Health benefits of African pear in pregnant women

Pregnancy is a delicate time for many women. It is a time in which they have to be careful and selective about what goes through their mouths to their bellies, including drugs.

In Nigeria, the tasty African pear is currently in season. Are you a pregnant woman who wants to know if it is safe for you? In this detailed post, we discuss its benefits, what quantity is safe and its history.

The African Pear

The African pear is botanically known as Dacryodes eduli. It is an evergreen tree from the southeastern part of Nigeria. It is also found in other African countries such as Gabon, Cameroun, etc. These countries have different names for the pear. The Gabonese call it Atanga, while Cameroonians identify it as Safou. In Nigeria, it goes by different names depending on your tribe. The Igbo’s call it Ube and the Yoruba’s call it Eleme. In other parts of the world, the fruit is called bush-butter pear, butter fruit or African plum.

Is the African Pear Safe During Pregnancy?

African pears have been hailed by health experts for its health benefits because it possesses a broad range of medicinal, pharmacological and biological properties that are highly beneficial to human health. Here’s a list of some of the benefits:

• It Is A Good Source Of Vitamin C

 Vitamin C is great for pregnancy. It is especially needed in this stage of women’s lives. As an antioxidant, it helps several functions in the body like strengthening the immune system. In addition, it protects pregnant women from bacteria and germ infections. Also, in pregnant women, it encourages the body to absorb iron which is essential for foetal growth. It should be eaten with other foods with high iron content such as rice and meat.

• Natural Fibre In Pears

Constipation is a common occurrence during pregnancy, due to the space constriction caused by the enlarging uterus. Pears eaten with the peel can improve digestion, whether boiled or fried. The fibre in pears can also regulate blood pressure, such as pregnancy hypertension. This could lower the chances of developing conditions like preeclampsia.

• Potassium and magnesium in African peers

Though pears only contain a small amount of potassium, it is still important at cellular and tissue levels. It reduces the likelihood of cramps in the abdomen or legs which improves comfort.It also stabilises the nervous system, improving motor functions and coordination.The magnesium contained in African pear provide normal operation of the heart muscle and regulate the water-salt.

• Iron in African pears

African pears have a high iron content compared to most fruits. Eating it through your day can improve your iron reserve. If you are feeling dizzy, fatigued or other symptoms of anaemia, Africa peers will help combat this. Many pregnant women complain of loss of appetite at the initial stage. As pears are very nutritious, they will help you to increase your appetite. It occurs due to a lot of glucose and fructose in this fruit.

• Vitamin B6 in African Pears

 The B-Vitamins are a set of important nutrient for pregnant women, the deficiencies of which can cause foetal defects. This vitamin improves cognitive and motor function development in foetuses and newborns. It also helps in foetal nerve tissue growth. Vitamin B6 actively reduces the frequency of pregnancy symptoms like nausea and vomiting that happen during the first trimester.

Okay, Can I Have A Bucketful Of African Pear now?

The health benefits listed above show that African pear is safe during pregnancy. However, it should be taken in moderate quantities. Because our bodies have different constitutions, it is also advisable you talk to your doctor.

This article was first published on AfricaParent.com