Written by Ajanta Biswas
Grapefruit is a tasty as well as nutrient-rich fruit. It originated from an accidental cross between pomelo or shaddock and sweet orange. At first, it was named as forbidden fruit, and gradually this citrus fruit got its present name.
But the question is whether this once forbidden fruit should be forbidden for women when they are pregnant? What are the benefits and risks of eating grapefruit during pregnancy? Let us take you deep into it.
In This Article
Yes, pregnant women can eat grapefruit without worry. Grapefruits during pregnancy can be beneficial for the mother as well as the baby during this period. In comparison to apples, peaches, and banana grapefruits consist of more nutrients and fewer calories. Grapefruits have nutrients like fiber, folate, and vitamin B complex which are highly required during pregnancy for the fetus’s growth.
A single grapefruit consists of a lot of nutrients and minerals. The nutrient intake of grapefruit per 100 g is:
Nutrients | Value |
Carbohydrates | 10.66 g |
Fiber | 1.6 g |
Protein | 0.77 g |
Fat | 0.14 g |
Folic acid | 13 mcg |
Vitamin C | 33.3 mg |
Vitamin E | 13 mg |
Iron | 0.06 mg |
Potassium | 148 mg |
Calcium | 12 mg |
Zinc | 0.07 mg |
Magnesium | 9 mg |
Phosphorus | 18 mg |
Choline | 7.7 mg |
Calories | 42 kcal |
Yes, grapefruits during pregnancy are safe, but in moderation. So you will have to consume grapefruit in a fixed quantity. Also while purchasing grapefruit from the market you need to go for the organic ones as they will be pesticide-free. And even if you buy it from the supermarket with proper packaging, wash it before having it. You need to wash all your fruits and veggies in lukewarm water for safety against the Covid 19 virus or any other microbes.
There are numerous benefits of consuming grapefruit during pregnancy. Some of them are:
Sleeplessness is highly associated with pregnancy. Particularly in the third trimester, it becomes very difficult to have a sound sleep. Grapefruits have a positive result in combating the sleeping disorder. But don’t eat grapefruits just before sleeping as the Vitamin-C in it can cause acidity and hamper your sleep instead.
Rapid hormonal changes lead to indigestion and acidity problems in pregnant women. The D-limonene present in grapefruits can neutralize and soothe acidic problems. But to get the benefit you will have to take them after breakfast or lunch. Eating them at night before sleep will reverse its effects.
In Preeclampsia the risk of premature separation of the placenta from the uterus becomes high. This can cause premature delivery, rupture of the liver, heavy bleeding, and even fetal death. Though there aren’t enough studies, yet it is believed that the presence of potassium, lycopene, and flavonoids in grapefruits controls preeclampsia.
Everyone will advise you to eat ghee and butter to gain weight during pregnancy. But gaining too much weight will cause a hurdle in the process of smooth delivery. Your baby needs to get a healthy birth weight but at the same time, you will have to be fit for delivery. The low-calorie nutrient-rich grapefruits are thus the ideal fruit for pregnant women.
Due to hormonal changes, women often caught diabetes during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes can increase the baby’s birth weight unnaturally and cause complications during delivery. The antioxidants in grapefruits keep a check on the body’s glucose level. According to NCBI, fresh grapefruit juice can increase insulin levels and reduce obesity in people.
During the 3rd trimester, swelling in the legs becomes common due to water retention in the body. The vitamin C and bioflavonoids of grapefruits help to reduce water retention.
Anemia is one of the greatest fear during pregnancy. Some studies show that B Vitamins can lessen the chances of anemia. And Vitamin C helps to absorb iron. Grapefruits have both.
Constipation is another common issue during pregnancy. Grapefruits are fiber-rich and thus can ease constipation. Also according to the study of Michigan State University, grapefruits have 91% water (more than any other fruit), which will keep your body hydrated and clear your stool every morning.
One average size grapefruit is enough for a day. You will require 85 mg of vitamin C daily during pregnancy. And only 100 g of grapefruits contain 33.3 mg Vitamin C. Thus an average grapefruit with 200 or 250 g weight can single-handedly meets your daily Vitamin C needs. And no matter how much you love grapefruits or how much nutritious they are, you should not consume more than this.
As we have said, nothing is good when it is excessive. There are some risk factors of eating grapefruits beyond recommended limits for pregnant women. These are:
[Read : Peaches During Pregnancy]
It is quite easy to choose fresh grapefruits. Here are some tips for you:
No, not at all. Grapefruits are beneficial but not their seeds. The grapefruit seeds are poisonous to the skin fibroblast (cells within the dermis layer). So do not eat them. Remove all the grapefruit seeds before making the juice or eating it raw.
There are a lot of ways by which you can add grapefruit to your daily diet:
So grapefruits are beneficial during pregnancy. But you will have to consume it within limits. And it is safe to get your doctor’s consent as only s/he can recommend you well after judging your health conditions.
[Read : Mangoes During Pregnancy]
Yes as it is good for the mother, grapefruit is healthy for the baby also. The nutrient-rich grapefruit will boost the immune system of the baby and prepare the baby for the outside world.
Grapefruits are available in the market throughout the year. But it is in between November and June when you will get the fresh and best ones.
Read Also: Oranges During Pregnancy How Safe To Eat?
Studying English literature has been highly instrumental in creating a love for English and World Literature for this writer. Ajanta has been writing for more than two years. She specializes in creating short and crisp blogs that can create awareness among women about healthy pregnancy and among parents about better parenting.Read more.
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