Eating lemon during pregnancy

Having lemon or lemon juice during pregnancy offers expecting mother many health benefits, but it also carries some disadvantages which expecting mothers need to look out for.

Do contact your doctor if you have any concern about eating lemon during pregnancy.

Benefits of lemon for pregnant women

Boosting Immune system and removing toxin

Lemon is very rich in vitamin C – a powerful antioxidant which can help to boost the immune system of the pregnant women, preventing cold and flu and some other infectious diseases.

Lemon water is a mild detoxification agent. It helps reduce bacterial growth and stimulates the liver to function better and remove toxins from the body.

Preventing constipation

Lemon is a good source of dietary fiber which can prevent constipation during pregnancy. Constipation can happen to pregnant women very often due to hormonal change in the body of expecting mothers.

Lemon is also believed to help stimulate digestion. Consumption of lemon water during pregnancy keeps the body hydrated and nourished, further reducing chance of constipation.

Preventing hypertension and lowering cholesterol level

Lemon is rich in potassium which can help to reduce tension in the blood vessel and therefore reducing blood pressure.

A good relief for morning sickness

The refreshing taste of the lemon may help soothes the pregnant women's stomach and help to relieve morning sickness.

Calcium for bone health

Lemon has significant calcium content. This is beneficial for the bone health of the pregnant women and the bone development of the growing fetus.

Side effects of lemon

It is very common for pregnant women to experience heartburn or other gastrointestinal problems. Because lemon is rich in citric acid, this acid may aggravate the heartburn. Hence, pregnant women with heartburn or gastrointestinal problem should avoid citrus fruit like lemon.

Furthermore, this acid will also cause damage to the teeth by making the enamel of the teeth weaker. This could make pregnant women more vulnerable to dental problem.

In conclusion, lemon water in general is good to expecting mother during pregnancy. For expecting mother that experience dental problem, heartburn or gastrointestinal problem, it is better to avoid lemon during pregnancy.