The stage of pregnancy induces peculiar cravings, making many an expectant mother wish for a fruit, dish, or any edible that may not be immediately available or suitable. One such fruit is the grape, with its sweet-sour taste making the fruit an instant hit among pregnant women. Moreover, the small size of this fruit enables easy popping into the mouth. So, you can keep a bowl full of grapes beside you and keep popping in one after the other! But hold on; is the grape good for pregnancy? An expectant mother craving grapes must find the answer and quickly.
Is It Okay to Have Grapes During Pregnancy?
When taken in moderation during pregnancy, grapes can be a valuable addition to a balanced pregnancy diet. The fruit is rich in vitamins C and K and contains several antioxidants. It does contain resveratrol, an antioxidant that may harm foetal development, but the amount is too insignificant to pose any danger to the mother and the baby. Remember, though, moderation is the key.
Here are the benefits of eating grapes during pregnancy:
- Rich in essential nutrients: Grapes abound in vitamins C and K, folate, antioxidants, fibre, organic acids, and pectin. These vital nutrients are crucial in maintaining hormonal balance throughout pregnancy.
- Antioxidant benefits: Grapes are natural repositories of antioxidants, fostering healing processes and enhancing the immune system for mother and baby. The presence of antioxidants notably lowers the likelihood of miscarriage.
- Supports biological changes: The nutrients found in grapes support the biological transformations happening during pregnancy. The immunity-strengthening antioxidants help ward off infections and mitigate complications such as preeclampsia and foetal growth disorders.
- Abundant in hydration: With a water content ranging from 80% to 90%, grapes are an excellent source of hydration for expectant mothers, aiding in maintaining optimal fluid levels during pregnancy.
- Relief from constipation: The fibre in grapes facilitates smoother bowel movements, alleviating constipation and promoting digestion.
- Cramp alleviation: Grapes are rich in magnesium, which helps minimise the discomfort from cramps, particularly during the initial stages of pregnancy.
- Vital vitamins for pregnancy: Grapes provide vitamins crucial for a healthy pregnancy journey. Vitamin C supports the baby's growth, while vitamin A contributes to foetal body and eye development, ensuring comprehensive prenatal nutrition.