Is Eating Watermelon Good For Pregnant Women? Explains Dietitian

Watermelon is an excellent fruit that helps quench thirst in hot summer days. Besides keeping one hydrated and regulating body temperature, let's look at other health benefits of this enormous fruit.

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Written By: Tavishi Dogra | Updated : May 5, 2024 8:51 AM IST

Eating watermelon during pregnancy can benefit both the mother and the baby. Watermelon is a good source of hydration, as it contains around 92% water, vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium, necessary for a healthy pregnancy. Additionally, pregnant women with gestational diabetes should monitor their intake of watermelon due to its natural sugars.

Is Eating Watermelon Good During Pregnancy? Explains Clinical Dietitian Reena Poptani Fortis Hospital Mulund

As always, it's best to consult your doctor to determine the best diet for your needs during pregnancy.

  1. Reduces preeclampsia and constipation during pregnancy: Studies suggest that regular consumption of watermelon may help reduce the risk of preeclampsia in women by 50% due to the high lycopene content.
  2. Relieve Morning Sickness: Drinking a glass of fresh watermelon juice in the morning is beneficial for starting the day in pregnancy. The high water content and fructose help ease morning sickness. It also alleviates heartburn symptoms and provides instant relief.
  3. High in fibre: Research showed that drinking watermelon daily reduces body weight and blood pressure in obese women. Having a bowl of watermelon also helps meet the increased fluid needs of pregnant women, reducing the risk of constipation and pregnancy complications.

Watermelon Is 90 95% Water

Watermelon is an excellent fruit that helps quench thirst in hot summer days. Besides keeping one hydrated and regulating body temperature, let's look at other health benefits of this enormous fruit.

  1. Lowers blood pressure: Watermelon is rich in L-citrulline, the precursor of an essential amino acid, L-arginine, required for protein synthesis. During this conversion to arginine, nitric oxide is released, which dilates blood vessels and improves blood flow to organs. Watermelon contains 170 mg of potassium, an essential electrolyte and mineral that helps lower blood pressure.
  2. Boosts immunity and reduces inflammation:Watermelon contains antioxidant vitamins A and C, which help fight free radicals and slow down cell damage. This fruit is also a vital reservoir of lycopene, lutein, and beta-carotene. Its lycopene content is higher than that of a tomato, which promotes healthy eyes and heart health and protects against cancer.
  3. Enhances workout performance: L-citrulline in watermelon boosts the oxygen supply to muscles and relaxes them. Thus, there is better blood flow throughout the body and less muscle soreness post-workout.
  4. Lowers stress: Watermelon has a good magnesium and potassium content and is known to calm nerves. Having a bowl of chilled watermelon may immediately reduce stress and lift one's mood.
  5. Diuretic and detoxifying effects: Watermelon has diuretic properties. Watermelon supports kidney function by removing harmful toxins from the body and reducing uric acid levels in the blood.
  6. Promotes glowing skin: This is attributed to watermelon's exceptional water content. Along with vitamins A, B6, and C, watermelon helps prevent wrinkles and keeps the skin soft and supple. Vitamin C boosts collagen, which improves skin elasticity and blood flow. Lycopene also protects the skin from sun damage.
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