Is That Safe? Eating Grapefruit During Pregnancy
Hey moms-to-be, we’re back with another edition of our "Is That Safe" series to address a common question: Is it safe to eat grapefruit during pregnancy?
Is it safe to eat grapefruit during pregnancy?
Wondering whether you can add grapefruit to your pregnancy diet? The good news is, yes, grapefruits are safe to eat during pregnancy when prepared correctly and as part of a balanced diet. Before eating grapefruit during pregnancy, or any other fruit and veg, you must wash them thoroughly.
According to the FDA, raw fruits and vegetables can become contaminated with harmful bacteria, so you should thoroughly rinse raw fruits and vegetables under running water before eating or preparing them, especially fruits that require peeling or cutting - like grapefruit, cantaloupe, and other melons. Bacteria can be found on the outer rind or peel. As an added precaution, you can use a small vegetable brush to remove surface dirt. Toxoplasma, a parasite that can be found on unwashed fruits and vegetables, can be particularly harmful to pregnant women and their baby (FDA). See more here.
Grapefruit can also interact with certain medications by blocking an enzyme that helps your body break down certain medicines. So if you're on medication, it's best to consult your healthcare professional before adding grapefruit to your diet.
Consuming excessive amounts of grapefruit might also lead to heartburn or digestive discomfort for some individuals. As always, moderation is key!
Are there any benefits of eating grapefruit during pregnancy?
Absolutely! Grapefruit offers several health benefits that can support a healthy pregnancy:
Rich in Vitamin C: As mentioned earlier, grapefruit is an excellent source of vitamin C, which plays a vital role in boosting your immune system and aiding in collagen production.
Hydration: Grapefruit has high water content - almost half of the fruit’s weight - which can contribute to your daily fluid intake. While drinking water is the best way to stay hydrated during pregnancy, eating water-rich foods can also help!
Antioxidants: Antioxidants present in grapefruit, such as flavonoids and lycopene, help combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body, promoting overall health and well-being.
Is pasteurized grapefruit juice safer than fresh grapefruit?
The FDA recommends that women who are pregnant avoid unpasteurized juices. Unpasteurized juice may contain harmful bacteria that could make some people sick.
Pasteurized juices have been heated to high temperatures for a short time in order to kill any bacteria or other microorganisms that may be present. When fruits and vegetables are made into fresh-squeezed juice, harmful bacteria may be present and become part of the finished product. Most juice in the United States is pasteurized to kill harmful bacteria.
During pregnancy, it‘s best to buy from reputable brands, look for warning labels on bottles, and avoid freshly squeezed juices at farmer’s markets and stalls.
What do you want to see next in our Is That Safe series? Let us know in the comments!
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