For many, the favorite fruits are citrus fruits: mandarin, grapefruit, lime, pomelo ... But an orange deserves special attention. Its bright color, sweet taste and astringent aroma of essential oils raises the mood, and the vitamins and minerals included in the composition strengthen the human immunity, have a beneficial effect on the condition of the heart, kidneys and blood vessels.
But is this fruit so useful as it might seem at first glance? Is it possible to have oranges during pregnancy? These questions are relevant for pregnant women. In the most crucial 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 oranges during pregnancy? 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 for 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. No less useful are other trace elements. So, magnesium favorably affects the work of the heart and blood vessels, and calcium and phosphorus improve the condition of the skin, teeth, hair and nails.
The benefits of orange for the health of expectant mothers
Can oranges be eaten during pregnancy? It is difficult to overestimate the benefits of citrus 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, which is in the pulp, removes harmful toxins and toxins from the woman’s body, in addition, it has a bactericidal effect and has a positive effect on the functioning of the kidneys and bladder. Often, expectant mothers face such a problem as constipation. Fiber, contained in the pulp of orange, normalizes the intestines, helps gently and safely solve a delicate problem.
A separate conversation deserves the essential oil contained in the peel. Its aroma invigorates, improves mood, helps to cope with neurosis and stress. Having eaten an orange, do not rush to throw away the peel, it can be cut into pieces, put on a saucer and put it in the room. After a few minutes, the fragrance will spread throughout the room and relieve the expectant mother of the blues and anxious thoughts.
Early Oranges
Gynecologists often 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 prefer other fruits? Experts argue 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 limit 3-4 slices.
The harm of an orange: what should I look for?
From the foregoing, it is obvious that oranges can be used 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 the most vulnerable and can react to different processes in a new way. This primarily 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 lobules and wait two days, if there is no alarming symptom (itching, redness on the skin), then you can gradually increase the amount.
- The tendency to overweight. The pulp contains a large amount of sugars (up to 11%), therefore, despite the low calorie content (not more than 47 kcal per 100 g), women who watch their figure should not get carried away with this product.
- The condition of tooth enamel. Orange juice contains aggressive acids that can destroy tooth enamel. During pregnancy, the woman’s teeth become brittle to prevent their destruction, after eating orange and other citrus fruits, it is recommended to rinse her mouth with clean and warm water.
In which cases the orange should be completely excluded from the diet
Is it possible to have oranges during pregnancy? Yes, but like any product, they have contraindications for consumption, the reason is the high content of sugar and various acids. Exotic fruit should be discarded to people who have been diagnosed with the following diseases:
- diabetes;
- gastrointestinal diseases, in particular, gastritis, ulcers, colitis;
- food allergies (especially severe forms);
- individual intolerance to the product.
In these cases, the use of fresh oranges should be abandoned or consult with your doctor.
How to diversify the menu with citrus fruits
Fresh oranges during pregnancy can be eaten fearlessly only in the first weeks of pregnancy, and then caution should be exercised. If the expectant mother really wants to enjoy the aroma of citrus, then you should grind the peel of a fresh orange and dry it. Further, based on fragrant peels, you can make tasty and healthy tea. It is necessary to take 2 teaspoons of the prepared crusts, pour a glass of boiling water (200–250 ml) and cover with a saucer. After an hour and a half, the aromatic 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
During pregnancy, many expectant mothers note an irresistible craving to pamper themselves with an orange, and not one, but at least a dozen. There is a simple explanation for this - the body lacks 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, blackcurrant, parsley and dill. You should know that only with a full and balanced diet of mom, the baby will receive all the necessary substances and vitamins. Oranges during pregnancy are useful, but everything should be in moderation!