Watermelon has been considered a juicy treat with a limited culinary range, but the nutritional value of watermelon is versatile. It is a healthful fruit which is particularly during pregnancy.
On a salad plate, it’s a succulent stand-in for tomatoes. It adds crunch and color to entrees, makes a sweet background for smoothies and sorbets, and freshens up a tangy barbecue sauce.
And if you’re pregnant, watermelon’s benefits are even healthier and more delicious; learn 5 things not to do while pregnant.
Watermelon is loaded with water and nutrients, which possesses very few calories, and is exceptionally refreshing. Moreover, it’s an excellent dietary source of citrulline and lycopene, two potent plant compounds.
This juicy melon may have several other health benefits, which include lower blood pressure, improved insulin sensitivity, and reduced muscle soreness. Watermelons will be eaten fresh; they can be frozen, transformed into juice, or added to smoothies or smoothie bowls.
Let’s discuss the importance of watermelon in pregnancy!
Nutritional facts:
Water – 91% or 92% (some study shows 91, some show 92)
Calories – 30 ( In a cup full of watermelon)
Fat – 0.2 grams (very low in fat content so that you can have it without any second thoughts)
Carbs – 7.6 grams (per cup, i.e., 152 grams)
Fibre – 0.4 grams
Sugar – 6.2 grams (natural sugar)
Vitamins And Minerals:
Vitamin A – Watermelon contains Beta Carotene, which transforms into Vitamin A
Vitamin B5 – It is also known as Pantothenic acid, which will be present in almost every food to this extent.
Vitamin C – This type of antioxidant is best-suitable for skin health and immune functions.
Copper – The most absorbent mineral in plant-based foods.
Potassium – It helps in controlling blood pressure and improves heart health
Prevents In Dehydration:
Did you know the risk factors for dehydration during pregnancy?
Pregnant women should drink abundant water to prevent dehydration because it can cause premature contractions and lead to premature birth.
Watermelon contains more than 90% water, so having it as a mid-morning snack or evening snack will be a great way to stay hydrated.
Did you Know? : Cracked watermelons are natural in condition. Cold weather or heat waves in hotter weather may cause internal flesh cracking. But it is very safe to eat; even they taste sweeter as a cracked melon.
Helps In Boosting Immunity:
During this time, your body is responsible for two humans. So it is mandatory to keep yourself strengthened and highlighted to fight against the odds. To keep up your immunity level, it is advised to take a satisfactory amount of watermelon on your daily diet.
Any backwards in your health will directly affect your unborn child for its growth and development. Watermelon contains lycopene, which is present in red colour. It is required to build immunity.
Treats your constipation:
Constipation is one of the widespread effects of pregnancy.
Watermelon is one of the healthiest remedies to treat your bowel movements. It helps break down if there is any blockage in the way because we know how much water content has been there in watermelon.
It contains fibre which promotes stool formation. It creates pressure for bowel movements and empties the passageway.
Did you know? : In China, watermelon outer rinds have been used as a vegetable – they stir-fry and make it as a pickle or stew.
Bone Formation For Foetus:
Do not forget to include watermelon in your everyday diet!
Did you know watermelon is rich in calcium and minerals?
Yes, it is a fact! Have watermelon on a regular basis to gain the best bone strength for your baby only with the help of watermelon. It is linked to bone development for your unborn baby.
Cures UTI:
In the earlier stages of pregnancy, multiple women tend to experience UTI (urinary tract infection), which is quite common. It is an annoying issue because we cannot prefer medications to cure it.
Watermelon contains high antibacterial and water properties, which helps flush the bacterial properties from the urinary tract. It removes the complete irritation and constant pain too.
Did you know? : The white colour seeds in the seedless watermelons are nothing but a seed coat which is not thoroughly matured and 100% safe to eat.
Low Muscle Cramps Pain:
During pregnancy, women’s bodies tend to give out so many changes and pains.
Muscle cramps are quite common in it. To reduce the pain, it is best to have watermelon to lower the pain, cope with your body better and ease the muscle cramps.
The extra weight and hormones make your muscles and bones ache more!
Did you know? : 100% of watermelon is edible, even the rind and the seeds. So it is zero-waste food, but the green part (watermelon rind) needs to be cooked.
Wrap Up Thoughts
Fruits will have become a part of every pregnant womens’ journey. It has many health benefits, such as treating constipation, easing heart burns UTI problems and more.
But it is mandatory to keep it at a moderate level. Because we know the amount of sweetness in watermelon, it may turn into gestational diabetes. So always keep an eye on your amount.
There are numerous recipes for watermelon available on the internet, such as watermelon salsa, watermelon lemonade, fresh and healthy popsicle, salads and more.
It is essential to keep your health higher and seek the benefits of watermelon at a moderate level.
