Grapefruit during pregnancy - the benefits and harm

Citrus fruits are one of the controversial food categories that many pregnant women approach with caution. This results from the fact that their excessive use in food can negatively affect a prenatal condition of the child. But grapefruit can be safely eaten at any time. Due to the balanced composition and the absence of potential allergens, it will not cause harm to health. What is useful in this original fruit, and in what cases should it be discarded?

Grapefruit Features

Grapefruit is a subtropical evergreen tree belonging to the ruta family. Its fruits resemble oranges, but often exceed them in size and have a denser skin.It was first discovered in Barbados in the 17th century, and since then it has been considered the wonder of the island. Today, it has become popular far beyond the borders of the historic homeland - there are more than 20 grapefruit varieties in the world grown in subtropical countries.

The flavonoid naringin contained in zest, peel and peel is responsible for the unique bitter taste of this fruit. This is a unique component that has a powerful effect on the body: from strengthening vessels and capillaries to improving the cardiovascular system. It also acts as an antioxidant, protecting against cancer and stimulating the immune system. One of the most striking properties of naringin is the stimulation of bile outflow and the protection of the liver from the negative effects of the environment.

The main concern associated with citrus is whether they provoke allergies. If a woman did not have a reaction to a grapefruit before pregnancy, then she will not appear during the childbearing. Moreover, it is considered one of the safest among all citrus fruits. The only caveat is a safe dosage (one fruit per day is enough).

Useful properties of grapefruit for pregnant women

Consider what is good in grapefruit and why it should be eaten by women in position:

1. The vitamins PP and K contained in the fruit strengthen the walls of blood vessels and stimulate good blood flow to the placenta.
2. Iron protects a pregnant woman from anemia, which according to statistics, faces more than 80% of all pregnant women. Due to its decrease, the number of red blood cells responsible for the transfer of oxygen to the tissues decreases.
3. Calcium is also present in grapefruit, which is responsible for laying the skeleton and the child’s teeth. It is also necessary for the normal functioning of the kidneys and the proper functioning of the blood system of the body.
4. This fruit is also rich in ascorbic acid: per 100 grams of pulp accounts for up to 57 mg of vitamin C. Regular consumption of grapefruit strengthens the immune system of a woman, helping to cope with bacterial and viral infections.
5. Due to pectic substances, grapefruit perfectly stimulates intestinal motility, eliminating constipation.

In addition to the above-mentioned minerals, grapefruit also contains manganese, sodium, potassium and zinc. In addition to vitamin C, pro-vitamin A and vitamin E are present in the pulp.

Grapefruit juice has a high antibacterial activity, it improves digestion and is often recommended for physical and mental fatigue. It will also help get rid of dizziness, general weakness and drowsiness.

Contraindications

The fact is that the grapefruit glycosides, including the naringin mentioned above, block the work of the cytochrome of the liver, which is responsible for the breakdown of all substances entering the body. As a result, hormones are disturbed, which during pregnancy is of fundamental importance. Including this affects the absorption of certain drugs, which can cause their serious overdose. Therefore, grapefruit juice can not be washed down with any medication, especially antihistamine and lowering pressure.

Grapefruit should be discarded in case of increased acidity of the stomach and gastritis.

How to choose and store grapefruit

There are several basic rules for choosing grapefruit:

1. The fruit should be whole, the color of the skin - homogeneous, and its structure - the same (there should not be too soft areas).
2. A unique feature of grapefruit is that it does not ripen after it is picked. Therefore, you need to choose the most difficult and fragrant fruit.
3. The color of the skin indicates a particular variety, and not whether the fruit is ripe or not. It can range from pale green to deep orange.

You can store grapefruit for several days at normal room temperature. If you need to extend this period, then the fruit must be placed in a refrigerator in a special department for fruits. There they can lie for several weeks.

How to eat grapefruit?

You can eat grapefruit in any way acceptable to a woman. It should be added to fruit or vegetable salads, or make juice from it. Some recipes include it as a base garnish for meat. But it is desirable to use the fruit in its pure form, without subjecting it to heat treatment. Optimally - half an hour before meals. But immediately after eating it is better to give it up, as, indeed, from any other fruit. In this case, the fetus will simply rot in the intestines, being, as such, ballast.

If you suffer from early toxicosis, eat up to half of the fruit in the morning before breakfast. You need to eat slowly, literally a teaspoon.This will reduce morning nausea and help get rid of vomiting.

Additional use of grapefruit

Fruit has proven itself in the fight against bleeding gums. To eliminate this problem, you can use the recipe given above, only the resulting broth should be rinsed mouth twice a day immediately after a meal. Many use for this purpose fresh grapefruit juice, but dentists oppose such manipulations. Since in pregnant women, tooth enamel is greatly weakened, and in grapefruit juice there are many acids, the juice from the pulp of the fruit will destroy it.

Grapefruit Essential Oil

Pregnant women can also actively use natural grapefruit essential oil. The safest way to use it is to drop 2-3 drops into the aromatic lamp and inhale the vapors. Oil perfectly disinfects the air in the room, helps to increase the overall energy tone, helps in the fight against nervous exhaustion and depression.It can be combined with other citrus oils or lavender. Natural extract from grapefruit can be added to cosmetics or base oils (wheat germ or almond) and used as a natural nutrient. And from the 16th week it can be dripped into natural olive oil and rubbed into the abdomen, hips and chest. This is a great combination for the prevention of stretch marks.

Grapefruit is very useful during pregnancy. It has a beneficial effect on the body, helps eliminate early toxicosis and edema. Finally, this is just a tasty fruit with an amazing flavor, uplifting.

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