Litchi or Lychee is a unique fruit that is not very easily available. But its taste increases its demand and everyone loves to enjoy this juicy fruit. Litchi has a lot of health benefits. But litchi benefits in pregnancy are worth mentioning, as litchi is easy to consume due to its pleasant taste.
Lychee/Litchi is a fruit obtained from Litchi chinens is plant, that is evergreen tree of the soapberry family (Sapindaceae). They are well-known for their soft fleshy texture and juicy flavour. Litchi is a soft, whitish-pink pulpy fruit that is grown in tropical and subtropical regions and is only available for a short time during the summer season. This juicy and delicious fruit has numerous health benefits, ranging from boosting your immune system to improving blood circulation.
The fruit, which is native to Southeast Asia and rich in antioxidants and minerals such as vitamin B and C, is enjoyed by people of all ages.
Litchi is high in vitamin C, vitamin B-complex, and phytonutrient flavonoids. It is a good source of nutrients that are needed for blood production. It contains manganese, magnesium, copper, iron, and folate, all of which are required for RBC formation.
Nutritional Value Of Litchi:
A 100-gram serving of fresh lychees contains the following nutrients. The table below lists the main nutrients found in fresh lychees.
Calories: 66
Protein: 0.8 grams
Sugar: 15.2 grams
Fiber: 1.3 grams
Fat: 0.4 grams
Carbs: 16.5 grams
Vitamin C is the most abundant in litchi. One lychee contains approximately 9% of the RDA (Recommended Daily Intake) for vitamin C. Litchi contain a good amount of copper and potassium.
Litchi Benefits In Pregnancy:
In pregnancy, every woman wants to get maximum amount of nutrients. That’s why it is advisable to try new and variety of fruits and vegetables. Almost all the fruits and vegetables can be consumed in the pregnancy period.
Litchi is one of those fruits that is good for you during pregnancy, as the fruit is full of water, vitamins, and minerals.
Blood Sugar Management:
Many women face spike in the blood sugar levels during pregnancy. Litchi has special chemical hypoglycin A that helps in reducing blood sugar level. That makes it a good option as a fruit to consume during pregnancy especially when you have high blood sugar level of gestational diabetes.
Constipation Reliever:
Litchi has high water content in it. That helps in relieving the constipation in pregnant women. The fruit also has fiber that is also helpful in digestion and improves digestive health in pregnant females. As constiptaion is the major concern in pregnancy, many women need to add fruits and vegetables in their diet to prevent constipation.
Litchi is high in dietary fiber. These fibers regulate bowel movement by ensuring that it moves smoothly through the digestive tract. It also adds bulk to the stool and can help with constipation and other stomach issues. It also stimulates gastric and digestive juices, resulting in better nutrient absorption.
Immunity Booster:
As the litchi fruit is full of vitamins, the fruit acts as an immunity booster. Pregnant women face a lot of infections and problems. They need to boost their immunity, that’s why eating litchi in pregnancy is good for females.
Litchi is high in vitamin C, making it an excellent immune booster. Vitamin C increases the activity of white blood cells, which defend the body against foreign substances.
Regulates Blood Pressure:
High blood pressure is an alarming situation in pregnancy. Litchi aids in the reduction of high blood pressure by maintaining fluid balance. It is high in potassium and low in sodium, which aids in blood pressure regulation. Potassium reduces artery and blood vessel constriction, reducing stress on the cardiovascular system.
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Rich In Nutrients:
During pregnancy, the mother and developing baby both needs nutrients. The baby needs minerals for proper growth and development. Litchi is high in nutrients such as magnesium, phosphorus, iron, manganese, and copper. These minerals are known to increase calcium absorption in the bones, resulting in stronger and healthier bones. That’s why eating the litchi in pregnancy provides essential nutrient especially minerals both to mother and developing fetus.
How To Consume Litchi In Pregnancy?
Fresh litchi are the best. Peel the flesh from the seed with your hands, then nibble or suck it. They are a refreshing way to end a meal. Pitted litchi can be mixed into fruit salads or used in sweet and sour dishes and salads.
You can also make juice of freshly pitted litchi in a blender by adding little amount of water in it.
If you must consume litchi juice, make sure it is freshly squeezed because canned juices are more likely to contain preservatives and a higher amount of sugar. And high amount of sugar is not good during pregnancy especially when you have gestational diabetes. So it is better to consult your health specialist before eating anything on regular basis.
Now you can consult with the best Gynecologists in Karachi with just one click. You can book an appointment with the best health specialists through Marham by calling the Marham helpline: 0311-1222398 or by online booking facility through the website or Marham mobile app.
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FAQs
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What are litchi benefits in pregnancy?
Litchi is helpful in preventing constipation and improves bowel movement. It is also good for bone health for mother as the fruit is full of minerals. It controls the blood sugar levels in pregnancy and maintains blood pressure in normal range. Moreover, it boosts the immunity of the pregnant women.
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How to consume litchi in pregnancy?
You can eat fresh litchi by peeling the fruit or you can drink juice of freshly pitted litchi.
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Is litchi good for pregnant women?
Yes litchi has a lot of benefits for pregnant women. It provides a lot of minerals and vitamins like vitamin C to a pregnant woman. It helps in digestion, improves immunity, manages blood pressure and sugar levels.