Oranges during pregnancy: doctors' recommendations, benefits and harms

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14

For many, citrus fruits are their favorite: tangerine, grapefruit, lime, pomelo… But orange deserves special attention. Its bright color, sweet taste and tart aroma of essential oils uplift the mood, and the vitamins and microelements included in the composition strengthen the human immune system, have a beneficial effect on the state of the heart, kidneys and blood vessels.

But is this fruit as useful as it might seem at first glance? Is it possible to oranges during pregnancy? These questions are relevant for pregnant women. In the most responsible and incredibly difficult period of their lives, expectant mothers try to eat as many fruits as possible, including oranges. But few people know that an exotic fruit is the strongest natural allergen, therefore, before including a fruit in your diet, you need to carefully study the recommendations of experts on its use.

So is it possible to have oranges duringpregnancy? Let's find the answer to this question together.

Orange: composition and useful properties

The fruit is very juicy, 90% water and only 10% pulp, so it helps to cope with thirst, especially sweet and sour varieties. Orange is a storehouse of vitamins, minerals and other trace elements, below are just a few of them:

• vitamins A, C, E and group B,
• iron,
• potassium,
• magnesium,
• phosphorus,
• calcium,
• folic acid.

Fruit is often recommended to people with reduced immunity and not in vain. After all, vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is responsible for the body's resistance to a number of infections, and also has an anti-inflammatory effect. B vitamins are necessary for the normal functioning of the heart, digestive organs and nervous system. Other trace elements are no less useful. Thus, magnesium favorably affects the functioning of the heart and blood vessels, while calcium and phosphorus improve the condition of the skin, teeth, hair and nails.

He alth benefits of orange for expectant mothers

Can I eat oranges during pregnancy? It is difficult to overestimate the benefits of citrus fruits for the body of expectant mothers. For example, one medium-sized orange contains a daily dose of vitamin C, and folic acid is responsible for the development of the fetus, contributes to the formation of the baby's nervous system.

The juice in the pulp removes harmful toxins and toxins from the body of a woman, in addition,it has a bactericidal effect and has a positive effect on the functioning of the kidneys and bladder. Often, expectant mothers are faced with such a problem as constipation. The fiber contained in the pulp of an orange normalizes bowel function, helps to gently and safely solve a delicate problem.

The essential oil contained in the peel deserves a separate discussion. Its aroma invigorates, improves mood, helps to cope with neuroses and stress. After eating an orange, you do not need to rush to throw away the peel, you can cut it into pieces, put it on a saucer and put it in the room. In a few minutes, the fragrance will spread throughout the room and relieve the expectant mother of the blues and disturbing thoughts.

Oranges during early pregnancy

Often, gynecologists recommend an exotic fruit to their patients in the first weeks of pregnancy. It is known that during this period, many women suffer from toxicosis, and a juicy, sour fruit does not cause nausea. However, with the onset of 21 weeks, its consumption should be reduced, since during this period the baby begins to form its own immunity and oranges can provoke the development of allergic reactions in the future. Is it possible to eat oranges during pregnancy or is it better to give preference to other fruits? Experts say that if the pregnancy proceeds normally, then it is possible and even necessary, but observing the measure. Recommended amount: in the early stages - up to two fruits per day, starting from 21 weeks - no more than one, but it is better to limit3-4 wedges.

Harm orange: what should I pay attention to?

From the above, it is obvious that you can drink oranges during pregnancy, but expectant mothers should be careful and take into account the following points.

• Allergic reactions. The body of a woman during pregnancy is most vulnerable and can react to various processes in a new way. First of all, it concerns food. Even if previously a woman did not have a tendency to allergies, then in this difficult period, everything may turn out differently. To begin with, you should eat a couple of slices and wait two days, if there are no alarming symptoms (itching, redness on the skin), then you can gradually increase the amount.
• Tendency to be overweight. The pulp contains a large amount of sugars (up to 11%), therefore, despite the low calorie content (no more than 47 kcal per 100 g), women who watch their figure should not get carried away with this product.
• The condition of the tooth enamel. Orange juice contains aggressive acids that can destroy tooth enamel. During pregnancy, a woman's teeth become brittle to prevent their decay, after eating orange and other citrus fruits, it is recommended to rinse your mouth with clean and warm water.

When should an orange be completely eliminated from the diet

Can oranges be taken during pregnancy? Yes, but like any product, they have contraindications for use, due to the high content of sugar and various acids. From an exotic fruit followsrefuse people diagnosed with the following diseases:

• diabetes mellitus;
• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, in particular, gastritis, ulcers, colitis;
• food allergy (especially severe forms);
• individual intolerance to the product.

In these cases, the use of fresh oranges should be abandoned or consult your doctor.

How to diversify the menu with citrus fruits

Fresh oranges during pregnancy can be fearlessly eaten only in the first weeks of pregnancy, and then you should be careful. If the expectant mother really wants to enjoy the aroma of citrus fruits, then you should chop the peel of a fresh orange and dry it. Further, on the basis of fragrant peels, you can make tasty and he althy tea. It is necessary to take 2 teaspoons of prepared crusts, pour a glass of boiling water (200–250 ml) and cover with a saucer. After an hour and a half, the fragrant infusion will be ready, it can be added to tea. Instead of sugar, it is recommended to add a spoonful of honey to the drink.

If you can't, but really want to

During pregnancy, many expectant mothers note an irresistible craving to treat themselves to an orange, and not one, but at least a dozen. There is a simple explanation for this - the body is deficient in vitamin C and other elements that make up citrus fruits. Other fruits and vegetables containing ascorbic acid will help to cope with the problem. It can be red bell pepper, apples, black currants, parsley and dill. You should know that only with a full and balanced diet of the mother, the baby will receive all the necessary substances and vitamins. Oranges during pregnancy are useful, but everything should be in moderation!