Pregnant? Florida Oranges Help Protect You and Your Baby

Orange juice tops the list of 5 foods all pregnant women need, says Parents.com. In addition to meeting 100% of the daily requirements for vitamin C, an 8-ounce glass of fresh-squeezed Florida orange juice is packed with folic acid and other vital nutrients that promote good health for both the growing fetus and the mom-to-be.

Adding fresh Florida navel oranges to your daily diet when you're pregnant offers several important health benefits:

Folic acid helps to prevent neural tube defects in the growing fetus, the most common of which is spina bifida. Eating foods that are high in folic acid is particularly important at the very start of pregnancy and during the first trimester when the baby's brain and skeletal structure are undergoing critical development.
Vitamin C helps the body absorb iron and promotes the growth of strong muscles, blood vessels, bones, cartilage and connective tissues. Because vitamin C is water soluble, you must eat vitamin C rich foods every day to maintain your body's supply. Vitamin C also helps maintain the collagen used by the body to repair tissue such as stretch marks.
Dietary fiber in oranges aids digestion and elimination.
Potassium helps lower blood pressure.
What other nutritious foods should mothers-to-be add to their daily menu? Parents.com also recommends yogurt, broccoli, lentils and figs.