Is it necessary to heat pomegranate when eating it during the postpartum confinement period?
Disease description:
I just gave birth and am currently in the postpartum recovery period (sitting month). I really want to eat pomegranate, but I'm worried that consuming cold food might be bad for my health. Should I heat the pomegranate before eating it during the postpartum period?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Lu
Postpartum period refers to the puerperium. Under normal circumstances, pomegranate does not need to be heated during the puerperium.
Pomegranate is a nutrient-rich fruit containing abundant vitamin C, folic acid, phosphorus, and other beneficial nutrients. These nutrients can be effectively absorbed by the human body at room temperature; heating may destroy some of the nutritional components and affect the taste and nutritional value of the pomegranate. Therefore, if the intention is to obtain these nutrients from pomegranate, it is recommended to eat it raw to preserve its maximum nutritional value.
However, if the mother has a weak constitution during the puerperium or the weather is particularly cold, she may consider allowing the pomegranate to reach room temperature before consumption, to avoid gastrointestinal discomfort from excessively cold food. Slightly warming the pomegranate, for instance by soaking it briefly in warm water, can also reduce its cold properties without significantly compromising its nutritional content. Moreover, due to the strong acidity of pomegranate, it is advisable to rinse the mouth promptly after consumption to prevent tooth enamel erosion.
During the puerperium, the mother should maintain a balanced diet and adequate rest, which helps in physical recovery and promotes breast milk production.
