During pregnancy, you need about 300 extra calories per day, particularly during your second and third trimesters. The daily requirement of essential nutrients also increases in the course of pregnancy. Always try to attain these nutrients and extra calories from nutrient-rich food rather than from some supplements. Daily and regular fruit and vegetable consumption satisfy most of the daily requirements of vitamins and minerals. Nevertheless, not all of them are safe during pregnancy.

Pomegranate is a fruit with various dietary advantages. Do you adore the delicious taste of pomegranates and pomegranate juice, yet fear to enjoy them, as you are pregnant? This article will help you to clear your doubts regarding having pomegranate in the course of pregnancy.

• Is It Safe To Have Pomegranate In The Course Of Pregnancy?
• Nutritional Benefits Of Consuming Pomegranate During Pregnancy
• Is There Any Risk Associated With Eating Pomegranates During Pregnancy?
• Is Pomegranate Juice Equally Beneficial As Pomegranate Fruit?

Is It Safe To Have Pomegranate In The Course Of Pregnancy?

The answer is most likely, yes, because it is not proven otherwise. Eating pomegranate and drinking pomegranate juice moderately amid pregnancy is viewed as extremely beneficial. Pomegranate contains vital nutrients, which are essential for the expecting mother. Therefore, most of the doctors encourage eating pomegranate in the course of pregnancy.

Nutritional Benefits Of Consuming Pomegranate During Pregnancy

Following are some of the health benefits of having pomegranate amid pregnancy:

1. Pomegranates are rich in fibers: As pomegranates are rich in fibers, it helps in regulating bowel movements and helps in preventing constipation
   and other bowel-related issues, which are common amid pregnancy
2. Pomegranates are a great source of antioxidants: Antioxidants help to improve the immune system and prevent any damages to the cells, which is very beneficial as it helps in preventing damage and repairing the placental cells in the course of pregnancy. Polyphenols are one of the groups of antioxidants found in pomegranate. Polyphenols help to decrease the chances of brain damage of the baby
3. Pomegranates are rich in iron: Expecting mothers are prone to pregnancy anemia. Iron deficiency leads to anemia, which in turn triggers several issues like preterm delivery, low birth weight of baby, etc. To ensure a healthy level of iron, mostly, the doctors recommend iron supplements. However, including pomegranate in your daily diet helps to maintain the iron level in the blood
4. Pomegranates are rich in vitamin C: Vitamin C helps to improve the absorption of iron from other food sources. It also helps to maintain a perfect immune system during pregnancy
5. Pomegranate has anti-viral properties: The various phytochemicals found in pomegranate give it an anti-viral property and help to shield the expecting mothers from infections like the fever
6. Helps in lowering blood pressure: The phytochemical compound present in the pomegranate helps to bring down the blood pressure, which is significant, especially when you are in the later stage of pregnancy, or at risk of experiencing preeclampsia
7. Pomegranate is a dependable source of calcium: Pomegranate has a positive effect on bone health and bone density as it is a good source of calcium, which is highly beneficial during pregnancy
8. Help to increase uterine contraction during delivery: According to recent studies, intake of pomegranate seed extract towards the end of pregnancy helps in stimulating uterine contracts and thereby easing labor

Is There Any Risk Associated With Eating Pomegranates During Pregnancy?

Pregnancy is a delicate matter, and it is always better to ask your doctor before having your favorite pomegranate:

1. If you are taking certain medicines: Pomegranate might interface with certain medications you are taking in the course of pregnancy such as-
   • ACE inhibitors: medicines used to control high blood pressure and kidney damage
   • Blood thinners: eating pomegranate along with medicines for thinning blood increases the risk of bleeding
   • Medicines for lowering blood pressure:
     pomegranate itself reduces blood pressure. Eating pomegranate along with medicines to decrease blood pressure results in bringing down the blood pressure too low
   • Statins: the medicines used to lower cholesterol can interfere if you eat pomegranates. Therefore, ask your doctor before including pomegranate in your diet if you are taking any of these medicines
2. If you are taking iron supplements: It is better to tell your doctor that you eat pomegranate regularly because this will help the doctor to reconsider the dosage of the iron supplement to eliminate the issues due to over dosage of iron, as the fruit itself is very rich in iron content
3. If you are overweight: Pomegranate juice is high in calories, so take it moderately especially if you are supposed to control weight in the course of pregnancy
4. Never take any forms of pomegranate extracts: Avoid taking pomegranate extract as the rind (tough outer skin) in the extract contains potentially harmful elements, which can induce early labor or miscarriage

Is Pomegranate Juice Equally Beneficial As Pomegranate Fruit?

Yes. When it comes to the nutritional and health benefits, both pomegranate juice and pomegranate fruit are equally beneficial. This is on condition that you are drinking pure pomegranate juice without added sugar or any other ingredients.
Following are some of the health benefits of drinking pomegranate juice during pregnancy:

• A recent study shows that pomegranate juice reduces the chances of pre-eclampsia, premature delivery and intrauterine growth restriction of the fetus when expecting mother drinks it regularly
• Minimize the risk of injury to the placenta
• Being a great source of vitamin K, pomegranate helps in the bone development of the baby
• Rich in folate, pomegranate juice will help to shield the baby from various birth defects, like neural tube birth defects
• Eight ounces of pomegranate juice possesses around 140 calories, thus helps to satisfy the need for extra energy amid pregnancy
• It helps to keep you well hydrated, which is vital in the course of pregnancy

Pomegranates are one of the best easily accessible fruit which is rich in antioxidants and is highly beneficial for the baby. It can be consumed either as juice or as fruit. In fact, they have healthful advantages for the entire family. Therefore, if you are pregnant, add it to your shopping list and reap the boon.