10 Benefits Of Tomatoes During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a wonderful thing. The need for nutrition and vitamins increase during the pregnancy days as the mother needs to have healthy food for herself and the child within her. Thus a pregnant woman should include more fruits and vegetables in her diet. While all fruits and vegetables are healthy, tomatoes are known to be a healthy source of Vitamin C and beneficial for pregnant women. Let’s learn more about the benefits of tomatoes during pregnancy in this article.

Tomatoes are one of the many fresh and healthy foods that you should include in your diet if you are pregnant. Tomatoes are safe to have during pregnancy, but do keep in mind that too much of something can be bad. Along with Vitamins A and C, tomatoes also have lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that protects your heart, as well as potassium which manages blood pressure. They also do not contain fat and make for a good snack if you are trying to maintain weight during your pregnancy. Pregnant women should have them in moderation with iron-rich foods to enhance absorption. But reduce the amount if you are prone to heartburn. Let’s take a look at the benefits of tomatoes during pregnancy below.

Also read: Is it Safe to eat Makhana during Pregnancy?

Benefits Of Tomatoes During Pregnancy

#1. Nutritional Value

Apart from being rich in Vitamins A and C, tomatoes also contain vital minerals, carbohydrates, fibre, folic acid and proteins which are essential for pregnant women. One medium-sized tomato contains enough vitamin C to take care of 40% of your daily intake. It also contains iron and calcium. vitamin C can help build immunity, vitamin A ensures good vision and iron ensures no anemia.

#2. Helps keep you hydrated

Tomatoes have high water content and can add to your daily pregnancy hydration. It is very easy to forget to drink water or feel nauseated with plain water too. Having tomatoes ensures that your body does not suffer loss of water.

#3. Tomatoes increase absorption of iron

Intake of iron during pregnancy becomes vital as pregnancy leads to an increase in blood supply. Iron deficiency affects the growth and development of the baby. Thus with your iron supplements having tomatoes ensures that you get that important nutrient. While prenatal supplements contain iron, if you want to get all your iron from food, tomatoes can be of help. Though tomatoes contain a small quantity of iron, the Vitamin C in them can enhance the absorption of iron from iron-rich vegetables.

#4. Tomatoes help boost energy levels

During pregnancy, it is usual that women feel tired and lethargic. Tomatoes are also a good source of carbohydrates and one large tomato could contain nearly thirty calories. Carbohydrates in the tomatoes work towards providing vital energy during pregnancy, which in turn help pregnant women overcome lethargy

#5. Fibre improves digestion

Constipation is also another thing that causes pain in pregnant women. Thus pregnant women are supposed to eat fibre rich foods. Tomatoes contain high levels of dietary fiber, which aids in healthy digestion.

Also read: 12 Must-Have Healthy Drinks During Pregnancy

#6. Reduces the risk of Preeclampsia

Regular consumption of tomatoes during pregnancy can reduce the risk of hypertension or preeclampsia. Many women suffer from preeclampsia during pregnancy. The potassium content in tomatoes improves the blood flow which in turn reduces the stress on the heart. This helps in treating high blood pressure.

#7. Excellent source of antioxidants

Lycopene is a powerful anti-oxidant and it is found especially in tomatoes. Lycopene protects from cell damage, preeclampsia and birth defects in babies. It also helps in healthy delivery of babies.

#8. They are natural antiseptics

Tomatoes are considered as natural antiseptics that help fight off germs and protect against infections. This property makes them beneficial for pregnant women as it can help fight any infections naturally.

#9. Helps in managing gestational diabetes

This is another cause of concern for pregnant women and can increase the risk of Type II diabetes later in life. Intake of tomatoes on a regular basis during pregnancy will lower the oxidative stress of diabetes.

#10. Tomatoes contain Vitamin K and Folate as well

Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting as it prevents blood loss and brings down the risk of hemorrhages. Folate or folic acid is required in the very early stages of pregnancy to avert neural tube defects in the baby – that is birth defects in the brain, spine, and spinal cord. Both these are found in tomatoes and makes tomatoes an essential part of pregnancy diet.

Also read: Health Benefits Of Ajwain Water After Pregnancy

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