With a long list of don’ts during pregnancy it is obvious to get confused and become over cautious. Read on to learn if litchi is safe to eat during pregnancy.Why are you thinking twice before eating anything? Are you pregnant? Well, this is what happens when you attempt to protect the growing baby inside you by all means. Pregnancy is the time for healthy foods – you need to have a proper balance of carbohydrate, proteins, fat, vitamins, and minerals.
There are few fruits and vegetables that are restricted for you during this phase even if you are fond of them, and there are few foods which you may not like but are very beneficial for you now. Let us see if having litchi is a good idea during pregnancy.
Is It Good to Eat Litchi During Pregnancy?
Litchi is a summer fruit and is relished by almost every one. A bowl of sweet, plump, and juicy litchis is all what you want to enjoy in the summer afternoons. Litchis are a great natural source of vitamin B-complex, vitamin C, and potassium – all these nutrients are very important for a pregnant lady, for the proper growth and development of the foetus and also for good health of the mother. So, litchis are definitely good to eat during pregnancy.
Benefits of Eating Litchi during Pregnancy
If you are pregnant, you and your baby need to build a lot of collagen – it is a type of protein which is needed for the growth of tendons, bones, cartilage, and skin. Litchis are loaded with vitamin-C, so eating them can help you and your baby to have healthy collagen. Vitamin C also helps in maintaining a healthy immunity, thus it helps you fight against common coughs and colds. It also acts as an antioxidant cutting down the free radicals causing diseases.
Litchi Is Loaded with Vitamin-B Complex
Fresh litchi contains riboflavin, folate, vitamin B6, and niacin. This vitamin-B complex keeps you active and energetic throughout the day, and also helps in preventing
nausea, which is a common complaint among pregnant women. Riboflavin promotes good eyesight, growth, and healthy skin of your growing baby. It is also important for maintaining strong bones and muscles and also nerve development in your baby.
Pyridoxine helps in metabolizing food, and helps in forming new red blood cells, transmitters, and antibodies. Niacin is found to improve cholesterol levels, and thus reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Folate is the key ingredient for maintaining the nerve development of your baby, and reducing the risk of any neural tube birth defects, such as spina bifida.
Other Benefits of Consuming Litchi during Pregnancy
Pregnant women often complain about
constipation. The high content of potassium in litchi relieves the symptom of constipation. It also helps you deal against muscle cramping, fight
fatigue, and heart arrhythmia caused commonly during pregnancy. It also maintains the fluid balance in the body. Litchi is also a good source of magnesium and phosphorus, which is needed for strong healthy bones.
Litchi Offers Natural Sweetness
If you have craving for sweet, you do not have to rely on sweets that have a chance to increase your calorie, but you can always enjoy a bowl of litchis for your craving. Litchis offer natural sweetness, so you can keep your calorie intake on track. Also, this reduces the chance of gestational diabetes in pregnant women.
Are There Any Side Effects of Eating Litchi During Pregnancy?
There are no side effects of eating litchi during pregnancy, unless you have an allergy to the fruit. Allergic reactions can cause abdominal pain, diarrhoea, breathing problem,
dizziness, and even unconsciousness.
So, before you introduce litchi in your diet, consult with your doctor if your pregnancy will be benefitted by eating litchis.
Is it healthy to eat litchi during pregnancy? Is it harmful to eat litchi during pregnancy? What are the benefits of eating litchi during pregnancy? Discuss here.