Kiwi is a vibrant, nutrient-dense fruit that has become more well-known for its health advantages and refreshing flavor. A woman’s body experiences major changes during pregnancy, so it’s crucial to maintain a balanced diet during this time. Many expectant mothers are unsure if choosing kiwi is a wise decision at this critical juncture.
Packed with vitamins and minerals, this little fuzzy fruit is beneficial to the developing baby as well as the mother. But as with many foods, there are possible risks and things to keep in mind when eating kiwi, especially if you have certain health issues or dietary sensitivity.
This post will discuss the advantages and potential risks of eating kiwis while pregnant. It will also go over some significant contraindications you should be aware of before incorporating kiwis into your diet.
Benefits | Harms and Risks |
Rich in vitamins C and K, which support the immune system and bone health. | Can cause allergic reactions in some individuals, especially those sensitive to latex or other fruits. |
High in fiber, helping to prevent constipation, which is common during pregnancy. | May lead to digestive discomfort or diarrhea if consumed in excess. |
Contains folate, important for fetal development and preventing neural tube defects. | Should be avoided if you have a history of kidney problems due to its oxalate content. |
Low in calories, making it a healthy snack for weight management. | Overconsumption might lead to an upset stomach or bloating. |
Benefits for expectant mothers
Kiwi comes from China, although the fruit got its name due to its external resemblance to the body of the kiwi bird, which lives in New Zealand. Very juicy fruits with unusual green pulp are rich in vitamins, among which the real leader is vitamin C. Botanists are still arguing about where to classify kiwi – as a berry or a fruit. And doctors around the world unanimously say that the fruit has numerous healing properties, and therefore it can be used for nutrition by pregnant women. The calorie content of the product is low – 100 grams of the product contains 61 kcal. The fruit contains carbohydrates, a small amount of protein, but almost no fat. Vitamins are represented by almost the entire constellation of B vitamins, a high amount of ascorbic acid — more than 93 mg per 100 grams of product. Among the minerals in the pulp and juice of the fruit are calcium, potassium, phosphorus and magnesium, in small quantities – iron. One medium fruit weighs about 75 grams, and the weight of large fruits can be twice as much.
During pregnancy, fresh kiwis are safe to consume and will provide maximum benefits. You can prepare jelly, cook jam, blend into a fruit salad, or make a smoothie.
As a source of potassium, kiwi fruits help stabilize blood pressure, and the fruit is also useful for iodine deficiency. It is believed that systematic consumption of kiwi reduces the risk of developing cancer, as well as heart and vascular pathologies. Women often use it for weight loss, since one of the properties of kiwi is effective fat burning. Kiwi in a woman"s diet reduces the basic risks of thrombosis. You can use the fruit not only as food – it nourishes the skin, rejuvenates it, and therefore is often included in homemade cosmetic masks. Such a mask during pregnancy will help reduce the brightness of pigmentation, freckles, and will also promote the production of collagen, which is important for the prevention of stretch marks. A fruit with green pulp and small seeds is useful for cleansing the body of toxins, it gently stimulates the intestines and can be an excellent means of preventing hemorrhoids, helps with constipation, increases appetite. But with anemia, kiwi is of little use to increase hemoglobin, it is better to choose apples or other fruits and berries, which are famous for their high iron content. Kiwi helps to cope with nausea during toxicosis.
Two average-sized fetuses per week is the acceptable amount for pregnant women. Eating kiwis with the peel is worthwhile if the stomach can handle the fruit and there are no oral wounds. The peel is particularly high in antioxidants. A brush can be used to remove unsightly villi.
- The fruits, thanks to potassium salts, help remove excess fluid from the body, which helps to cope with mild edema;
- A woman"s mood improves and stabilizes due to the presence of a large amount of magnesium and B vitamins;
- Iodine deficiency is replenished, the thyroid gland functions normally;
- Ascorbic acid increases and maintains immunity, helps strengthen blood vessels;
- The level of calcium in the blood plasma is sufficiently maintained, which is important for both the baby and his mother;
- Folic acid in the composition is a means of preventing congenital anomalies in the formation of the neural tube of the fetus.
Kiwi is a healthy fruit that provides many advantages during pregnancy, such as strengthening immunity, facilitating digestion, and offering vital vitamins like folic acid, which promotes the growth of the fetus. But, it’s crucial to consume it in moderation because consuming too much of it can result in stomach problems like diarrhea or heartburn. It’s important to see a doctor if you have any food allergies or sensitivities because some people may also experience allergic reactions to kiwis. Pregnancy safety can be ensured by being aware of the advantages and possible risks.
Contraindications and possible harm
A woman should avoid eating kiwis during pregnancy if she has never done so before because there is still a chance of allergic reactions because the fetus is still unusual. It is worth attempting the fruit cautiously after conception, starting with tiny pieces, and closely monitoring your condition, even if a woman had no allergies to this product prior to becoming pregnant. The immune system alters during pregnancy, and anything the body once regarded as normal may now trigger an allergic reaction.
Women with a history of aggravated allergies are advised against eating kiwis because they may have had allergic reactions to dust, plants, or food in the past.
If a woman has a digestive tract condition, you cannot add green-pulp fruit to her diet: not during times of heightened chronic illness, not during intestinal infections, not during poisoning, not during pancreatitis symptoms, and not when she has gastritis with high gastric acidity. In this instance, the fruit will undoubtedly make the current issue worse.
Additionally, kiwis should not be consumed by women who have urolithiasis because of the fruit’s high organic acid content, which can worsen salt deposition. Also, eating fruit while having a flare-up of cystitis is temporarily prohibited.
Fruit can be added to the diets of other women. Without a doubt, you ought to speak with a physician.
Consumption by trimester
The placenta is laid and the fetus’s organs and systems are developing in the first trimester. A woman’s need for folic acid is highest during this time, and broccoli has a slightly higher folic acid content than kiwis. If there are no of the previously listed contraindications, the product is therefore very beneficial for both the expectant mother and the unborn child.
Provitamin A should be taken with caution. Kiwi has a good amount of it. A woman taking synthetic vitamins should avoid eating a lot of kiwis because early retinol overdose can lead to abnormalities in the development of the fetus.
If a woman enjoys the fruit, she can safely increase her intake during the second trimester. Kiwi not only has many advantages but also helps control body weight. When a woman’s health improves in the middle of her pregnancy, usually in the second trimester, she may develop a strong appetite. In this situation, kiwis can be very helpful, especially if the woman consumes a lot of meat. Plant-based enzymes aid in the breakdown of fats and encourage quicker food absorption.
The fruit will help deal with mild edema and constipation in the later stages of the third trimester, which frequently plague women before childbirth.
Recall that taking kiwis along with a laxative can have too strong of an effect, making it impossible to avoid diarrhea.
A pregnant woman’s diet can benefit from the tasty and healthful addition of kiwis, which are a great source of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. Its fiber promotes digestion, which is crucial during pregnancy, and its high vitamin C content can strengthen immunity.
But it’s crucial to only eat kiwis in moderation. In certain people, overindulgence may result in allergic reactions or upset stomachs. See your physician to make sure eating kiwi is safe for you if you have any underlying medical conditions or if you have any strange symptoms after eating it.
Ultimately, when consumed mindfully and as part of a balanced diet, kiwis can offer important nutrients to both mother and child. Always pay attention to your body, and if you have any concerns, see your doctor.