Behind the sour, sweet, and refreshing taste, there are many benefits of soursop fruit for pregnant women, you know. These benefits are obtained from its nutritional content which is quite abundant. If pregnant women are curious about the benefits of soursop fruit, find out the information in this article, OK!
Soursop fruit has a Latin name Annona muricata. Although originating from Central and South America, soursop fruit is also widely found in tropical climates, including Indonesia.
Just like other fruits, soursop fruit contains many nutrients that can nourish the body, including carbohydrates, protein, fiber, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, folate, choline, and vitamins A, B, and C.
5 Benefits of Soursop Fruit for Pregnant Women
Thanks to its nutritional content, soursop fruit can and is safe for consumption by pregnant women. In fact, this green-skinned fruit can provide health benefits for pregnancy.
nowHere are some of the benefits of soursop fruit for pregnant women that are a pity to miss:
1. Fights infection
Soursop fruit contains a number of good nutrients and is needed during pregnancy. Research says soursop fruit extract contains antibacterial effects that can be used to fight bacteria that cause infection, including bacteria that cause gingivitis.
Pregnant women need to know that oral health plays an important role during pregnancy. In fact, inflammation of the teeth and gums is associated with the risk of premature birth and low birth weight babies.
So, by consuming soursop fruit in reasonable amounts on a regular basis, it is hoped that it can maintain health, including preventing and fighting infections.
2. Increase body immunity
Soursop fruit contains vitamin C and is rich in antioxidants, such as luteloin, quercetinand tangeretin. Antioxidants are known to help prevent cell damage and reduce the risk of chronic disease from exposure to free radicals.
Meanwhile, vitamin C is able to maintain and improve the body’s immune system, so that it can prevent the occurrence of diseases or infections that can harm pregnant women and their little ones in the womb.
3. Prevent constipation
When pregnant, pregnant women may complain of difficult bowel movements or constipation. This is related to the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy. To overcome this, pregnant women are advised to meet their fluid needs and consume fruits that contain fiber.
One fruit that contains water and fiber is soursop. In 100 grams of soursop fruit, there are at least more than 80 grams of water and 3 grams of fiber. Sufficient water and fiber needs will help overcome and prevent difficult bowel movements that pregnant women experience.
4. Stabilize blood pressure
Soursop contains potassium. During pregnancy, the nausea and vomiting that pregnant women experience can increase the risk of potassium deficiency. In fact, potassium is important for maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance, and is even known to be good for maintaining a healthy heart and blood vessels and stabilizing blood pressure.
nowSo, consuming soursop will help meet the needs of potassium which is expected to also control blood pressure. Blood pressure that is too high during pregnancy can increase the risk of impaired blood flow from pregnant women to the fetus and has the potential to interfere with fetal growth and development.
5. Overcoming leg cramps
In 100 grams of soursop fruit there are more than 250 milligrams of potassium. In addition to its role in controlling blood pressure, potassium also has an important function in maintaining a healthy nervous system and muscles. Sufficient potassium needs are also known to help overcome leg cramps in pregnant women.
Leg cramps are one of the most common complaints of pregnant women. Although not dangerous, leg cramps can cause discomfort and may hinder the pregnant woman’s daily activities.
In addition to the five benefits above, soursop fruit is also believed to inhibit the growth of cancer cells, such as breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, and colon cancer.
Seeing the benefits of soursop fruit for pregnant women is quite a lot, don’t hesitate to include this fruit in your daily diet, OK? Besides being able to be used as a healthy snack and consumed directly, soursop fruit is also no less delicious processed into juice or juice smoothies.
If pregnant women are hesitant to consume soursop fruit or have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, liver, or kidney disorders, it is better for pregnant women to consult a doctor first.
