The 11 essential fruits during pregnancy

It's very important monitor our diet during pregnancy to avoid nutritional imbalances that could affect both our health and that of our baby. We have already spoken several times about the essential foods at this stage, and without a doubt the fruit is one of them.

In general, any fruit is an excellent source of vitamins and fiber, although it is advisable to always consult with the doctor or nutritionist in case of any health problem, such as diabetes, intolerances or intestinal problems.

Let's also remember the importance to consume seasonal fruits, since when picked up at its optimum point of maturation, they are more tasty, ecological and natural, apart from a cheaper option for our pocket. But let's not forget that seasonal fruits vary depending on the country we are in!

Today we bring you a compilation of the 11 best fruits of the spring-summer season that we can find in Spain, and that you should not miss in your diet if you are pregnant. We tell you why!

Avocado

Avocado is a fruit with great health benefits, which should not be lacking in the diet of a pregnant woman. In addition, we are lucky to be able to find it in stores for much of the year, as Its season begins in May and ends in November.

Avocado is a fruit with high nutritional value and rich in monounsaturated fats, oleic acid and alpha-linoleic acid, popularly known as omega 3 fatty acids (an essential component in the pregnant woman's diet that contributes to the baby's neurological development).

Other exceptional qualities of this magnificent fruit is that it helps reduce cholesterol and triglycerides, is rich in folic acid (vitamin that helps prevent baby's neural tube defects and other congenital malformations) and improves the immune system thanks to its high content of carotenoids.

The best thing about this fruit is that it can be taken in multiple ways, and included in salads will give it a fresh, original and very nutritious touch!

Plums

The plums are one of the typical summer fruits, which stand out for their sweet and refreshing taste, and their fleshy texture.

This fruit should be one of our great allies during pregnancy, since its many properties include its high fiber content, acting as a natural laxative that helps prevent constipation, so common at this stage.

But in addition to fiber, plums have a great antioxidant power (thanks to vitamin E), are rich in vitamins A and C, and help prevent the onset of anemia thanks to its high content of potassium, calcium, iron and magnesium.

Plums will help you improve your digestion and thanks to its laxative effect you will avoid constipation during pregnancy.

Strawberries

This fruit is especially rich in vitamin C, so it becomes a powerful antioxidant that strengthens the immune system and helps iron absorption, so important in the pregnancy stage.

But in addition, strawberries have a high in magnesium, potassium and vitamin K -which helps keep bones strong-, and they are an excellent source of vitamins of group B, among which would be folic acid.

The strawberry season is about to end, so you have to take advantage of the time you have left for this magnificent fruit, which gives us so many properties.

Apple

Surely many of you have heard the association that is popularly made between eat apples and have good health, and is that this fruit, which we can find throughout the year, has endless properties for our body.

The Apple It has a high water content, so it is perfect to hydrate the body (remember the importance of maintaining proper hydration during pregnancy!), reduces the accumulation of fluids and prevents cramps, a very typical discomfort during pregnancy. In addition, it is a excellent source of fiber, helping to prevent constipation.

The apple is the ideal snack to eat between meals: healthy, nutritious and perfect to hydrate in the hot months ahead.

Bananas

Few fruits are there as complete and with as many benefits as bananas, which we can also enjoy at any time of the year.

Banana is rich in vitamins A, B (including folic acid) C and E, and has a high fiber, calcium and potassium content, which helps balance blood pressure and prevent leg and foot cramps .

Further, Banana helps reduce cholesterol levels, to combat depression, to minimize heartburn (so common during the last stage of pregnancy, especially), and to avoid anemia, thanks to its high iron content.

During pregnancy it is normal to feel tired or suffer changes in mood: eating bananas will give you great energy and help you calm down the stressful moments you may have.

Raspberries and Blueberries

Raspberry and blueberry are two of the typical summer fruits of which perhaps less benefits are known at the popular level. However, they are highly recommended foods during pregnancy because of their multiple properties.

Raspberries provide calcium, folic acid and potassiumIn addition to having a high content of fiber and vitamin C. They also help decrease hypertension levels, and consumed daily prevent the appearance of cystitis (a very common discomfort during pregnancy) and fluid retention.

For its part, blueberries stand out for their antioxidant power, its fiber content and its high contribution of vitamins A, C, B1, B2, B6, E and minerals such as iron, magnesium, calcium or phosphorus. And like raspberries, they are perfect for preventing or combating urinary infections.

Combine these delicious red fruits with a natural yogurt or whole grains, and enjoy all its benefits!

Figs

Although we already began to see this wonderful fruit in stores, its peak will come in the middle of summer, when we will find them more ripe, tasty and tender, and we will be able to enjoy not only its incredible flavor, but all its properties.

Figs stand out primarily for their high fiber content, becoming the perfect ally in pregnancy for combat constipation and improve digestion. In addition, they improve heart health by helping to balance blood pressure, are rich in antioxidants and have high amounts of iron, potassium, calcium and vitamin C.

Figs are an excellent source of natural sugars and give the body a lot of energy. Start the day with this magnificent fruit!

Peach

We are in the peach season, a fruit that stands out for its fleshy texture and its sweet and refreshing taste, ideal to combat heat and help hydration of the body.

This fruit contains high levels of vitamins A and C, as well as magnesium, potassium and iodine (Fundamental at this stage!). It also stands out for its high fiber content, helping in the digestive processes, as well as for its natural diuretic effect that fights fluid retention.

The peach has a low caloric intake, making it the perfect food to maintain a healthy weight during pregnancy.

Melon and watermelon

And if there are two fruits that we could classify as the "queens of summer" these are, without a doubt, melon and watermelon, which in addition to exquisite, provide us with numerous properties, especially fiber and high water content.

Watermelon contains folic acid, potassium, magnesium, fiber and carbohydrates. It is a moisturizing, cleansing and high antioxidant fruit. These properties are also present in the melon, also adding its high content of vitamin C.

Facing the heat of this time of year, nothing better than a dish of watermelon or melon: a healthy classic in these months!

Photos | iStock, Pixabay