These Benefits of Dragon Fruit for Pregnant Women are Well Known

The benefits of dragon fruit for pregnant women need not be doubted. The content of vitamins and minerals in this fruit is beneficial for fetal development. In fact, the benefits of dragon fruit are not widely known by the general public. Let's find out more about the benefits of dragon fruit for pregnant women. When pregnant, a woman is not only responsible for maintaining her own health, but also the health of the fetus. Therefore, eating lots of fruits and vegetables is highly recommended during pregnancy. One fruit that is recommended for consumption by pregnant women is dragon fruit. Dragon fruit contains a variety of nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), carbohydrates, protein, antioxidants, fiber, and iron. Not surprisingly, this fruit has health benefits, because it is rich in nutrients and nutrients needed by the body.

Benefits of Dragon Fruit for Pregnant Women

Many pregnant women are still doubtful and even afraid when consuming dragon fruit, even though the nutritional content in this fruit is very beneficial for pregnant women and the fetus in the womb. Here are the benefits of dragon fruit for pregnant women:

• Source of vitamin C

Taking vitamin C during pregnancy is very good for the health of pregnant women and their fetuses. Vitamin C is needed by the fetus to protect and maintain cell health, and to form collagen in bones, muscles, skin and blood vessels. This vitamin also helps the absorption of iron by the body. However, you must remain wise in consuming vitamin C. Excess vitamin C during pregnancy can increase the risk of preterm birth.

• Carbohydrate source

Pregnant women are advised to consume 9 to 11 servings of foods containing carbohydrates per day. Carbohydrates function as your energy source and help the growth of the fetus. You can get a natural source of carbohydrates in dragon fruit. Dragon fruit meat contains about 11 grams of carbohydrates or 62 calories per serving size. To meet your carbohydrate intake, you can try food sources of additional carbohydrates from rice, whole wheat bread, cereals, and vegetables.

• Antioxidant

Consuming antioxidants during pregnancy is beneficial for protecting the body from free radicals, controlling cholesterol levels, strengthening the immune system, preventing the growth of cancer cells, and helping the developing fetal brain. Dragon fruit contains several types of antioxidants namely, betalain, hydroxycinnamates, and flavonoids. In addition to dragon fruit, you can get antioxidants from vegetables and other fruits, such as apples, pears, grapes, broccoli, asparagus, and tomatoes.

• Source of fiber

Pregnant women are advised to consume 25 to 35 grams of fiber per day. Fiber is useful for preventing constipation and helps the body remove toxins. Dragon fruit contains 3 grams of fiber per 100 grams. To provide extra fiber, you can eat other foods, such as cereals and whole wheat bread.

• Iron content

It is important for pregnant women to meet iron needs. Iron has an important role for fetal growth. In addition, adequate iron consumption can increase the immune system and prevent anemia in pregnant women. Pregnant women need at least 27 mg of iron per day. You can meet iron needs by consuming dragon fruit, this fruit supplies 10.6 percent of daily iron needs. Iron deficiency during pregnancy can cause a baby to be born prematurely and have a low baby weight.

• Another source of nutrition

Dragon fruit also contains riboflavin which is useful to help the body produce energy. Riboflavin is needed by the fetus to help the growth of bones, muscles, and nerves of infants. Pregnant women usually need 1.4 mg riboflavin per day. In addition to riboflavin, dragon fruit also contains thiamine needed by the fetus. Thiamine is needed by the fetus to help brain development. The nutritional content in dragon fruit helps pregnant women through pregnancy with a healthy and strong.

Various Alternatives in Eating Dragon Fruit

Dragon fruit has a unique shape and has a varied flesh color. There are several ways you can do to consume dragon fruit, such as eaten directly or processed into fresh juice. In addition, you can also try other serving alternatives, such as mixing it into yogurt or making it into a fruit salad mixture. Despite having a good nutritional content for pregnant women, but so far there has been no research to ensure the safety of dragon fruit for pregnant women. Therefore, pregnant women are encouraged to eat dragon fruit in sufficient quantities and not too much.