Having a unique and distinctive shape makes dragon fruit one of the most recognizable and popular fruits. In addition, this type of tropical fruit also offers a unique taste. Dragon fruit contains a number of nutrients that are beneficial to health, especially pregnant women. This fruit, also known as pitaya, comes from the Central American region which has now spread to various regions of the world.
The following is a review of the nutrition and benefits of dragon fruit for the health of pregnant women:
- Vitamin C
During pregnancy, vitamin C is an important nutrient to support the development of gums, teeth and bones in the fetus. Pregnant women are required to consume at least 70 milligrams of vitamin C per day. In 100 grams of dragon fruit itself contains 4-25 milligrams of vitamin C. Consumption together with berries or oranges can increase vitamin C intake.
- Carbohydrate
Dragon fruit is a natural source of carbohydrates that can offer around 9-14 grams of carbohydrates in 100 grams. Women who are pregnant are strongly advised to receive a minimum carbohydrate intake of 135 grams per day. Carbohydrates themselves provide the main source of energy as the baby grows and develops. By consuming one dragon fruit can help pregnant women produce a nutrient-dense carbohydrate balance.
- Healthy fats
Not only needed for energy, healthy fats also play an important role in the formation of the baby's brain. In one dragon fruit, there are about 0.1-0.6 grams of fat, most of which are monounsaturated fats. Eating foods that store monounsaturated fats support normal and healthy weight gain during pregnancy.
- Fiber
Dietary fiber helps promote satiety and controls bowel function. As pregnancy progresses, constipation tends to occur and can become a problem. Therefore, consumption of dietary fiber in sufficient quantities can handle this problem. In general, one dragon fruit contains about 0.3-0.9 grams of dietary fiber. The Dietary Reference Intake recommends that pregnant women eat at least 28 grams of fiber per day.
- Fighting infection
Dragon fruit can also expel infections that can enter the baby through the placenta. Dragon fruit presents the benefits of regenerating cells in wound healing that prevents infection and can be an antibacterial and antifungal agent to fight microbes that have successfully entered the body.
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