Eating Guavas During Pregnancy – Is It Safe?

If you are pregnant, your diet must have changed for the good. Your doctor must have suggested that you increase your intake of fruits, veggies, dry fruits and nuts, and other healthy foods during pregnancy for the proper growth and development of your baby. You must have started making healthier choices, but not everything that is healthy otherwise is safe for consumption during pregnancy. In this article, we will tell you whether or not you can consume the very nutritious fruit guava during pregnancy. Many people believe that eating guavas increases chances of appendicitis in a pregnant woman. However, there is no medical proof of the same. So, let’s find out if you can eat it during pregnancy!

Nutritional Value of Guavas

Guavas are very nutritious and experts believe that eating guavas during pregnancy can be very beneficial. Guavas are rich in vitamins, minerals, and folic acid. Read on to know about the nutritional information about guavas

Guavas are rich in essential vitamins.
Guavas are rich in vitamins like Vitamin C, A, B2, and E. It is believed that guavas contain more Vitamin A and Vitamin C than oranges and lemons.

1. Guavas are a rich source of folic acid.
Ascorbic acid and folic acid are very important for the proper growth of the foetus. These two acids are found in guavas. The folic acid present in guavas also benefits the circulatory system and aids in the development of the nervous system in babies.

Benefits of Eating Guavas During Pregnancy

Eating guavas during pregnancy can be beneficial for your overall health. Eating guavas in the morning is an excellent remedy for morning sickness. Due to their high fibre and water content, guavas should be an integral part of a pregnancy diet. Eating guavas during pregnancy can also help in maintaining blood pressure and prevent gestational diabetes, a common condition affecting pregnant women.

Apart from these benefits, guavas offer several other health benefits. Read on to know why this delicious fruit is a wonder fruit!

· Helps Control Blood Pressure Levels: One of the benefits of eating this tropical fruit during pregnancy is that it controls blood pressure and prevents clotting thus maintaining the fluidity of blood. As a result, eating guavas can help prevent the chances of a miscarriage or premature birth.

· Helps Control Cholesterol Levels: Being a rich source of fibre, guavas also keep blood cholesterol levels under control. High cholesterol can lead to cardiovascular complications which can be quite dangerous especially during pregnancy. So eat guavas and keep your cholesterol levels in check.

· Lowers the Risk of Anaemia: Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anaemia during pregnancy. In iron-deficiency anaemia, the blood cannot carry enough oxygen to tissues throughout the body. This can affect the health of the mother and the baby. But the chances of anaemia can be lowered by consuming Vitamin C-rich foods like guavas that help in the absorption of iron.

Helps Relax Muscles and Nerves: The magnesium content in guava can help keep the muscles and nerves relaxed during pregnancy.

Prevents Infections: Guavas are known for their antioxidant properties and are rich in Vitamins A, C, and E. They also contain polyphenols and carotenoids. The presence of these vitamins and antioxidants help fight and prevent bacterial infections and lower the risk of illness.
Prevents Gestational Diabetes: Guavas not only help in lowering blood sugar levels but also help in regulating the same which eventually can help prevent gestational diabetes.
Regulates Digestion: Eating guavas can help keep digestion problems at bay and ensure the smooth functioning of the digestive system. The presence of potassium in guavas can also help tackle acidity and heartburn.
Helps in the Healthy Growth of the Baby: A rich source of folic acid, calcium and Vitamin B9, guavas can help in the healthy development of the baby’s brain and bones.
Prevents Constipation: Constipation and haemorrhoids are a common problem during pregnancy. Hormonal changes usually lead to this problem but eating guavas can solve this problem of constipation. Guavas being rich in fibre content and water can treat constipation. Eating guavas with the seeds can also prevent haemorrhoids.

In addition to the benefits mentioned above, eating guavas can also strengthen the immune system, increase energy levels, and decrease the stress hormones in the body. The very fact that guavas are rich in vitamin C, lycopene, and antioxidants make the consumption of guavas highly favourable for skin and hair.

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Side Effects of Eating Guavas

Although guavas taste delicious and offer numerous health benefits, there are a few complications that may arise if you eat guavas in excessive amounts during pregnancy:

Guavas are rich in fibre which can help keep digestion problems at bay but if consumed in large amounts, it may cause diarrhoea.
Guavas, like most other fruits, are stored using lots of chemicals. These chemicals can cause bacterial infections that can have an adverse impact on health during pregnancy. Therefore, it is important to wash guavas well before consumption.

Drinking Guava Juice or Eating the Fruit Itself – What Should You Choose During Pregnancy?

Most fruits, when consumed in their raw and natural form, offer more health benefits. Guava is one such fruit, but there are many other ways to consume this fruit. Guavas can also be consumed in the form of jellies and jams. It can be consumed in the form of juice or in a fruit salad. However, during pregnancy, you must avoid drinking guava juice. One should also avoid consuming guavas in preserved forms like jelly and jam during pregnancy.

You should opt for the fruit, and while consuming the whole guava, you must pick ripe guava without any blemishes on it, wash it well, cut it into slices, and eat. Ripe guavas have a unique flavour. You can also add guava to a bowl of fruits and eat it as part of a fruit salad.