6 Surprising health benefits of eating watermelon in pregnancy

If you love watermelon already, there’s even more surprising reason for you to relish it every day of your pregnant life. It is so much more than just a juicy red fruit!

No wonder August 3rd of every year has been set aside as a day to “honour” watermelons. Yes, August 3rd is actually National Watermelon Day.

92% of watermelon is water, but it also has some nutrients which make it highly desirable.  It is high in the antioxidant lycopene, which supports cardiovascular health and helps protect against cancer. Watermelon also has a significant amount of sugar, vitamins A, C and B6, potassium and magnesium. In addition to this, it is low in fat and contains about 40 calories per cup.

How can a pregnant woman benefit from this super fruit?

Benefits of Water Melon in Pregnancy

Here are the 6 amazing reasons why watermelon could be considered a pregnancy lifesaver:

1. Alleviate Morning sickness

   Due to it’s high water and sugar content, watermelon can help alleviate that feeling of queasiness, which is a common pregnancy symptom most women experience, typically from about 2 weeks after a missed period to the 14th week of pregnancy.

2. Reduce Muscular aches

   The potassium and magnesium in watermelon can help ease off the muscular aches and cramps that are so common in pregnancy, especially towards the later stages. This is because these minerals play a vital role in muscle contraction.

3. Ease Heartburn

   Watermelon has been known to soothe acidity and heartburn, a scourge experienced by most pregnant women. Could this be the end of antacids?

   

4. Reduce Swelling/Oedema

   Surprisingly, taking more fluids while pregnant reduces water retention and swelling. Watermelon has about 92% of water. Consuming watermelon which has a very high water content can be a very delicious way to up your fluid intake, thereby reducing oedema.

5. Decrease Dehydration

   It is very important to drink lots of fluids while pregnant so as to prevent dehydration. Again, the high water content and vitamins in watermelon can help prevent dehydration. In addition, the fibre content also helps ease off constipation, another pesky pregnancy niggle.

6. Reduce risk of Preeclampsia

   Watermelon is very rich in the antioxidant lycopene, even higher than is found in tomatoes.                 This high level of lycopene in watermelon may reduce the risk of preeclampsia.

   According to a 2003 study published in the International Journal of  Gynaecology and Obstetrics, test subjects were given 2 milligrams of lycopene supplements two times daily (triple this amount can be found in a single serving of watermelon). It was found that their risk of developing preeclampsia was significantly reduced.

These 6 reasons are definitely enough to fall in love with this succulent and juicy wonder. Will you be indulging?