Pregnancy is a beautiful time in your life. Although your body is going through many vigorous changes, you are preparing to bring another life into this world, and there is nothing better than that.
As many know, a balanced diet is essential to a healthy pregnancy, and making wholesome, nutritional choices effects both you and your baby. In fact, there are certain natural foods that should be consumed to ensure optimal physical and cognitive development for your growing baby, including Kiwi.
As sweet as they are, Kiwis contain natural sugars and are low in calories, helping to decrease unhealthy cravings and maintain proper blood sugar levels.
Below, are 5 reasons why Kiwi is one of the best pregnancy superfoods:
Vitamin C
During pregnancy, Vitamin C acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting the developing baby’s RNA and DNA from the dangerous effects of free radicals. A single kiwi contains 140% more Vitamin C than the recommended daily dosage. Vitamin C also boosts brain function and cognitive development, while creating a strengthened immune system. Kiwi is great for mothers too, as it helps to reduce the appearance of stretch marks post-pregnancy.
Iron
When pregnant, increased Iron consumption is essential because the amount of blood in your body increases to nearly 50%. Kiwi contains a vast amount of Iron, which helps to deliver oxygen to red blood cells in the body in order to build enzyme compounds. A lack of Iron can result in a premature delivery or lowered birth weight.
Dietary Fiber
With pregnancy comes unavoidable digestive issues. Kiwis are important in alleviating discomforting digestive issues such as gas, diarrhea, constipation, and bloating. Increasing dietary fiber intake during pregnancy lowers the mother’s blood pressure, as well as reduces pregnancy risks.
Vitamin K
While a Vitamin K injection is very common for newborns, it is important to consume the mineral naturally as well. Kiwis contain abundant amounts of Vitamin K, which aid in strong bone and muscle development, and stimulate protein formation in the developing baby’s liver. Additionally, Vitamin K helps blood to clot, preventing heavy bleeding during the baby’s delivery.
Folate
Folate plays in important role, during pregnancy, as it boosts the production and formation of new cells in the baby’s growing body, and assures proper development of the baby’s vital organs while in the womb.
Next time you have a sweet tooth, pick up a Kiwi and think of all the positive benefits this superfood has for both you and your beautiful baby.
And, as always, remember to wash all fruit thoroughly before consumption.
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