On that note, the consumption of watermelon during pregnancy is gaining interest. This delicious fruit can be included in the diet of pregnant women as it is safe and replete with nutrients. Learn more about the benefits this fruit offers during pregnancy. Continue reading.
Watermelon — A Brief
Scientific Name — Citrullus lanatusOrigin — Southern AfricaOther Names — Tarbooz (Hindi and Urdu), Kadu vrindavana (Marathi), puchakaya (Telugu), Kallangadi (Kannada), Tormuj (Bengali), and Indrak (Gujarati) With summer comes the sweet and alluring scent of watermelon! The fruit that is known to quench your thirst and satisfy your taste buds without any efforts (if we can forget the trouble of picking out the annoying seeds). Watermelon, as the name suggests, is a fruit with 92% water and 100% taste. It has a typical sweet, juicy, crunchy flavor with an appealing granular texture that makes it one of the top choices to beat the summer heat. This summer fruit is an excellent source of essential nutrients, including Vitamin A, C, B6, magnesium, and potassium (1). Watermelon also contains high fiber, a property that makes it a part of the ‘tummy-filling’ clan. The seeds of this fruit are crunchy and wholly edible. This was watermelon and its properties in a nutshell. Let’s move on to the next section to know about its importance during pregnancy. Stay with us!
Health Benefits Of Watermelon During Pregnancy
Let’s find out:
1. Eases Heart Burns
Watermelon is very soothing for the stomach and the food pipe. Pregnant women suffer from various digestive problems like acidity and heartburn. Watermelon has cooling properties that help ease these problems, giving instant relief. So next time your heart gives you trouble, go for a watermelon treat and you’ll be fine!
2. Reduces Swelling In Feet And Hands
Edema, or light swelling of the feet and hands, is very common during pregnancy. Watermelon with its high water content reduces the blockages in the veins and the muscles and thus helps prevent edema.
3. Alleviates Morning Sickness
Watermelon, consumed during the mornings, gives a very refreshing, soothing and light start to the day. It also contains nutritional and energizing properties that prevent the occurrence of morning sickness. It is a good idea for a pregnant woman to start the day with a glass of fresh watermelon juice. Try it today! Note: Add a dash of lemon and rock salt to your watermelon juice, if you like it savory and fine.
4. Prevents Dehydration
All pregnant women are advised to drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. Dehydration can cause premature contractions and lead to a premature birth. Watermelon contains more than 90% water and eating it is a great way to stay hydrated.
5. Reduces Muscle Cramps
During pregnancy, a woman’s body goes through a wide array of changes. The extra weight and hormones cause the muscles and bones to ache. Consuming watermelon in any of its forms helps the body cope better with these changes and ease the muscle cramps.
6. Prevents Pigmentation
Many pregnant women suffer from pigmented skin. This irritating problem can take away the joy from pregnancy. Watermelons keep the bowel movements smooth and ease the digestion of food. This, in turn, affects the skin texture for good. The pigmentation of the skin in various parts of the body is minimized by the regular cleansing of the body. So, eat watermelon for that glowing look!
7. Boosts Immunity
When you are pregnant, your body is fending for two souls—you and your growing baby. Any lapse in your health can directly affect your unborn child’s growth and development. Don’t worry! Having watermelon regularly can help strengthen your immunity. This fruit contains lycopene, an antioxidant that is responsible for its red color, which helps reduce the chances of pre-eclampsia by 50 percent. It also plays an important part in building up your immunity which might see a drop during pregnancy (2, 3).
8. Treats Constipation
Constipation is a common problem during pregnancy. Watermelon is a safe and reliable cure to clear away your disrupted bowel movements. It is highly rich in fiber which promotes stool formation, and its water content helps clear the passageway, creating pressure for bowels.
9. Soothes Heat Rashes
Pregnancy also paves the way for more body heat, resulting in heat rashes that can cause irritation and itching. Watermelon, with its high hydrating power and cooling properties, is an excellent solution for these rashes. This summer fruit also prevents the persistent dryness of the skin, keeping it hydrated and itch-free 24/7.
10. Cures Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
In the early stages of pregnancy, many women complain of urinary tract infection (UTI). It’s a common yet annoying problem that multiplies with our inability to go for proper medication during pregnancy. Fret not! Here is a tried-and-tested natural formula to put an end to this disorder. Watermelons! This juicy fruit is perfect due to its high water content and antibacterial properties. This way watermelon helps flush the stagnating bacteria from the urinary tract, relieving you from constant and painful urination.
11. Promotes A Healthy Vision
Watermelon also contains beta-carotene, an antioxidant that gets converted into vitamin A, in abundance (4). This way it helps scavenge free-radicals that may cause severe damage to the cells. Vitamin A is also related to a healthy vision, as it helps protect the outer layer of the eye (cornea). It also facilitates a healthy optical nerve transmission (5).
12. Supports Fetus Bone Formation
Watermelon is also particularly high in calcium and potassium, minerals that are directly linked to the proper bone development of your unborn baby. So don’t forget to include daily dose of watermelon for pregnant lady!
Ways To Consume Watermelon During Pregnancy
You can get creative and use this fruit in a number of ways. Some of the tried-and–tested methods are given below. Have a look:
1. Watermelon Lemonade
Cheers to the most refreshing juice of the century! This perfect mix of sweet and sour taste is for would-be moms who like to experiment with their drinks.
4 cups cubed watermelon 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice 1/2 cup sugar 4 cups cold water Ice cubes
2. Watermelon Popsicle
This easy to make recipe is perfect to cure morning sickness.
2 cups of watermelon (seedless), cubed 1/2 cup water
3. Watermelon Salsa
Here is a dip that can go with your pregnancy cravings!
3 cups finely chopped watermelon 1 cucumber, diced 1 mango, diced 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 tablespoon finely chopped basil leaves 1 1/2 teaspoons lime zest 1/4 cup lime juice 1 tablespoon sugar Salt and pepper
4. Watermelon, Arugula, Feta and Mint Salad
Bored with the regular salads? Try this one!
1 1/2 cups seedless watermelon, diced 1 1/2 cups arugula (rocket salad) 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled 1/4 cup finely sliced red onion 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 6 olives, chopped Salt and pepper, to taste
5. Watermelon Jelly
Love jellies? Then this recipe is just for you!
3 cups watermelon juice 100 grams gelatin 1/2 cup white sugar 1/4 cup fresh lime juice 1 teaspoon canola oil
A Word Of Caution
Though watermelon is incredibly good for health, it does have a few side effects, especially when you go overboard with this yummy fruit. Have a look:
Excessive consumption of watermelons can lead to high levels of blood glucose and, in turn, to gestational diabetes. Using watermelon as a cleanser can flush out even the essential nutrients from the body. Watermelon spoils quickly. So, avoid any form of watermelon that has stayed in the open for long as it may cause gastrointestinal problems and lead to nausea and vomiting. Eat freshly cut melons and drink fresh juice. Last but definitely not the least, consult your doctor if you plan to include watermelon in your diet. Your doctor knows your situation best and can recommend the right portions for maximum benefits.
Does watermelon cause cold and cough? Check out the infographic below to learn about some specific health advantages watermelons have to offer to those of you who are expecting. The intake of watermelon offers many benefits, and it has long been reported to be beneficial in the prevention and treatment of cold (6). However, persistent coughing is one of the most common symptoms of watermelon allergy. Is watermelon hot or cold for the body? Watermelon has cooling properties and it is cold for the body. When should you not eat watermelon? Watermelons are not recommended to be consumed at night because of their slow digestion. Eating them in excess at night may cause irritable bowel syndrome.
