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Is Extra Virgin Olive Oil Safe During Pregnancy?

It is understandable that every expectant mother wants to be sure of the safety of a product before adding it to her diet. Extra virgin olive oil will not only do you no harm, but will also bring enormous benefits for you and your growing baby.

 

Here are some of them:

Besides being rich in dietary fiber, olives are a rich source of monounsaturated fats, vitamin E and iron. High-quality extra virgin olive oil is very gentle on the stomach and is therefore safe to consume during pregnancy.

 

  1. Vitamin E content:

This vitamin is one of the components that help your baby adapt better to an oxygen-rich environment soon after birth. When the mother consumes olive oil during the breastfeeding stage, it helps the baby develop and adapt better.

 

  1. Beneficial for fetal development:

If you consume olive oil during pregnancy, it can be beneficial for the growth and development of your baby. Significant amounts of omega-3 fatty acids are extremely good for the baby's heart. Studies show that olive oil intake during pregnancy improves brain function and development, and also improves your child's learning and memory skills as they grow up. In addition, it may positively influence their height and weight.

 

  1. Helps reduce stretch marks during pregnancy:

The formation of stretch marks is very common during pregnancy in most women. This is because the enlargement and overstretching of the uterus leads to overstretching of the skin. Olive oil has long been used to deal with this problem. If you treat the affected areas every day with a little oil, the appearance of stretch marks may decrease or even disappear during pregnancy.

 

  1. Useful for improving the baby's reflexes:

It has been found that mothers who regularly consume olive oil during their pregnancy give birth to babies with better psychomotor reflexes compared to the rest.

 

  1. Highly effective in fighting various infections:

Pregnancy is accompanied by a weakening of the immune system, and expectant mothers are accordingly more susceptible to various types of infections. That is why including olive oil in your diet can be beneficial, since it is a rich source of vitamin A, which helps build a strong immune system and is very good for the body. Taking extra virgin olive oil can not only improve your health but also benefit the development of the baby's eyes.

 

It is important to mention that olive oil, like any other oil, should be consumed in moderation. You can safely add it to your food, drink it pure or apply it to your skin, but do not overdo the amount. Although the benefits of extra virgin olive oil have been proven many times over, we advise you to consult your doctor beforehand before deciding to include it in your daily routine (especially if you have not taken olive oil until now). Every pregnancy is different, and what is beneficial and healthy for one woman may not be for another. 

 

All articles in the “Health” section are consulted with specialists from Adella Clinic.