Nothing like a tall, icy glass of fresh-squeezed lemonade in the summer. Good news for expecting women — the refreshing citrus beverage not only quenches your thirst, it's packed with potent vitamins and even curbs uncomfortable pregnancy side effects like, eeeeps, morning sickness.
"Lemon is considered to be an anti-inflammatory agent, which is 'calming' on the body. The yellow citrus fruit is ideal to use in the treatment of gas, bloating, and nausea — all common symptoms that occur during early pregnancy," says Rachel Albaum, a registered dietitian.
The punchy yellow fruit is also packed with vitamin C — the primary water-soluble antioxidant in the body. Vitamin C consumption is also pegged to a strong, functioning immune system — protecting pregnant women from illness.
Here's a so simple fresh-squeezed lemonade recipe to try:
Ingredients: 6 lemons, 1 cup sugar, 6 cups cold water
All you have to do is juice the lemons and stir in the sugar and water. Serve over a tall glass of ice and garnish with a mint leaf — mmm, mmm good!
Did you drink lemonade when you were pregnant?
Image via EvinDC/Flickr
