The Healthiest Summer Fruits

No matter how hot and sweltering the summer is, the fruits of this season are just as delicious and healthy! Our specialist explains the unknowns about summer fruits that will appetize both you and your child.
Summer fruits have very rich nutritional values for your health and their vitamin and mineral values of them are different from each other. That's why you can make your meals much healthier thanks to summer fruits. Yeditepe University Kozyatağı Hospital  Nutrition and Dietetics Specialist gave information about summer fruits by warning that no more than 3 servings of fruit should be consumed during the day, no matter how beneficial these fruits are…

• Watermelon

Watermelon, which contains 90 percent water, will be a very refreshing choice for you and your baby on hot summer days. This high-water ratio helps keep your amniotic fluid at a regular level. Although it is not very high in calories, its nutritional value is quite rich in vitamin C, lycopene, and carotenoids. In this way, it helps to protect from cancer, heart diseases, and muscle pain and improves the digestive system. It is a good choice, especially for leg pains in the last trimester of pregnancy. In case of excessive consumption, it can increase your blood sugar, so it is recommended not to consume more than 1 serving (3 small triangular slices) during the day.

• Cherry

Cherries, which have many vitamins and minerals such as iron, carotene, calcium, and vitamin C, have a very high nutritional value. During pregnancy, blood is very important for the development of the baby, and thanks to vitamin C in its content, cherry strengthens your blood vessels and contributes to the development of the baby. It is also very useful in the proper functioning of your digestive system, in reducing your headaches and migraine attacks, and in regulating your sleep. 1 serving of cherries is 7-8 pieces.

• Grape

Grapes, which are rich in vitamins C and K, folic acid, fiber, organic acids, and antioxidants, will be a delicious choice for you and your baby with high nutritional value. It will help you to protect yourself from diseases by strengthening your immunity. Thanks to folic acid in its content, it is very useful for the brain and nerve development of the baby during pregnancy. It should not be forgotten that too much consumption can cause diarrhea, diabetes, bloating, gastritis, and miscarriage, so the amount should be adjusted very carefully. It is recommended that you eat a maximum of 200 grams of grapes a day and peel the skin of the grapes while eating.

• Strawberry

Strawberry, which is very rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, strengthens your immune system. If you eat it after a high-protein meal during pregnancy, it helps to absorb nutrients such as iron in the meal. It protects from cancer by regulating cholesterol levels. Thanks to its nutritional value, it is important for the baby's bone, brain, and nerve development during pregnancy. Since it carries a risk of allergy, it is mostly recommended to be tried in babies after 1 year of age. It strengthens the immune system of children and helps digestion with its fiber ratio. It supports children's brain development. 1 serving for adults is 8 pieces. 

• Peach

Its fiber content is quite high, so it facilitates digestion by stimulating the digestive system. It has diuretic properties. It helps reduce some allergy symptoms. It is a good choice for those who have constipation problems during pregnancy. Excessive consumption can increase the risk of bleeding, so it should not be eaten too much and it is recommended to peel its skin before eating it. If it cannot be tolerated in raw form in babies who have switched to complementary foods, it can be given in the cooked form. Since it is a fruit containing pesticide residue, it is recommended to choose organic ones.

• Plum

Rich in potassium, vitamin C, and fiber, plums have powerful antioxidant properties. Thanks to its high fiber content, it has a satiating feature and regulates the digestive system. When consumed during pregnancy, it reduces the risk of premature birth, strengthens immunity, prevents constipation, and regulates blood pressure. Too much plum consumption can cause kidney stones. In addition, since it is very low in calories, it can make it difficult to meet the increased energy needs during pregnancy and childhood. Plum, which is rich in antioxidants, is a good choice in appropriate servings in solving constipation for babies who have switched to complementary foods.