Benefits of Tomatoes During Pregnancy

The consumption of tomatoes during pregnancy is highly recommended because they have several benefits for both the woman and her child.

Written and verified by the nutritionist Saúl Sánchez Arias.

Last update: 17 November, 2022

Tomatoes are a type of fruit that has several benefits in pregnancy. These foods are recommended for consumption at any stage of life, but the consumption of tomatoes during pregnancy is especially important. After all, we’re talking about one of the foods with the most powerful antioxidants, so it’ll be key to ensure their regular intake.

Before we begin, it’s important to note that you should eat at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily. This is positive when it comes to reducing the risk of death from any cause and avoiding the development of diseases over the years. It should be noted that tomatoes not only contain antioxidants inside but are also an excellent source of micronutrients.

The benefits of tomatoes during pregnancy

As long as they’re consumed in moderation, tomatoes are an indispensable food during pregnancy. Here are some of their benefits:

They favor the development of the fetus

First of all, it should be noted that tomatoes provide calcium, so they’re crucial to promoting the bone development of the fetus. However, it’s important to maintain good levels of vitamin D in the body. This element makes a difference in ensuring the fixation of the mineral in the tissues and prevents structural alterations. Research published in the journal Frontiers of Hormone Research confirms this.

Tomatoes help prevent anemia

These foods also represent a source of vitamin C. We’re talking about a fundamental element when it comes to increasing the absorption of calcium at the intestinal level. This mineral will be key to avoiding anemia, which is relatively frequent during pregnancy. The fact is that the increase in blood volume can cause the amount of iron present in the body to be inadequate, so an extra supply will be needed. This is indicated by a study published in the Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences.

Tomatoes during pregnancy help to improve intestinal transit

Also, tomatoes have a lot of fiber, so they help to improve intestinal transit. This element manages to increase the volume of the fecal bolus, stimulates the mechanoreceptors of the intestine, and generates more efficient motility. Thanks to this, constipation is prevented, which also occurs frequently in pregnancy.

Precautions when consuming tomatoes during pregnancy

Despite the benefits mentioned above, it must be taken into account that tomatoes are a food that can contribute to stomach acidity. For this reason, it’s important to watch its presence in the diet and try not to overdo it when it comes to quantity. During pregnancy, you’re more likely to experience problems of acidity or reflux due to the pressure that the fetus generates on the organs. In the case of discomfort, you’ll need to adapt your diet.

In any case, the consumption of one tomato a day shouldn’t cause any inconvenience and, on the contrary, it could cause several positive effects. Thanks to this fruit, a sufficient intake of antioxidants is ensured, elements that will help prevent the genesis of metabolic diseases both in the mother and in the fetus.

Note that the methods of consumption are varied. They can be included raw in many preparations such as salads. But there’s also the alternative of mashing them in order to prepare a sauce, ideal for the accompaniment of meats, fish, and other vegetables. It’s even possible to consume them in the form of gazpacho, although in this case, you’ll need to limit the amount of cucumber and garlic due to the problems of acidity that we’ve just mentioned. In any case, it’ll depend on your individual tolerance.

Tomatoes during pregnancy have several benefits

As you’ve seen, tomatoes are a food that has several benefits when consumed during pregnancy. For this reason, it should be present in the diet on a regular basis, as it’s a good source of antioxidants and essential micronutrients of high quality. These elements will help the physiology to develop in an efficient way and thus avoid the genesis of chronic and complex diseases.

Finally, keep in mind that during pregnancy, it’s key to optimize your diet. Some foods should be limited or restricted to avoid intoxications that can be fatal for the fetus. Another fundamental point has to do with staying active. It’s not a good idea to be sedentary, but rather the opposite. Although in an adapted way, it’s very positive to always consider regular physical activity. This way, you’ll be less likely to experience excess weight and gestational diabetes.