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Mothers are advised to consume fruit during pregnancy. Some types of fruit, such as lime, are even believed to be able to overcome morning sickness.
Lime for pregnant women is also said to be good for fetal development, Mother. So is it true that this fruit has many benefits for pregnant women? Is it safe to consume it regularly during pregnancy?
Let’s take a look at the complete explanation below!
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Lime for pregnant women
Limes are a family of citrus fruits, which are usually round and green. This fruit has a distinctive taste, namely sour. According to obstetrics and gynecology specialist and fertility specialist, Dr. Meenu Vashisht Ahuja MBBS, DGO, DNB, consumption of this fruit is safe during pregnancy. However, each mother’s body response can be different after consuming it.
“Most medical experts say that drinking lemon juice is safe during pregnancy. However, each pregnancy is unique, and each woman’s body may respond to these changes differently,” said Ahuja, reported by Mom Junction.
So, because of this, mothers should first consult a doctor before consuming lime. Especially if you want to drink large amounts of lime juice.
In general, lime is a fruit that is rich in nutrients, just like most other fruits. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), limes contain high levels of fiber, vitamin C, vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and folate. All the nutrients in this fruit are needed during pregnancy.
Benefits of lime for pregnant women
Here, HaiBunda has summarized from various sources, 7 benefits of lime for young pregnant women:
1. Fetal nervous development
Limes contain folate, which is a natural form of vitamin B9. Even though its content is small, namely 8 micrograms in 100 grams, folate is an important type of nutrient that plays a role in fetal nervous development.
According to a review in the journal Revista Chilena de Pediatria in 2017, folate intake during pregnancy is very important for adequate fetal and placental development, as well as long-term individual health. Folate deficiency can cause fetal abnormalities, such as neural tube disease (NTD).
2. Formation of strong bones
Lime also contains potassium or potassium, Mother. Reported by Baby Center, potassium is an important electrolyte involved in the transmission of electrical signals for muscle contractions, nerve impulses and heart function.
Apart from that, potassium can also help form strong bones in the fetus. Another benefit that is no less good is for fetal brain development.
“The potassium in limes can help form strong bones and promote healthy brain development in unborn babies,” said Mya Bellinger, a medical practitioner who specializes in internal medicine, immunology and gynecology.
3. Fetal brain development
Vitamin C in limes is very high, Mother. This fruit provides more than 20 percent of daily vitamin C requirements.
Vitamin C plays an important role in fetal brain development. According to research published in 2012 in the scientific journal PLOS ONE, a mother’s vitamin C deficiency during pregnancy can have a serious impact on the fetus’ brain. If brain damage has occurred, it cannot be repaired with vitamin C supplements after the baby is born.
Preliminary results of the study also show that the impact of vitamin C deficiency was visible early in pregnancy, when samples were examined in the second and third trimesters. This is as quoted from Science Daily.
4. Maintain body endurance
Vitamin C is not only good for fetal development, but also for mother’s health during pregnancy. Studies find that vitamin C can increase the production of white blood cells, which helps protect the body from infection and disease.
Other research in the journal Nutrients in 2017 also shows the benefits of vitamin C which can shorten the duration and severity of colds. The antioxidant properties of vitamin C can also strengthen the immune system by protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals.
5. Maintain healthy skin
Skin problems may arise during pregnancy due to hormonal changes. So, to minimize this risk, mothers can consume lime.
Quoting Healthline, vitamin C in limes is needed to make collagen, a protein that keeps skin firm and healthy. The antioxidant properties of this fruit can also fight oxidative stress that causes skin problems, and prevent dry skin.
6. Overcome morning sickness
Consuming lime juice early in pregnancy can relieve morning sickness, Mother. The citric aroma in lime can help relieve nausea, so you can feel more comfortable.
Apart from that, this fruit can also overcome digestive problems that are often experienced in early pregnancy and trigger morning sickness. Lime can control sensitive bowel movements and help improve digestive tract health.
7. Manage high blood pressure
High blood pressure is a condition that needs to be avoided from the start of pregnancy. Chronic high blood pressure can cause preeclampsia, a life-threatening condition that can force a mother to give birth to her baby prematurely.
Limes contain magnesium and potassium, which can also help lower blood pressure. Even though a lot of research is still needed to prove it, there’s no harm in occasionally drinking lime juice to help normalize blood pressure.
Lime Illustration/ Photo: Getty Images/iStockphoto
Risks of pregnant women consuming lime
Even though consuming lime is safe during pregnancy, there are several risks you need to be aware of, especially if you consume it in large quantities. Here are some risks:
1. Tooth erosion
Consuming too much lime during pregnancy can risk tooth decay. Pregnancy itself can make mothers more susceptible to dental problems.
Lime contains citric acid which, if consumed in excess, can damage tooth enamel, Mother. To prevent this side effect, mothers can mix lime juice with water and drink it through a straw.
2. Heartburn and stomach ache
Consuming too much lime can also cause heartburn or a sensation of pain and heat like burning in the chest. This fruit can also cause digestive problems, such as stomach ache, diarrhea, and other disorders.
3. Food poisoning
Lime is best served squeezed and mixed with sugar water. Even though it tastes delicious, the manufacturing process is prone to exposure to bacteria, Mother. Especially if you drink unpasteurized bottled lemon juice.
Drinking unpasteurized lime juice can increase the risk of contracting bacteria such as E. coli or Salmonella. These bacteria can attack the digestive tract and harm the unborn baby.
Recommendations for consuming lime during pregnancy
Consuming lime occasionally is safe during pregnancy, especially if you want to overcome complaints of morning sickness. Lime consumption should be limited to one glass per day. If you feel uncomfortable or side effects appear, consumption can be stopped.
“Lime juice is very acidic and can cause several side effects if consumed in excess. Therefore, it is recommended to limit lime juice consumption to one glass per day, preferably in the morning,” said obstetrics and gynecology specialist Dr. Nisarg Patel.
These are the benefits of lime for young pregnant women. Hopefully this information is useful, Mother.
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(ank/rap)