The benefits of papaya for pregnant women are varied, ranging from strengthening the immune system to being able to relieve complaints of leg cramps. Not only that, this fruit can also provide various nutrients that are important for fetal growth and development, you know !
Papaya fruit or Carica papaya is one type of tropical fruit that is widely found in Indonesia. Papaya fruit has a sweet taste and a fairly soft texture when eaten. This fruit is still one family with carica fruit . The difference is, papaya has a larger size.
Not only can it be consumed directly, papaya fruit can also be processed into various dishes, such as juice, rujak, and even fruit ice.
Papaya, both ripe and young , contains various nutrients that are good for the health of pregnant women and fetuses, namely:
- Protein
- Carbohydrate
- Fiber
- Minerals, such as calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc , copper, manganese, and selenium
- Vitamins, including vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin K
Not only that, papaya also contains folate and antioxidants, such as lutein, lycopene, and choline.
Benefits of Papaya for Pregnant Women
Apart from its delicious taste, papaya fruit also has a myriad of benefits for the health of pregnant women and fetuses, including:
- Relieves complaints of leg cramps
Leg cramps during pregnancy are a common complaint of some pregnant women. Usually this complaint occurs in the second and third trimester. Although not dangerous, leg cramps can certainly make pregnant women feel uncomfortable.
To overcome this, pregnant women are advised to consume foods that contain a lot of potassium, such as papaya. This mineral is known to prevent and help overcome complaints of muscle cramps during pregnancy.
In addition to consuming papaya, pregnant women are also advised to stay active and drink enough water to stay fit and free from leg cramps.
- Strengthens the body’s immunity
Papaya fruit is a source of antioxidants and various vitamins that are good for maintaining a strong immune system, such as vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E. With a strong immune system, pregnant women will not easily fall ill. Strong body immunity is also important for forming the fetus’s immune system, you know .
- Facilitates digestion
During pregnancy, pregnant women will experience natural hormonal changes. This can make bowel movements slower, so pregnant women can be more prone to constipation .
To prevent and overcome these problems, pregnant women are advised to consume lots of fiber and drink enough water. One of the food choices that contains lots of fiber and water is papaya. This is the reason why papaya is known to be good for digestion and overcoming constipation.
- Meet daily nutritional needs
Because it has quite complete nutritional content, such as carbohydrates, fiber, protein, and various vitamins and minerals, papaya fruit is good for consumption to help meet the daily nutritional needs of pregnant women and their fetuses.
However, in addition to eating papaya, make sure that pregnant women also consume various other types of healthy foods . Don’t forget to also routinely take prenatal vitamins , so that the growth and development of the fetus is well maintained.
- Helps relieve morning sickness
Papaya fruit is good for pregnant women who experience morning sickness . Several studies have shown that the vitamin B6 and folate content in papaya fruit can relieve nausea symptoms during pregnancy. Not only that, this fruit also contains a lot of water, so it can prevent dehydration .
Therefore, this fruit is suitable for consumption by pregnant women in the first trimester or when 2 months pregnant .
- Supports the formation of the fetus’ eyes
In order for the fetus’ eyes to form and develop properly, adequate nutritional intake is needed during pregnancy. Well, in papaya fruit, there are various nutrients that are good for the health of the fetus, namely vitamin A, folate, lutein, and choline.
Not only good for the eyes, choline also plays an important role in forming the fetus’ nerves and brain.
Although there are many benefits of papaya for pregnant women, pregnant women must be careful in choosing papaya fruit to consume. Make sure pregnant women only consume papaya that is truly ripe. This is because unripe papaya contains sap or latex.
If consumed during pregnancy, latex can trigger uterine contractions and is thought to cause miscarriage . Latex can also often cause allergic reactions, so that pregnant women can experience allergy symptoms, such as itching, stomach ache, and diarrhea.
In addition, make sure that pregnant women choose papaya that has no defects on its skin, wash it first before consuming it, and eat it in moderation.
Those are the various benefits and tips for consuming papaya for pregnant women. If pregnant women still have questions about nutritional intake during pregnancy or want to know more about the benefits of papaya for pregnant women, do not hesitate to consult a doctor .