Oranges during pregnancy: recommendations of doctors, benefits and harm

For many favorite fruits are citrus fruits: mandarin, grapefruit, lime, pomelo. .. But the orange deserves special attention. Its bright color, sweet taste and astringent aroma of essential oils lifts the mood, and the constituent vitamins and trace elements strengthen the human immunity, have a beneficial effect on the condition of the heart, kidneys and blood vessels.

But is this fruit as useful as it might seem at first glance? Is it possible to have oranges during pregnancy? These issues are relevant for pregnant women. In the most crucial and incredibly difficult period of their lives, future mothers try to consume as much fruit as possible, including oranges. But very few people know that the exotic fruit is the strongest natural allergen, therefore, before you include the fruit in your diet, you need to carefully study the recommendations of specialists on its use.

Is it possible to have oranges during pregnancy? Let's find the answer to this question together.

Orange: Composition and useful properties

The fruit is very juicy, it consists of 90% water and only 10% of the pulp, so it helps to cope with thirst, especially sweet and sour varieties. The orange is a storehouse of vitamins, minerals and other trace elements; only a few of them are presented below:

• vitamins A, C, E and group B,
• iron,
• potassium,
• magnesium,
• phosphorus,
• calcium,
• folic acid.

Fruit is often recommended to people with low immunity and not in vain. After all, vitamin C( ascorbic acid) is responsible for the resistance of the organism to a number of infections, and also has an anti-inflammatory effect. B vitamins are necessary for the normal functioning of the heart, digestive organs and the nervous system. Other micronutrients are also useful. So, magnesium favorably affects the work of the heart and blood vessels, and calcium and phosphorus improve the condition of the skin, teeth, hair and nails.

Use of an orange for the health of expectant mothers

Is it possible to eat oranges during pregnancy? It is difficult to overestimate the benefits of citrus for the body of expectant mothers. For example, in one medium-sized orange contains a daily dose of vitamin C, and folic acid is responsible for the development of the fetus, contributes to the formation of the nervous system of the baby.

Juice in the pulp removes harmful toxins and toxins from the body of the woman, in addition, it has a bactericidal effect and has a positive effect in the work of the kidneys and bladder. Often, future mothers face such a problem as constipation. Fiber, contained in the pulp of an orange, normalizes the work of the intestines, helps to softly and safely solve a delicate problem.

Separate conversation deserves essential oil, contained in the peel. Its aroma invigorates, improves mood, helps to cope with neuroses and stress. Having eaten an orange, you do not need to rush to throw out the peel, it can be cut into pieces, put on a saucer and put it in a room. In a few minutes, the fragrance will spread throughout the room and save the expectant mother from spleen and troubling thoughts.

Oranges in early pregnancy

Often, gynecologists recommend their patients an exotic fruit in the first weeks of pregnancy. It is known that during this period many women suffer from toxicosis, and juicy, sour fruit does not cause attacks of nausea. However, with the onset of 21 weeks, its consumption should be reduced, since during this period the baby begins to form its own immunity and oranges can trigger the development of allergic reactions in the future. Is it possible to eat oranges during pregnancy or is it better to give preference to other fruits? Experts argue that if the pregnancy is normal, then you can and even need, but following the measure. Recommended amount: in early terms - up to two fruits a day, starting from 21 weeks - no more than one, and it is better to limit 3-4 lobules.

Harm to the orange: what should I look for?

From all of the above it is obvious that you can oranges during pregnancy, but future mothers should be careful and take into account the following points.

• Allergic reactions. The woman's organism during pregnancy is the most vulnerable and can react to different processes in a new way. First of all it concerns food. Even if the woman had not previously had an inclination to be allergic, then in this difficult period everything can turn out differently. First you should eat a couple of lobules and wait two days, if there is no anxiety symptom( itching, redness on the skin), then you can gradually increase the number.
• Addiction to excess weight. In the pulp contains a large amount of sugars( up to 11%), so, despite the low caloric content( no more than 47 kcal per 100 g), this product should not get carried away by women who follow their figure.
• Condition of tooth enamel. Orange juice contains aggressive acids that can destroy tooth enamel. During pregnancy, the teeth of a woman become brittle to prevent their destruction, after eating orange and other citrus fruits, it is recommended to rinse your mouth with clean and warm water.

When should an orange be completely excluded from the

diet? Can I have oranges during pregnancy? Yes, but like any product, they have contraindications to consumption, because of the high content of sugar and various acids. From exotic fruit should be discarded to people who are diagnosed with the following diseases:

• diabetes;
• of the gastrointestinal tract, in particular, gastritis, ulcers, colitis;
• food allergy( especially severe forms);
• individual intolerance of the product.

In these cases, the use of oranges in fresh form should be discarded or consulted by your doctor.

How to diversify the menu with the help of citrus fruits

Oranges during pregnancy in fresh form can be eaten fearlessly only in the first weeks of pregnancy, and then you should be careful. If the future mother really wants to enjoy the scent of citrus, then grind the skin of fresh orange and dry it. Further, on the basis of aromatic crusts, you can make delicious and healthy tea. It is necessary to take 2 teaspoons of harvested crusts, pour a glass of steep boiling water( 200-250 ml) and cover with a saucer. After an hour and a half, the fragrant infusion will be ready, it can be added to tea. Instead of sugar in the drink is recommended to add a spoon of honey.

If you can not, but really want

During pregnancy, many future moms note an irresistible craving to treat yourself with an orange, and not one, but at least a dozen. This is a simple explanation - the body lacks vitamin C and other elements that make up the citrus fruit. To cope with the problem will help other fruits and vegetables containing ascorbic acid. It can be red bell pepper, apples, black currant, parsley and dill greens. You should know that only with a full and balanced nutrition of the mother, the baby will receive all the necessary substances and vitamins. Oranges during pregnancy are useful, but everything should be in moderation!