. Other symptoms of iron deficiency include pale skin, loss of appetite and nausea. Iron is required for the production of red blood cells. It also carries oxygen between cells and is essential for energy production as well. Each kiwi contains 4% iron. Apart from this, it also helps in the absorption of iron and thus prevents anemia from occurring.
6. Calcium: Calcium is essential for the development of the baby’s bones, muscles, teeth and heart. Kiwi contains 5% calcium, if your dairy consumption is low, or you are lactose intolerant, you can include calcium rich kiwi in your diet. It also contains magnesium, which improves the absorption of calcium.
7. Rich source of vitamins and minerals: Apart from being rich in vitamin C, kiwi is also rich in vitamin E, which protects you and your baby’s cells from damage. It helps in keeping the skin healthy.
8. Strengthens Immunity: The copper present in kiwi helps in the development of the baby’s brain and also strengthens immunity.
9. Hormonal balance: Hormones can play havoc during pregnancy and this can make you feel very stressed, you may feel tired. Kiwi helps in balancing hormones, which prevents mood swings.
10. Low in calories: Kiwi is low in calories, naturally sweet and can help you satiate your hunger and cravings without consuming too many calories.

how to eat kiwi fruit

Kiwi can be consumed in many ways, such as:

• Cut the fruit, peel off the fruit and eat it
• You can make fruit salad by mixing it with other fruits.
• Add it to smoothies or yogurt.
• Make popsicles by freezing its slices or pulp in the freezer.

Risks of Consuming Kiwi During Pregnancy

Kiwi usually does not cause allergies. However, some people may be allergic to it or may have bad effects of consuming it. It is advisable to consult your doctor before including kiwi in your regular diet plan. The risks of kiwi to pregnant women are:

• Oral allergies: Excess consumption of kiwi can cause itching or burning sensation in the mouth, which can lead to swelling of the lips and tongue. In some cases, it can also cause asthma, rashes and soreness. 
• Skin diseases: Eating kiwi can cause dermatitis, a skin disorder.
• Constipation: In some cases, eating kiwi can cause diarrhea, vomiting, or nausea.
• Latex allergy: People allergic to latex are at risk of being allergic to kiwi. In such cases it is advisable to stay away from Kiwi.
• Damage to the pancreas: Kiwi is a rich source of vitamin C, vitamin E, serotonin and potassium. When consumed in excess, it can alter triglyceride levels in the blood for a long time, which can be harmful to the pancreas.
• Side effects: Kiwi fruit has antifungal properties and can cause a reaction when combined with medications. If you are taking anticoagulants, heparin, aspirin, non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory or anti-platelet drugs, consult your doctor before consuming kiwi.

How Much Kiwi Should You Consume During Pregnancy?

Ideally, a mom-to-be should have 1 cup of cut fruit or 1 piece of large fruit a day. For a healthy and safe pregnancy, you can eat around 2-3 kiwi fruits every day. If you suffer from gastritis, allergies or any digestive issues, ask your doctor before including kiwi in your regular diet. If you are prone to acidity or rashes and other allergies, kiwi can increase the acidic reactions that can lead to sore mouth or tongue.

It is very important to be careful about including anything in your diet during pregnancy, as your body becomes weak during this time. Kiwi provides beneficial nutrients to you and the baby, which are very important for the development of the baby. However, you should eat it in a balanced quantity or else it can harm you.