6 benefits of eating avocado during pregnancy

Maintaining a balanced diet during pregnancy is essential to ensure the health of mother and baby.

While some foods should be avoided, as they are not good for you, others are more suitable. One of them is avocado, rich in good fats like Omegas 3, 6 and 9, and which has several other benefits.

According to nutritionist Cristiane Braga Kanashiro, from Clínica Due, the fruit can be consumed pure or used in the preparation of savory or sweet foods, such as ice cream and vitamins.

She also states that in addition to the specific benefits of avocado for pregnant women, there are also several general benefits. So anyone can consume it. See some:

1. Improves digestion

The nutritionist explains that, because it is rich in fiber, particularly in pectin, avocado helps in the proper functioning of the gastrointestinal transit and prevents constipation. “If the intestine doesn’t work well, the pregnant woman is at increased risk of hemorrhoidal disease”, she explains.

2. Ensures satiety

This factor makes it suitable to dribble exaggerated hunger, because, by increasing the feeling of satiety, it makes you eat less. “Progesterone increases the feeling of hunger, making pregnant women often eat more than they should. However, excessive weight gain during pregnancy can lead to problems for the baby, with a risk of gestational diabetes. So that balance when eating is important,” she says.

3. Reduces bad cholesterol

Rich in ‘good’ fats, such as omega 3, 6 and 9, and oleic acid, avocados reduce LDL. “LDL-cholesterol is the bad fat that settles in the arteries and can form plaque. Thus, having it in low concentrations is good for protecting the heart and vessels”, says the nutritionist.

4. Increases immunity

“The fruit has vitamins from the B complex, mainly B6, in addition to vitamins E and C. All of them favor the improvement of immunity”, explains the professional.

5. Makes the baby smarter

The intake of omega-type fats by the mother during pregnancy increases the cognitive function of babies, which can lead to a smarter baby. “There are recent studies that prove the increase in the IQ of babies associated with the maternal intake of these omegas”, says Cristiane.

6. Helps you sleep better

It is speculated that eating avocados before bedtime stimulates the production of melatonin, but there is still no scientific proof. “Sleep well is important because during sleep several hormones are produced, as well as brain restoration,” he explains.

The nutritionist says that the avocado can be consumed in any form and at any time. “A small portion before bed favors the synthesis of good hormones”, she assures.

But despite all these benefits, consumption should not be exaggerated. The maximum daily recommendation is 100 grams, because, due to the large amount of fat, there is a risk of increasing body weight.