When it comes to pregnancy, expecting mothers have to take care of their health as well as their child’s. Eating healthily is one of the primary ways to ensure a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.

Fruits are an excellent source of vitamins, fiber, and minerals and are beneficial during pregnancy. However, recent studies have also shown that eating fruits regularly in pregnancy can lead to intelligent offspring.

What Makes Fruits Special During Pregnancy?

Fruits are rich in vitamins such as Vitamin C, which aid in the development of the fetal immune system and protects the mother from infections. They also contain fiber which helps prevent constipation, a common pregnancy issue.

Fruits are a goldmine of essential minerals such as calcium and potassium that facilitate muscle and nerve function. Folic acid, an essential nutrient for pregnant women, helps develop the nervous system of the embryo and reduce birth defects such as neural tube defects.

But what is it about fruits that can help your baby become smarter?.

The Science Behind the Intelligence Boost

Studies have shown that fruits and vegetables have a high content of flavonoids. Flavonoids are a type of antioxidant that can cross the placental barrier and reach the developing fetus’s brain.

These antioxidants protect the brain from injury and prevent oxidative damage that can occur as a result of toxic exposure during pregnancy. The high flavonoid intake during pregnancy is associated with increased intelligence and cognition in offspring.

A study published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health showed that babies whose mothers ate more than five servings of fruits or vegetables a day had a higher IQ at eight years of age than those whose mothers had fewer than two servings a day. The researchers explained that the flavonoids in fruits and vegetables help protect against cognitive impairment by lowering inflammation and oxidative stress.

Another study involved 20,000 pregnant women who consumed fruits and vegetables at different intervals and recorded their child’s behavior and mental development.

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The study showed that children of mothers who consumed fruits regularly had better behavior and cognitive development than those whose mothers did not eat enough fruits.

What Fruits Should You Be Eating?

Now that we know that eating fruits regularly in pregnancy can lead to intelligent offspring, it’s important to know which fruits to eat. Here are some fruits that are essential during pregnancy:.

Bananas

Bananas are packed with potassium which can help regulate blood pressure and prevent muscle cramps. They are also rich in Vitamin B6, which helps in the neural development of the fetus.

Oranges

Oranges are a great source of Vitamin C that can help boost immunity and prevent infections. They are also rich in fiber, which helps keep the digestive system healthy.

Avocados

Avocados are rich in essential fatty acids such as Omega-3 that can help in the development of the brain and nervous system of the fetus. They are also packed with fiber, which can help regulate bowel movements.

Grapes

Grapes are loaded with antioxidants that can help prevent oxidative damage. They are also a great source of folic acid that helps in the development of the nervous system of the fetus.

Conclusion

Pregnancy is a crucial phase in a woman’s life, and it’s important to take care of both the mother and the developing fetus. A healthy diet can go a long way in ensuring a safe and healthy pregnancy.

Fruits are an essential component of a healthy diet and can also help in the cognitive development of the child. Eating fruits regularly in pregnancy can lead to intelligent offspring. So, make sure to include a variety of fruits in your diet to ensure a healthy and smart baby.