Know the Benefits of Tomatoes for Pregnant Women Here

Did you know that there are many benefits of tomatoes for pregnant women? The fruit that is often mistaken for this vegetable has a variety of good nutrition for pregnant women to consume in order to maintain their health and the fetus in the womb. During pregnancy, you are required to be selective in choosing foods, because anything consumed will affect the health of your body and the fetus and growth and development in the womb. One of the best nutritious foods consumed during pregnancy is tomatoes. The contents of various nutrients in tomatoes include carbohydrates, water, protein, fiber, sugar, calcium, zinc, potassium, magnesium, and various vitamins, such as vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin B, including folate. Tomatoes are also rich in antioxidants, one of which is lycopene.

What are the Benefits of Tomatoes for Pregnant Women?

Tomatoes can be consumed raw as a salad or vegetable mixture, but can also be cooked or processed into fresh tomato juice. The following are some of the benefits of tomatoes for pregnant women you need to know:

1. Relieve leg cramps

Tomatoes contain potassium which can relieve leg cramps and muscles in pregnant women. In a tomato, there are at least about 250-400 milligrams of potassium. In addition to relieving cramps, potassium also plays an important role in maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance in the body. Pregnant women are encouraged to consume as much as around 4,500 to 4,700 milligrams of potassium per day.

2. Smooth digestion

In 100 grams of tomatoes contains about 1.2-1.5 grams of fiber. Pregnant women are advised to consume 25-30 grams of fiber per day to help with digestion and prevent constipation. Apart from tomatoes, fiber can also be obtained from the intake of fruits, vegetables, and nuts or seeds.

3. Counteract the effects of free radicals

Tomatoes contain lycopene which helps protect skin from sun damage. However, pregnant women are still recommended to use sunscreen every day so that the skin is protected from sun damage. The content of lycopene in tomatoes also acts as an antioxidant to ward off free radicals, fight infection, and protect body cells from damage. Some studies also state that lycopene and antioxidants that are high in tomatoes might prevent disorders during pregnancy, such as preeclampsia, high blood pressure, and gestational diabetes.

4. Increase endurance of pregnant women

In 1 medium-sized tomato, there are about 10-15 milligrams of vitamin C. This vitamin is important for pregnant women to increase endurance, help absorption of iron, and maintain the strength of bones and teeth. Not only that, vitamin C also plays a role in the formation of fetal organs in the womb, including bones, muscles, teeth, and skin. The amount of vitamin C that needs to be consumed by pregnant women is around 80-85 milligrams per day.

5. Supports the health of the eyes of the mother and fetus

Tomatoes are one of the main sources of vitamin A. In 1 tomato, there are about 40-50 micrograms of vitamin A. This vitamin plays an important role in maintaining the health of the mother's eyes, and supports the development of fetal organs in the womb, especially both eyes. Not only that, tomatoes also help the development of the heart, brain, lungs, and fetal bones, and help the mother's blood circulation during pregnancy. To meet nutritional needs, pregnant women are advised to consume around 800 micrograms of vitamin A every day.

6. Prevent dehydration

Tomatoes contain a lot of water. During pregnancy, a woman needs more fluids to avoid dehydration. By consuming enough fluids derived from mineral water, vegetables, and fruits, then the adequacy of body fluids will be fulfilled. By knowing the benefits of tomatoes for pregnant women, you can start adding this fruit to your daily diet. Choose tomatoes that are round, smooth-skinned, have a flat, fresh color. It is recommended to limit the consumption of canned tomatoes, because the canned tomato products may have added excess salt and preservatives. In addition to eating tomatoes, also meet the nutritional needs during pregnancy by eating healthy and nutritionally balanced foods. To determine what kind of food is good to consume while pregnant, you can consult an obstetrician to get more complete advice.