Is Eating Kiwi Good for Pregnancy? Get the Facts
According to our very own Dr. Steven Pratt, the kiwi fruit offers a potent mix of nutrients that fuel the body with vitamin C, folate, potassium, fiber, caretenoids, polyphenols, chlorophyll, and vitamin E.
Kiwis are also what Dr. Pratt considers “antioxidant all stars.” In fact, the large amount of vitamin C found within a single serving can help neutralize free radicals that often times cause inflammation and cancer.
The Key Ingredient in Kiwi for Pregnant Women
The secret to any pregnant woman’s health success is folic acid. The National Women’s Health Information Center says that consuming the recommended 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid both before and during pregnancy can significantly reduce the chance of birth defects related to your baby’s brain and spinal cord.
It is also recommended that women should increase their intake of folic acid to 600 mcg during months four to nine. While breastfeeding the amount should be reduced to 500 mcg.
Ideas for Preparing & Eating Kiwi
- Toss diced kiwis into a green salad.
- Puree it into smoothies.
- Add it to turkey or tuna salad.
- Serve it with strawberries and a dollop of yogurt with honey.
- Blend it with cantaloupe or other melon and add yogurt for a creamy, chilled soup. Make it even more amazing by garnishing it with blueberries and mint.
- Make a relish of chopped kiwis, red onion, pineapple and orange. This can be served with grilled meat or fish.
The secret to your success is to enjoy kiwis and other SuperFoods throughout your pregnancy. For more information on SuperFoods and pregnancy, you may consider the book SuperFoods for Pregnancy.
