Pregnancy Power Fruit: How Guava Supports Baby’s Growth and Mom’s Health

Journey to motherhood is a beautiful experience. While pregnant women are always advised to enjoy this phase and eat whatever they like, maintaining a healthy diet is essential. Your doctor may advise you to take prenatal supplements and consume fibrous vegetables and fruits.

When talking about fruits in pregnancy, 95% of women like to eat bananas, while 88% enjoy oranges and apples. However, there is one superfruit that many pregnant ladies tend to overlook, which is guava. With its sweet and tangy taste, this tropical fruit is full of health benefits for both mother and her unborn child. 

Continue reading this article to learn about the benefits of eating guava during pregnancy.

Health Benefits of Eating Guava During Pregnancy

According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5, India) and global research, less than 15% of pregnant women report eating guava regularly, even though it is one of the most nutrient-rich fruits available and is widely grown in tropical regions. Guava is indeed high in nutrients and vitamins that help support a healthy pregnancy. Here are the top four benefits of eating guava during pregnancy:

• High in Critical Nutrients

Guava is a powerhouse of nutrients. It contains fiber, vitamin C, folate, and vitamins A, B, E, and K, all of which are essential during pregnancy. Vitamin C helps build immunity, and consuming adequate folate during pregnancy helps avoid spinal development problems and congenital disabilities.

Suppose a pregnant woman consumes 165 g (1 cup) of guava. In that case, she will get more than 20% of the Daily Value (DV) for folate and more than 400% of the DV for vitamin C.

Guava also provides magnesium, which is important for muscle relaxation and reducing leg cramps, a common complaint during pregnancy. The fruit’s potassium content supports healthy blood pressure, while small amounts of zinc and manganese help fetal development.

• Treat Digestive Issues

Guava can also help with common digestive problems during pregnancy, like constipation, diarrhoea, and acid reflux. Because it is rich in fibre, it helps regulate bowel movements, thus minimising acidity, gastric problems, and constipation. Additionally, guava leaf extracts can help treat diarrhoea.

The fiber in guava acts as a prebiotic, nourishing healthy gut bacteria, which can further improve digestion and reduce the risk of gastrointestinal infections.

• May Reduce Your Risk of High Blood Pressure

Some pregnant women develop preeclampsia, a condition characterised by elevated blood pressure leading to potential damage to the kidneys or liver. Studies indicate that chemicals in guava leaves suppress enzymes that contribute to high blood pressure, thus minimizing the risk of high blood pressure.

Guava also contains natural compounds that promote vasodilation (widening of blood vessels), which may help with circulation and prevent spikes in blood pressure.

• Controls Blood Sugar

With the changing lifestyle and eating habits, many women deal with gestational diabetes during pregnancy. Research reveals that guava leaf tea, when consumed in appropriate amounts, can help lower blood sugar levels.

Guava’s low glycemic index means it causes a slower rise in blood glucose, making it a safe and beneficial fruit for pregnant women concerned about sugar spikes. Vitamin C in guava can also improve insulin sensitivity.

How Much Quantity of Guava is Safe To Eat During Pregnancy?

Eating guava or consuming guava juice during pregnancy is safe and healthy during pregnancy. However, it is important to consume it in the right amount.

If you are eating fresh guava, then one guava weighing approximately 100-125 g is enough/day. However, an important tip to note is, eat a ripe guava after peeling and cutting it into small pieces. Also, remember to eat it in moderation; too much guava consumption may lead to digestive issues or stomach ache.

Guava seeds are edible, but eating too many may cause discomfort. Pregnant women with irritable bowel syndrome should consume guava in smaller portions and avoid under-ripe fruit, which can be constipating.

What Precautions Should to Take When Eating Guava During Pregnancy?

A properly ripened guava is generally safe to eat during pregnancy. However, there are some precautions that you must take when eating guava or any other fruit while pregnant:

• Always wash and peel the guava before eating.
• Don’t eat the whole fruit directly; cut it into small to medium-sized pieces. Fruit might contain tiny insects, especially during the rainy season.
• Before consuming guava leaf tea, consult your doctor or health practitioner. It might not suit every pregnant woman.
• Instead of consuming canned guava juice, drink fresh guava fruit juice.
• If you feel any discomfort, nausea, or allergy after eating guava during pregnancy, talk to your doctor immediately.
• Canned or processed guava products may contain added sugar or preservatives that are best avoided during pregnancy.

Tips To Eat Guavas During Pregnancy

Here are some quick recipes to help you include guava in your healthy pregnancy guide:

• Mix yoghurt, a little milk, and some honey with fresh guava pieces to make a tasty and nourishing smoothie.
• Make a colourful and nutrient-dense fruit salad by mixing sliced guavas with other pregnancy-friendly fruits like oranges, kiwis, and strawberries. For an additional flavour boost, add a little lime juice.
• Combine chopped guavas with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and a touch of jalapeño to make a spicy guava salsa. Enjoy this tasty salsa as a garnish for grilled fish or chicken.
• Guava can also be pureed and frozen into popsicles, which may help relieve morning sickness and keep you hydrated.

Conclusion

Packed with nutrients and fibre, guava can be highly beneficial during pregnancy. It can strengthen your digestive system, manage sugar levels, and promote healthy bone development for the baby. Although it is safe to eat anytime, it is best to consume in a balanced quantity, not too much or not too less, to enjoy its benefits.

Guava’s vitamin A content supports healthy fetal vision, while its antioxidants protect both mom and baby from cellular stress. Studies also suggest that the aroma of ripe guava may have a calming effect, which can be helpful for pregnancy-related anxiety.

While eating guavas can benefit the unborn baby’s health, preserving the stem cells of your just-born baby can secure his future health. Want to know how? Contact Cryoviva.