Introduction
A rare fruit which is not widely accessible is the litchi, sometimes known as the lychee. Nonetheless, everyone adores eating this delicious fruit, and its flavor drives up demand for it. Litchi is very beneficial to health. However, because of its pleasant taste and ease of consumption, litchi advantages during pregnancy are worth highlighting. Their juicy flavor and tender, meaty texture are well-known. Growing in tropical and subtropical locations, litchi is a delicate, pulpy fruit with a whitish-pink color that is only available for a brief period of time in the summer.
This juicy, tasty fruit is packed with health advantages, from strengthening the immune system to enhancing blood circulation. Individuals of all ages appreciate this fruit, that is native to the Southeast Asian region and is high in minerals including vitamins B and C as well as antioxidants.
Vitamin C, vitamin B complex, plus phytonutrient flavonoids are all abundant in litchi. It is an excellent supplier of the nutrients required for the synthesis of blood. The mineral manganese magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, and folate are all present in it and are necessary for the development of red blood cells.
Nutrient Value
Fresh lychees provide the following nutrients in a 100-gram serving. The primary nutrients present in fresh lychees are listed in the table below.
- 66 Calories
- 0.8 Grams of protein
- 15.2 Grams of sugar
- 1.3 Grams of fiber
- 04 Grams of fat
- 16.5 Grams of carbohydrates
The most prevalent vitamin in litchi is C. About 9% of the recommended daily intake (RDA) of vitamin C is found in one lychee. Litchi is a good source of potassium and copper.
Lychees Benefits in Pregnancy
Every pregnant lady wants to consume the most nutrition possible. For this reason, it’s a good idea to experiment with different fruits and vegetables. During pregnancy, almost all fruits and vegetables are safe to eat. Because it is high in water content, vitamins, and minerals, litchi is one of the many fruits that is beneficial to eat when pregnant.
Blood Sugar Control
During pregnancy, many women experience an increase in their blood sugar levels. Hypoglycin A, a unique molecule found in lychee, aids in lowering blood sugar levels. This makes it a healthy fruit choice, particularly for those with high blood sugar levels due to gestational diabetes.
Constipation Reliever
Litchi contains a lot of water. That aids in pregnant women’s constipation relief. Additionally, the fruit contains fiber, which aids in digestion and enhances the health of the digestive system in expectant mothers. Since constipation is the most common pregnant symptom, many women find that increasing their intake of fruits and vegetables helps avoid constipation.
Dietary fiber is abundant in lychee. By facilitating the passage of the stool through the digestive system, these fibers control the amount of stool produced. Along with helping against constipation and other digestive issues, it also gives the feces more volume. Additionally, it stimulates the digestive and stomach fluids, which improves the absorption of nutrients.
Immunity Booster
Because lychee fruit is high in vitamins, it strengthens immunity. Pregnant women are susceptible to numerous diseases and issues. Because they require an increase in immunity, eating litchi during pregnancy is beneficial for women. Because of its high vitamin C content, litchi is a great immune system builder. The vitamin C boosts the function of white blood cells, that protect the body from external invaders.
Learn More About Immunity Boosters.
Regulates Blood Pressure
Elevated blood pressure during pregnancy is concerning. Litchi helps lower blood pressure by preserving fluid equilibrium. It helps to regulate blood pressure because it has a low sodium content and a high potassium content. Potassium eases blood vessel and artery constriction, which lessens the strain on the heart and circulatory system.
Rich in Nutrients
Both the expectant mother and the growing child require nourishment during pregnancy. Minerals are necessary for the baby’s healthy growth and development. Lychee is rich in minerals, including copper, manganese, iron, phosphorus, and magnesium. These minerals are believed to improve the bones’ ability to absorb calcium, making the bones stronger and healthier. For this reason, consuming litchi during pregnancy gives the mother and growing fetus vital nutrients, particularly minerals.
How to Eat Lychees in Pregnancy
- The best lychee are fresh ones. Using your hands, remove the organs from the seed and then eat or suck it. They are a cool way to wrap up a dinner. Pitted litchi may be added to salads and sweet-and-sour meals, or combined with fruit.
- Freshly pitted litchi can also be made into juice in a blender with a small quantity of water added.
- If litchi juice is something you must have, be sure it’s freshly squeezed. Canned juices tend to have more sugar and preservatives. Furthermore, consuming a lot of sugar while pregnant is unhealthy, particularly if you have diabetes during pregnancy. Therefore, it is best to speak with a health professional before consuming anything on a daily basis.