Helps the baby's brain development and prevents constipation
KONTAN.CO.ID – When a woman is pregnant, she must be careful with the food she consumes because it can affect the fetus.
For women who are pregnant for the first time, they will usually think twice before eating anything.
While pregnant, a mother-to-be may wonder whether certain foods can be eaten or not and what are their ingredients and benefits.
However, for pregnant women, the majority of fresh fruits and vegetables are mandatory for pregnant women. One type of fruit that is good for pregnant women to consume is oranges.
Also Read: Rich in essential vitamins, these are 10 benefits of bananas for pregnant women
6 Benefits of citrus fruits for pregnant women
Oranges are rich in vitamin C, iron, zinc and folic acid. Consumption of oranges during the first trimester of pregnancy is highly recommended as it helps the fetal brain development.
In addition, eating oranges while pregnant can improve immune function and are beneficial for the skin. Summarized from page Parenting Firstcry, here are the benefits of citrus fruit for pregnant women:
1. Helps strengthen the immune system
Oranges are rich in vitamin C which can strengthen the immune system of pregnant women and babies. Oranges also contain iron and zinc which are important for the immune system.
Eating oranges can help reduce the risk of allergies during pregnancy. In addition, the content in oranges can also support the development of cartilage, tissue, blood vessels, and bones in babies.
Also Read: 7 Types of fruit that are good for pregnant women to consume for fetal development
2. Can help the baby’s brain development
Oranges are a good source of vitamin B6 and folic acid. Eating oranges while pregnant will help with the development of the baby’s brain and prevent neural tube defects, which are known to cause abnormalities in the brain and spinal cord in babies.
The folate content in oranges can help in the formation of blood cells, new tissue growth, and the development of a healthy placenta. However, excessive folate intake can cause babies to be born with high body weight.
3. Can help prevent constipation
Oranges are rich in soluble and insoluble fiber and cellulose which can help regulate bowel movements and cure constipation, a common problem in pregnancy. The fiber content in it can also relieve stomach problems and bloating.
Also Read: 5 Benefits of watermelon for pregnant women, reduce the risk of preeclampsia
4. Helps control blood pressure levels
The high potassium content in oranges can help regulate blood pressure levels in pregnant women and prevent hypertension during pregnancy.
5. Keep pregnant women hydrated
In addition to contributing to daily fluid intake, oranges contain sodium and potassium to maintain a balance of fluid levels in the body. With a water content of 88%, oranges help balance water and hydration in the body.
6. Beneficial for the skin
Oranges are powerful antioxidants. Eating oranges can have a soothing effect on the skin, keeping it firm and providing enough moisture to prevent acne breakouts.