The Real Reason You Should Be Eating Avocados During Pregnancy

The list of things you shouldn't eat during pregnancy can seem long. Sniff, sushi. And who else desperately misses ordering a Venti latte at Starbucks? Don't even get us started on craving runny eggs (via Healthline). The good news is there are some super-yummy foods you are encouraged to indulge in while expecting, like rich and buttery avocado. 

This snack- and meal-friendly fruit — avocado toast works for either — is packed full of a very specific B-vitamin essential for a healthy pregnancy: folate (via Medical News Today). According to The Daily Meal, folate reduces the risk of birth defects. Pregnant women need approximately 600 micrograms of folate, also known as folic acid, each day (via The March of Dimes). When you eat an avocado, you are getting 164 micrograms of folate (via Healthline). This benefit alone should be enough to convince you to add avocados to your pregnancy diet. But wait — there's more!

Suffering from morning sickness during your first trimester (and sometime beyond — we feel your pain)? According to What to Expect, avocado is one of the best foods to eat while pregnant because it boasts vitamin B6, which can help ease the dreaded quease.

Avocados are also chock-full of healthy fats that help a baby's organs develop, as well as your placenta. Your body will also better absorb vitamins and minerals thanks to the high monounsaturated fat content of this spreadable, versatile fruit that can be enjoyed at breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Avocados offer moms-to-be many other benefits, like a high potassium content, and iron, which is another vital mineral needed to achieve a healthy pregnancy (via MomJunction).

So, the question is not should you eat avocados during pregnancy, it is why aren't you planning your next meal around this super bump-friendly food? Eggs and avocado anyone?