There are various benefits of pumpkin for pregnant women, thanks to its nutritional content. These benefits are obtained not only from the pumpkin flesh, but also from the seeds. Pumpkin is also good for pregnant women to support the growth and development of the fetus and meet its nutritional needs.
Pumpkin has a Latin name Cucurbita pepo or Cucurbita maxima. Fruit that is synonymous with celebration Halloween It has a yellow color, is large round in shape, and has seeds inside.
Usually pumpkin is consumed as a mixture of cakes, compotes, puddings, or soups. Not only that, this fruit is also delicious processed in various ways, ranging from baked, sauteed, or steamed.
Pumpkin Nutrient Content
In addition to its delicious taste, pumpkin contains a variety of nutrients that are important for the health of the body, including for children and pregnant women.
In 100 grams of pumpkin, there are about 25 calories, 92 grams of water, and a variety of the following nutrients:
- 1 gram protein
- 6.5 grams of carbohydrates
- 0.5 grams of fiber
- 2.8 grams of sugar
- 20 milligrams of calcium
- 0.8 milligrams of iron
- 12 milligrams of magnesium
- 45 milligrams of phosphorus
- 350 milligrams of potassium
- 8.2 milligrams of choline
- 15 micrograms of folate
- 425 micrograms of vitamin A
- 1 milligram of vitamin E
- 1 microgram of vitamin K
In addition to the nutrients above, pumpkin is rich in antioxidants, such as lutein and zeaxanthin, which is good for eye health and other organs. This fruit is also good for pregnant women because it contains various vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamins, vitamin C, zinc, copper, selenium, and sodium.
7 Benefits of Pumpkin for Pregnant Women
Because of its nutritional content, it is only natural that pumpkin can provide extraordinary health benefits for pregnant women. Some of the benefits of pumpkin for pregnant women include:
1. Relieve complaints of leg cramps
Some pregnant women may have frequent complaints of feeling leg cramps. In fact, this condition is normal to experience during pregnancy. However, if not treated properly, leg cramps can certainly interfere with the comfort and activities of pregnant women.
In order to reduce these complaints, pregnant women are recommended to stretch, massage their feet, and give warm compresses to cramped feet or legs.
In addition, pregnant women can also prevent and overcome complaints of leg cramps by eating foods that contain calcium, potassium, and magnesium, such as pumpkin, bananas, seeds, nuts, vegetables, and fish.
2. Maintain endurance
Pumpkin contains many nutrients that can increase the immune system of pregnant women. The content of vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E, antioxidants, and iron in this fruit has an important role to keep the immune system of pregnant women strong.
With a strong immune system, pregnant women's bodies will be stronger against viruses and bacteria that cause various types of diseases, so they are not easy to fall ill. In addition, the intake of nutrients in pumpkin is also good for supporting the formation of the fetal immune system.
3. Maintain eye health
In order to maintain eye health, pregnant women need certain nutrients, such as vitamin A, lutein, and antioxidants. The intake of these nutrients plays an important role in preventing damage to the nerve cells of the eye and retina.
In addition to having benefits for pregnant women, adequate daily intake of vitamin A and lutein also has an important responsibility in supporting the formation and development of fetal organs, such as the heart, lungs, eyes, brain, kidneys, skin, and bones.
4. Controls weight gain
It is normal to gain weight during pregnancy. However, if not controlled properly, excessive weight during pregnancy can actually endanger the health of pregnant women and their fetuses.
In order to prevent excess weight gain during pregnancy, pregnant women are recommended to eat foods rich in nutrients but low in calories, one of which is pumpkin. The fiber content in pumpkin can also make pregnant women full longer.
5. Makes sleep better
Some pregnant women complain that they often have difficulty sleeping, especially at night. In fact, getting enough sleep during pregnancy is very good for the health of the body and the growth and development of the fetus.
If pregnant women experience this complaint, pregnant women can try to take pumpkin seed supplements before bed. This is because pumpkin extract or pumpkin seeds are known to contain tryptophan, an amino acid that can help improve sleep quality.
In addition, pumpkin seeds also contain zinc which can help the brain produce the hormones serotonin and melatonin, which are hormones that have a major role in regulating pregnant women's sleep cycles.
6. Smooth digestion
The content of fiber and water in pumpkin is good for digestion. With adequate intake of fiber and body fluids, pregnant women will have a lower risk of experiencing constipation. Intake of fiber and water is also good for overcoming the problem of constipation during pregnancy.
7. Supports fetal growth
Adequate nutritional intake plays an important role in supporting fetal growth and development. Therefore, pregnant women need to have adequate nutritional intake through adequate nutritional intake and pregnancy supplements. Well, one of the nutritious food choices for pregnant women and fetuses is pumpkin.
The folate content in this fruit is known to be good for supporting fetal growth and preventing it from developing neural tube defects. In addition, the intake of other nutrients in pumpkin, such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, is good for supporting the formation of fetal organs.
In addition to the above benefits, the potassium content in pumpkin also has goodness to help lower blood pressure, you know. This fruit is suitable for consumption by pregnant women, especially those with hypertension.
In order to get the optimal benefits of pumpkin, choose pumpkin that is still fresh and not undergoing decay, that is, that does not have black spots and is soft to the touch and has dry stems.
Before consuming pumpkin, don't forget to wash it thoroughly and cook it until it's cooked, OK?
That's information about the benefits of pumpkin for pregnant women that pregnant women need to know. Although pumpkin has many benefits for the health of the body of pregnant women and fetuses, pregnant women still have to eat other nutritious foods, take prenatal vitamins, and exercise regularly to stay healthy until the day of delivery arrives.
In addition, do routine obstetrical checks to the obstetrician, yes, pregnant women.
