The greatest moment of a woman’s life comes when she becomes pregnant. In this period of nine months or so, she needs to take care of her and the little one growing within her extensively. Fruits are something every pregnant woman should include in her diet. But when pregnant, it is natural about which fruit is safe and which is not. This article focuses on peaches during pregnancy.
Fruits play a very important role in the diet plan of a woman during pregnancy. Peaches are rich in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. But are there any side effects to eating peaches when pregnant, and how much fruit can you safely consume? Read ahead to know more.
In This Article
- Is it Safe to Eat Peaches During Pregnancy?
- Nutritional Value of Peaches
- What are the Benefits of Eating Peaches During Pregnancy?
- What are the Side Effects of Eating Peaches During Pregnancy?
- How Much Peach is Safe to Consume During Pregnancy?
- How to Select Good Peaches?
- How to Incorporate Peaches in Pregnancy Diet?
- FAQ’s
Is it Safe to Eat Peaches During Pregnancy?
Yes, peaches are safe during pregnancy. The fruit is rich in vitamin C which is necessary for the development of the fetus. It helps with the growth and formation of bones, teeth, and other important tissue. The fiber in peaches helps with the smooth functioning of the digestive system.
Peaches are also rich in iron and magnesium, which are vital nutrients for a mom to be. The only concern of including peaches in the dietary plan is pesticides. To be on the safe side, pregnant women can have organic peaches to ensure minimal contamination..
Nutritional Value of Peaches
Let’s have a look at the following list in order to understand the nutritional benefits of Peaches:
- Carbohydrates – 14 grams
- Protein – 1.4 grams
- Fat – 0.4 grams
- Calories – 59
- Fiber – 2.3 grams
- Iron – 0.4 mg
- Magnesium – 14 mg
- Potassium – 185 mg
- Vitamin A – 489 IU
- Vitamin C – 10 mg
What are the Benefits of Eating Peaches During Pregnancy?
There are numerous benefits to eating peaches during pregnancy. Let’s have a look at them:
1. Rich in Dietary Fiber
Pregnant women often face problems related to their digestive systems, such as slow digestion and constipation. The fiber content in peaches helps improve digestion and avoid gastrointestinal problems like constipation.
2. Low in Calories
Peaches are low in calories and high in nutrients. Therefore, this fruit helps to reduce unnecessary and excessive fats and keeps you away from gaining excessive weight during pregnancy.
3. Helps in Maintaining Electrolytic Balance
An expecting mother needs to have electrolytes in the right concentration. Peaches help by providing the electrolytes and maintaining the balance of the fluid (blood) among all body parts.
4. Peach is an Excellent Source of Vitamin C
It is perhaps one of the major reasons to have peaches in your diet plan. Vitamin C helps the growth and development of the baby. Peaches are a wonderful source of this essential vitamin.
[Read: Importance of Vitamin C During Pregnancy]
5. Aids in Digestion
As already stated, due to a good amount of fiber content in the peaches, it helps to improve the digestive system of a pregnant woman, which is one of the best things about eating peaches.
6. Reduces the Risk of Anemia
Vitamin C is essential for iron absorption. Being rich in vitamin C, peaches help bring down the chances of anemia during pregnancy.
7. Boosts Immunity of Mother and Child
Peaches are rich in beta-carotene as well, which helps to boost the immunity of the mother and the unborn baby.
8. Rich in Folic Acid
It is an essential component for the development of the fetus during the first stage of pregnancy. Peaches are a rich source of folic acid too.
9. Natural Detox
Peaches detoxify your body and make it a better place for your baby to grow. It really helps in maintaining the health of the baby.
10. Helps to Relax Muscles
Magnesium is another important mineral that prevents muscle cramps and helps muscles to relax. Peaches are a great source of magnesium.
11. Peaches are Rich in vitamin A
Vitamin A is crucial for the baby’s embryonic growth. For mothers, this vitamin helps with postpartum tissue repair. Peaches, being rich in vitamin A, help in both aspects.
12. Helps to Deal With Common Pregnancy Issues
Peaches are rich in potassium. Eating peaches during pregnancy helps combat common pregnancy issues like fatigue, cramps, and swellings. It is also beneficial in bringing down episodes of anxiety, depression, and mood swings in expecting mothers.
13. Helps to Maintain the Strength and Integrity of Bones
Peaches are a good source of Phosphorus, which is essential for the strength and integrity of bones.
[Read: Is Passion Fruit Safe During Pregnancy?]
What are the Side Effects of Eating Peaches During Pregnancy?
When it comes to consuming food during pregnancy, no matter how nutritious and beneficial it is, moderation is the key. This is relevant to peaches as well.
1. Potentially High Level of Pesticides
Peaches have a very good chance of getting contaminated by pesticides. Potentially high levels of pesticides were detected in both imported and domestic peaches in tests conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
2. High in Sugar Content
Pregnant women who have the problem of gestational diabetes should consume peaches in limited quantities (also half of those not suffering). This is because this fruit contains a high level of sugar.
3. Excessive Consumption Increases Core Body Temperature
Overconsumption of peaches increases the body core temperature. During pregnancy, the increase in body core temperature can bring about bleeding.
4. Can Cause Throat Allergy
The skin of the peaches should be avoided during consumption, as the hairlike protrusions on the skin can lead to throat allergy.
5. High level of Folic Acid
As peaches contain a high level of folic acid, their excessive consumption can bring about cramps, skin rashes, and nausea during pregnancy.
[Read: Star Fruit During Pregnancy]
How Much Peach is Safe to Consume During Pregnancy?
Although peaches provide numerous benefits, ideally a pregnant woman should not consume more than 500 grams. When pregnant, you must not eat more than two peaches per day.
How to Select Good Peaches?
Selecting quality peaches is very important when it comes to eating peaches during pregnancy. Following are some points to remember while selecting peaches.
- Peaches belong to the top 12 pesticide-contaminated fruits. Therefore, always buy organic peaches to avoid the potential danger.
- Select the peaches, which are fairly firm. The skin color between the red areas should be yellow or creamy.
- Peaches with dark spots and large bruises should be avoided as it indicates decay.
- See whether the fruit is too soft and crushes easily. If so, avoid them as it might be a sign of over-ripeness. Those peaches will spoil very quickly.
- A tight fruit with a distinct greenish color will indicate that the fruit is yet to ripen.
[Read: Dragon Fruit During Pregnancy Is It Safe?]
How to Incorporate Peaches in Pregnancy Diet?
There are different ways to incorporate this nutritious fruit in pregnancy diet
- On a hot afternoon, a glass of peach juice could do wonders during pregnancy
- Peaches can be added as a topping for milk or cereals.
- A banana and peach milkshake can be a great filling drink.
- You can make smoothies with them.
Peaches are a wonderful fruit to have during pregnancy, considering the health of the mother and the baby. However, keep a check on how much you are eating and also select the peaches quite carefully. Try to incorporate organic peaches those could be great in terms of health.
FAQ’s
1. Can be Eating Peaches During Pregnancy, Provide Enough Energy?
Yes, it can. Peaches can ensure electrolyte balance in your body. They are rich in potassium, which helps with fatigue, muscle pains, etc.
2. Will I Gain Weight if I Eat Peaches During Pregnancy?
No, you may not. Peaches are low in calories and rich in fiber. This can help digest the food better.
3. Are Peaches Beneficial During Pregnancy?
Yes, they are. They are rich in folic acid, which is important for the baby. It also helps tp detox without any side effects.
4. Will Eating Peaches During Pregnancy Lead to Gestational Diabetes?
Peaches are rich in sugar content. They can in fact increase your blood sugar levels. If you are at a risk of gestational diabetes, do reduce your intake of peaches.
Read Also: Is Eating Rambutan Fruit During Pregnancy Safe?