Is lemon good for pregnancy?

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1. Safety Concerns When Using Lemons

Lemons and other citrus fruits can be quite safe and healthy to be used during pregnancy. In fact, lemons contain many essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients that help support maternal health and baby's development. However, to date there has been very little research on the safety of lemons especially during pregnancy.
That said, drinking lemonade or adding some lemon juice to your salad is likely safe and even healthy. But if you are pregnant with lemons in large amounts or with lemon-flavored additives or supplements, you should always talk to your obstetrician-gynecologist or midwife about this. Because, eating lemons during pregnancy or other things related to lemons has not been studied much for safety for pregnant women.
But what about lemon essential oil? Are they safe? Although essential oils are on trend, ingesting lemons in essential oil form has always been on the questionable list.

2. Potential benefits of lemon during pregnancy

2.1. Lemon boosts immunity and fetal development No research has shown that lemon boosts immunity on its own and benefits fetal development, but some of the top nutrients found in lemon has been studied for this association.
In fact, one-half cup, with 106 grams of lemon and without the peel, can provide 56.2 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C - an important nutrient for both mother and unborn baby.
Several studies performed to link vitamin levels with maternal and fetal health have concluded that even a small maternal vitamin C deficiency can impede brain development of the fetus, especially the hippocampus, responsible for memory. The safe range of vitamin C may also boost immunity and help prevent common infections, such as colds and flu, but this has yet to be proven in pregnant people.

That immune boost can be attributed to the significant content of flavanones in lemons including eriocitrin and hesperetin. This research article notes that lemons have strong resistance to infections from bacteria, viruses and fungi, as well as anti-diabetic and anti-cancer properties. Moreover, lemon can also help eliminate free radicals in the body.
Another important nutrient in lemons, such as folate, is very important for pregnancy. Research articles have confirmed folate's ability to reduce the risk of neural tube defects in the fetus, such as spina bifida and anencephaly. These serious malformations affect the brain, spine, or spinal cord and can develop during the first month of pregnancy. In theory, consuming more lemons during the first few weeks of pregnancy could increase protection.
2.2. Lemon helps with nausea If you have morning sickness or all day, then you are looking for anything that is safe to give you relief from this discomfort and may have led you to use it. Some remedies include using pills, or some lozenges, chewing gum, teas, lollipops, oils or other tinctures containing lemon as a natural nausea remedy.
But be careful with consuming lemon as your antidote. There are few or no studies that prove that consuming lemons is effective in reducing nausea during pregnancy. But there is data to suggest that diffusing lemon essential oil can provide relief.
A randomized controlled clinical study of pregnant women has concluded that inhaling or using lemon essential oil is safe and effective in reducing nausea and vomiting associated with pregnancy.
2.3. Lemon boosts hydration Water is essential especially during pregnancy as it serves many important functions, such as:
Gives shape and structure to cells Regulates body temperature Supports digestion Absorbs and transports nutrients and oxygen to cells Aids in body chemical reactions Eliminates body wastes Forms mucus and other lubricating fluids According to research articles on hydration needs during pregnancy, it has been calculated that - based on a 2,300 calorie diet - a pregnant woman needs up to 3,300 ml of water per day.
Sometimes, drinking so much water will make you feel that your taste buds become boring. So you can add some lemon to your water as a healthy way to change things up while adding some excitement to your water.

3. Possible reasons to avoid or use too much lemon during pregnancy

There are some precautions when peeling a lemon. Lemons can be beneficial in small doses, but lemons are high in citric acid which can be a warning. Interestingly, freshly squeezed lemon juice has more citric acid than orange and grapefruit juice in a quantitative assessment of several studies. And pre-mixed lemonade has 6 times more citric acid than lemon and lime juice. So what could this lead to?
3.1. Tooth wear In larger amounts or more often, the citric acid found in lemons can cause the pH in your mouth to drop to acidic levels.
If you drink highly acidic drinks or foods often and for a long time - like during pregnancy - the acidic environment can cause erosion of the minerals that strengthen your enamel and can lead to weaker, more sensitive teeth that make you jump over the roof when you bite into an ice cream popsicle or get a notification of a cavity during your next dentist visit.
Several studies involving lemons and dental problems show that lemon juice is more corrosive to teeth than regular cola. Because you're already at a higher risk of certain tooth and gum problems during pregnancy.

3.2. Heartburn High levels of acid produced by citric acid can also increase your risk of acid reflux or heartburn, which are quite common during pregnancy. Drinking a highly acidic lemon beverage like lemonade can cause more heartburn than just adding lemon to water.
But mixing 1 tablespoon of lemon juice with 227 ml of water may have a protective effect against heartburn. Although it has not been proven, it is thought that the mixture does indeed help alkalize the acid in the stomach and, therefore, reduce burns.
However, no matter how good lemons are, when using this fruit you should listen to your body and talk to your obstetrician-gynecologist or midwife about how much lemon is good for you. you based on your current health and medical history.

4. The recipe for using lemon is suitable for pregnant women

If you're looking to add a little lemon to your life, consider these delicious and pregnancy-friendly recipes.
Lemon yogurt parfait: 1 cup Greek yogurt; lemon juice; 1/4 cup low-sugar granola; 1 teaspoon. honey Add lemon juice to yogurt and mix well. Sprinkle it with granola and add a splash of honey.
Water to soak lemon and basil: 2 liters of water; 2 thin slices of lemon (seeds removed); 2 basil leaves Add lemon slices and basil leaves to the water. Refrigerate for 1 to 4 hours before enjoying this thirst quencher.
Arugula salad with lemon vinegar dressing: 4 cups arugula; 3 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil; 2 tbsp. fresh lemonade; 1 teaspoon. honey; 1/2 teaspoon of MSG. Dijon mustard; 1/4 teaspoon. sea ​​salt; 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese; ground black pepper Wash the arugula and set aside to air dry. Mix olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard and sea salt and refrigerate. Mix and toss it along with the arugula when ready to serve. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese, a little pepper.
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Reference source: healthline.com