Pregnancy is a happy period in the life of every woman. And so say many women. But is everything so perfect? Probably unlikely. After all, pregnancy for the female body is stress, constant restructuring and a deficiency of many trace elements. As you can see, not everything is so rosy. Take at least a disease such as anemia.
In pregnant women, it occurs due to a decrease in the level of iron in the blood. Such a pathology is fraught with many undesirable consequences for both the woman herself and her child. Indeed, the lack of such a trace element leads to a decrease in hemoglobin, due to which the cells of our body are saturated with oxygen.
But medications do not always cope with such a pathology. Food comes to the rescue. Many doctors recommend consuming pomegranate during pregnancy. Let's see how this fruit is so useful.
Chemical composition
To understand why pomegranate is so useful during pregnancy, it is worth considering carefully its chemical composition. This fruit is a storehouse of trace elements and vitamins that are so necessary for the female body. So, pomegranate contains:
- Various vitamins: groups B, PP, E, C, A and others.
- Trace elements: potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium and, of course, iron.
- Organic acids and amino acids.
- Tannins.
- Phytoestrogens, antioxidants and phytoncides.
So, is pomegranate possible during pregnancy? Of course yes. True, if there are no contraindications.
Pomegranate Properties
The benefits of pomegranate during pregnancy may seem obvious to many. After all, any fruit is useful. The components of pomegranate affect many processes in the body of a woman:
- Lower blood sugar and cholesterol. This point should be taken into account by those women who have some problems with blood vessels and blood formation processes.
- Strengthening the protective functions of the body.
- Improving memory and concentration.
- Reducing the risk of cancer. After all, the components of this fruit destroy carcinogens.
- Elimination of inflammatory processes, reduction of stress on the joints.
- Prevention of age-related skin changes - aging. Often, pomegranates are popularly called the rejuvenating apple.
When you have a general idea of the benefits of pomegranate, it is worth considering in more detail how this product affects the woman’s body at different stages of pregnancy.
Fruit and body of a pregnant woman
Pomegranate during pregnancy is recommended by many experts. After all, it allows the body of the future mother to cope with the loads:
- Due to her interesting position, a woman may experience lethargy and weakness. Often there is drowsiness, as well as increased susceptibility to various diseases. However, pomegranate can eliminate such phenomena, thanks to its amino acids and, of course, vitamin C.
- To avoid problems associated with the composition of the blood, it is also necessary to use pomegranate juice or the fruit itself during pregnancy, since it contains iron and potassium.
- Pomegranate is also indicated for those women who experience seizures. Unpleasant cramps go away thanks to magnesium.
- So that there are no problems with weight, the nutrition of the expectant mother should be balanced. It is worth noting that pomegranate contains fats, carbohydrates and proteins, which allow you to maintain shape.
- Thanks to vitamin A, a pregnant woman will have fewer problems with the mucous membranes, bones and eyes.
- B vitamins will improve your mood. In addition, these substances are actively involved in the formation of the child’s nervous system.
- As for vitamin E, it helps prevent the risk of miscarriage. In addition, this substance takes part in the formation of the placenta.
Early dates
In the early stages of pregnancy, pomegranate juice or the fruit itself is simply necessary. After all, such products help the expectant mother:
- Cope with toxicosis.
- Prevent the risk of miscarriage.
- Saturate the body with useful substances. This is important, especially with a constant feeling of nausea. During this period, many women refuse to eat, and this weakens the body.
- Improve your appetite and remove toxins. Harmful substances are eliminated from the body thanks to pectin.
- In the early stages of pregnancy, a woman may experience migraine attacks that cannot be stopped with medication. Of course, immediately get rid of unpleasant symptoms will not work. However, daily use of fruit will avoid headaches.
According to expert reviews, it is not recommended for expectant mothers to consume pomegranate seeds in the early stages, as they contain phytoestrogens. These substances can cause a miscarriage.
Second trimester
Pomegranate will be useful during pregnancy and in the second trimester. During this period, many women experience constipation. After all, the growing fetus and uterus begin to put pressure on the intestines. As a result, problems arise with its emptying.
In addition, pomegranate contains fiber, which allows you to effectively and quickly cleanse the digestive tract from toxins. Thanks to this, a woman will not gain weight.
Many sources on the Internet may indicate that a decoction of pomegranate peels can help get rid of parasites (worms) and all kinds of infections. However, it is not. It is not recommended to use pomegranate peels during pregnancy, as they contain toxins. If your health and the health of the baby are dear to you, you should not resort to such dubious methods of therapy.
Third trimester
Pomegranate during pregnancy in the third trimester is also needed. According to reviews, this fruit has a diuretic effect, which allows you to get rid of edema and remove excess fluid from the body. This is another product advantage. Indeed, pregnant women in the last stages have severe edema, which is dangerous for the baby's life.
To avoid such phenomena, experts recommend consuming 1 fruit per day or drinking pomegranate juice, preferably on an empty stomach.
Is it possible for everyone?
So what to do if during pregnancy you want pomegranate? Of course, you can eat it, but before using such a product, you should also learn about contraindications. Such a fruit can not be eaten if a pregnant woman:
- High tooth sensitivity or fine enamel, as pomegranate juice contains a large amount of acid.
- Intolerance to this product.
- There is an ulcer, and in any department of the gastrointestinal tract.
- The acute form of gastritis or its history.
- Enteritis.
- Violation of bowel movements.
- Heartburn, as well as cracks in the rectum and anus, or hemorrhoids.
According to reviews, pomegranate during pregnancy brings many benefits, but in some cases it can do much harm.
How to use?
If there are no contraindications, then pomegranates during pregnancy should be consumed, observing some rules:
- For the prevention of ailments and some diseases, at one time you can eat 1 small or ½ part of a large pomegranate.
- Before use, pomegranate juice must be diluted with boiled water, as it is sold in concentrated form.
- You can use pomegranate juice for prevention 4 times a week, drinking a glass of a tasty and healthy drink during the day.
As the reviews of the fairer sex show, before using such a product for the treatment of pathologies, it is worth consulting a gynecologist observing your pregnancy. The specialist will help determine the dosages and dosage regimen.
In conclusion
In order for a pregnancy to really bring joy, it is necessary to follow the rules regarding not only lifestyle, but also balanced nutrition. If a woman experiences even slight weakness, it is worth saying to the attending physician about this. Self-medication during pregnancy is not worth it. And this applies not only to a decoction of pomegranate peels. Yes, and to eat foods in doubt, is also not recommended. After all, not only the life of the pregnant woman, but also the unborn child depends on this.