Health benefits of strawberry during pregnancy

Strawberry offers a wide range of health benefits for expecting mother and growing fetus during pregnancy. It is beneficial for expecting mother to have this fruit during pregnancy.

Natural source of vitamin C

Strawberry is a rich source of vitamin C. 100 grams of strawberry can supply 97 percent of our daily requirement of vitamin C.

Vitamin C, being a natural antioxidant, first boost the immune system of the pregnant women, preventing attack by pollutants and free radicals which are compounds that can damage cells.  Having sufficient vitamin C can prevent cold and flu and many other diseases.

Being an antioxidant, vitamin C also slows down ageing.

Vitamin C also help the body in the absorption of calcium and iron. These are two minerals that are important for the health of bone and production of blood.

Source of folic acid

Strawberry also contains folic acid. Folic acid is important in preventing birth defect in the newborns.  Gynecologists will probably recommend all women to have sufficient folic acid before and during pregnancy because of this health benefit.

Source of dietary fiber

Dietary fiber in strawberry can aid expecting mother in fighting against constipation. The dietary fiber helps the bowel movement and make it easy for the stool to be removed from the body.

Source of iron

Strawberry also contains iron. Iron is necessary for the formation of red blood cell. During pregnancy, pregnant women needs a greater blood supply to support herself and the growing fetus. With sufficient iron in the diet, pregnant women can prevent anemia which can occur to many expecting mothers.

Source of potassium

100g of strawberry contains 153mg of potassium. Potassium is beneficial for the heart by reducing the tension in the blood vessel. This in turn help to regulate blood pressure and prevent heart-related diseases.

Positive impact on children’s reading ability

Findings of a Tasmanian study revealed that consumption of strawberry by expecting mother during pregnancy has a positive impact on the child’s ability to read later in life.

Overall, strawberry benefits the expecting mother and the growing fetus by providing many nutrition which include vitamin C, folate, dietary fiber, iron and potassium.