Is Guava Good For Pregnancy?
- Author :
- TATA AIG Team
- ●
- Last Updated On :
- 02/09/2024
Are you wondering whether you should be eating guava during pregnancy? The answer is yes; you should. Guava is a beneficial and delicious fruit in general, and for pregnant women, it is a source of various minerals and vitamins.
Here, you can find various benefits of guava for pregnant women, including some guava recipes and necessary precautions to take while consuming it during pregnancy.
Interesting Information About Guava
Guava, also known as common guava and Psidium guajava in scientific language, is a tropical tree. It can grow up to 3 to 10 metres in height, the roots of the plant are shallow, and its trunk can be up to 20 cm in diameter.
The leaves of guava trees grow in pairs, and they grow in opposite directions. Its leaves are known for their medicinal properties, as it helps in relieving toothache. But it is guava fruit for which this plant is cultivated.
The fruit guava has been consumed and loved by people for centuries, and the fruit has a green exterior and fleshy fruit inside with seeds. Its flesh has different variants, too: white flesh, yellow and red flesh, with taste varying between sweet and sour.
Nutritional Value of Guava
Guava's Nutritional Value per 100g | |
---|---|
Energy | 68 kcal |
Fat | 0.5 g |
Protein | 2.55 g |
Carbohydrates | 14.32 g |
Sugars | 8.92 g |
Dietary Fibre | 5.4 g |
Lycopene | 5200 µg |
Vitamins | |
Vitamin A equiv. | 31 μg |
beta-Carotene | 374 μg |
Vitamin B1 | 0.067 mg |
Vitamin B2 | 0.04 mg |
Vitamin B3 | 1.084 mg |
Vitamin B5 | 0.451 mg |
Vitamin B6 | 0.11 mg |
Vitamin B9 | 49 μg |
Vitamin C | 228.3 mg |
Vitamin K | 2.2 μg |
Minerals | |
Calcium | 18 mg |
Iron | 0.26 mg |
Potassium | 417 mg |
Sodium | 2 mg |
Magnesium | 22 mg |
Manganese | 0.1 mg |
Phosphorus | 40 mg |
Zinc | 0.23 mg |
Health Benefits of Eating Guava for Pregnancy
Reduces Risk of Anaemia
Pregnant women need to have good haemoglobin levels for their bodies and the healthy growth of their babies. Guava is rich in Vitamin C, so consuming guava during pregnancy helps in the absorption of iron. It also helps relieve the issues related to iron deficiency anaemia, such as a shortage of oxygen in the tissues and throughout the body.
Controls Blood Pressure Levels
Another benefit of eating guava during pregnancy is controlling blood pressure. Consuming guava during pregnancy prevents blood clotting and maintains healthy blood flow through the body and foetus. It also reduces the risks of premature birth or miscarriage.
However, it is suggested that you consult your dietician and doctor before including guava in your daily diet, especially if you are thinking of consuming guava during pregnancy first trimester, which is considered a critical time.
Guava During Pregnancy for Digestion
Eating guava during pregnancy helps maintain healthy digestion and keeps digestive problems at bay. It is suggested that women eat alkaline-rich food during pregnancy to avoid the risks of GRED (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) or acid reflux. Guava is an alkaline fruit that can help keep acid levels in check. Snacking guava during pregnancy will ensure normal pH levels in the stomach.
Infection Prevention
During pregnancy, women can become sensitive to changes in their environment and become prone to infections. Building their immunity is important to prevent harm to them and their babies.
Guava is beneficial during pregnancy. It contains vitamins A, C, and E and antioxidants that help fight infectious bacteria and build immunity. It means that guava reduces the chance of overall disease in pregnant women.
Reduces Risk of Gestational Diabetes
Pregnant women can develop the risk of gestational diabetes. However, consuming guava benefits in pregnancy by not only controlling the blood sugar levels but also regulating blood sugar. It reduces the chance of gestational diabetes in women and keeps the baby healthy, too.
Helps in Healthy Weight Management
Maintaining a healthy weight during pregnancy is crucial for a healthy baby and an uncomplicated delivery. That is why pregnant mothers are suggested to include fibrous foods in their diets, too.
Guava, being low in calories and fibre-rich, is a great option. Eating guava during pregnancy gives you the feeling of fullness and helps reduce overeating; thus, weight management becomes easy.
Guava During Pregnancy First Trimester for Morning Sickness
Morning sickness is one of the most common issues that pregnant women face during the initial stages. Eating small amounts of guava during pregnancy can help in curbing morning sickness as it contains natural sugars and high water content. Taking frequent and small bites of guava may provide relief from nausea and vomiting.
Nutritional Values for the Baby
Pregnant women need to eat nutritional food that helps in healthy foetus development. These foods should be rich in vitamins, folate and other necessary nutrients. Guava is one such fruit that can provide those nutrients for the healthy growth of a baby.
It contains vitamin C and helps in the absorption of iron, which maintains a good flow of oxygen to the baby through the mother. Moreover, the folate present in it helps in reducing spinal developmental risks and congenital disabilities in the baby.
** Gives Glow to the Skin**
If you want to achieve that pregnancy glow, then you must include good food in your diet. Eating guava during pregnancy can help you achieve that. It contains antioxidants and vitamins that promote healthy skin. Regular consumption of guava can help combat hormonal issues and provide you with a radiant glow.
Guava for Pregnancy Muscle and Nerve Relieve
During pregnancy, women often feel cramps and weakness in their muscles and nerves. The magnesium content in the guava helps them feel relaxed and soothes their nerves. Regular consumption of guava can help relieve pain or muscle weakness.
Various Ways of Eating Guava During Pregnancy
Here are some ways you can include guava during the pregnancy period and enjoy it in flavourful recipes:
Guava Juice: It is the most simple way to include guava in your pregnancy diet. If you cannot eat raw guava, you can drink its juice.
Pick fresh, ripe guava fruits, wash them with water thoroughly, cut them into small pieces and put them into the juicer. Once the juice is ready, strain it in a glass with a strainer and drink it.
Guava Smoothie: Another way to drink and include guava benefits in a pregnancy diet is by making yourself a guava smoothie.
You need to wash some fresh guavas and cut them into small pieces. Then, put the guavas, with yoghurt, some milk and a spoonful of honey, into the blender to create a delicious and nutritious smoothie.
Guava Salsa: You can also make a hearty dish using guava and eat it with your regular meal.
Create guava salsa by chopping it along with vegetables like tomatoes, onions, green chilli and cilantro. Use it as a topping for any meal; it is best served with grilled chicken and fish for enhanced flavours and extra nutritional value.
Guava Salad: Salads are always healthy to consume; you can create your pregnancy special guava salad.
To create guava salad, you need guava, along with some other fruits of your choice, like strawberries, oranges and kiwi. Wash them all, slice them into small pieces and sprinkle some sea salt or chaat masala. You can even squeeze some lemon if you want and your tasty and healthy guava salad is ready.
Guava Cheese: Make this delicious guava cheese for your bread spreads or to eat it as a sweet.
First, wash the guava properly, cut it into small pieces and remove its seeds. Add chopped guavas into the pan with water and cover it. Cook till it turns soft. Now strain it through the cloth and squeeze it to remove excess water; keep the pulp in the cloth for cheese.
Make jam with the pulp; add sugar and lemon juice according to your sweetness preference. Cook the mixture on medium heat and keep stirring to avoid scorching until it leaves the pan and forms a ball. Now, spread it on a greased plate to set it. Cut it into small squares and store them in an airtight container. You can eat it as sweet or spread it on your bread and toast.
Possible Side Effects of Guava During Pregnancy
Nutrient Imbalance: Although guava has several benefits, over-consumption of anything can be harmful; the same goes for guava. If you take too much guava, especially in concentrated or supplement form, then it can have some side effects. Eat only the prescribed serving amount to avoid any harmful effects.
Can Cause Diarrhoea: As you know, one of the benefits of guava is to relieve constipation in pregnant women. However, due to its laxative properties, excessive consumption of guava can cause diarrhoea or loose stools, which will not be a comfortable situation for pregnant ladies.
Allergies: Some women might experience allergic reactions due to guava. It can be due to changes in their hormones or adding new ingredients to their diet. That is why it is suggested that pregnant women should take their doctor’s advice before including any new thing in their routine or diet.
Bacteria or Pesticide Reaction: Eating guava during pregnancy has several benefits. However, like any other fruit or vegetable, guava is also exposed to bacteria and pesticides. Thus, consuming it after washing is advised to avoid any chemical reactions in the body.
Also Read: What are the Benefits of Guava Fruits and Leaves?
Importance of TATA AIG Health Insurance Plan
Guava use and precautions during pregnancy are well-known steps. But did you plan financially for this good news? In such a situation, having the best health insurance policy becomes mandatory.
Medical insurance is a necessity in today’s changing lifestyle habits and increasing health risks. It protects you and your loved ones financially against medical emergencies and their associated costs.
With the TATA AIG health insurance plan, you get several beneficial features, such as coverage for maternity and newborns, COVID-19 coverage, cashless treatment service, ambulance expense coverage and pre- and post-hospitalisation expenses coverage.
For TATA AIG, your safety is the priority. To fulfil our promise, we provide 24/7 customer assistance in any situation. You can connect with our support executive during any emergency or for the claim settlement process.
Final Words
Eating guava during pregnancy is beneficial for pregnant women. It helps stabilise blood pressure, reduce constipation, relax nerves and more. You can include this delicious fruit in your diet in various ways and get its benefits, but remember to take certain side effects into account, too.
The best course of action is to consult with your nutritionist and doctor before adding anything to your diet during pregnancy.
FAQS
Which is better for pregnancy, apple or guava?
Both fruits are beneficial for consumption during pregnancy. Apple and guava both contain specific nutrient values; thus, it is suggested that both be consumed in moderation.
Which fruit is good for a baby's brain during pregnancy?
Oranges, guava, kiwi, strawberries and lychees are some fruits that are suggested for a baby's healthy brain growth.
Is coconut water good for pregnancy?
Yes, coconut water during pregnancy is beneficial for mother and baby. It is hydrating and rich in potassium, sodium and magnesium.
When is the best time to eat guava?
Guava is healthy and nutritious and can be eaten at any time of the day. However, it is not advised to eat guava on an empty stomach, as your body needs some food to mix it with while digesting it, ensuring maximum nutrition.
Disclaimer: This is a general guide on Is Guava Good For Pregnancy. It is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. In severe cases, it is advisable to consult a qualified health professional for treatment.
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