Is It Safe to Eat Jackfruit During Pregnancy? Jackfruit consumption is recommended for pregnant women due to its numerous health benefits. In this blog post, we will discuss the ten things you need to know about eating jackfruit while pregnant. These benefits include promoting healthy weight gain in pregnant women, regulating blood sugar levels, and providing essential nutrients like potassium, fiber, magnesium, and vitamin C. You’re certain to learn all that you want to know about eating Jackfruit during pregnancy!
During pregnancy, it is essential to consume healthy foods like vegetables, fruits, and meat. The reasons are obvious: a well-balanced diet can give the baby the right nutrients, and eating well can keep both the mother and the baby healthy. However, pregnant women are advised to avoid some vegetables and fruits. One particular exotic fruit will be discussed in this article: jackfruit. Everyone enjoys jackfruit, particularly jackfruit pickles, and chips. However, if you are pregnant, you might be concerned about its safety.
Is It Safe to Eat Jackfruit During Pregnancy?
Yes, jackfruit offers various health benefits that are essential for pregnant women. These benefits include reducing fatigue, aiding in healthy digestion, boosting immunity, and supporting fetal organ growth.
Due to insufficient evidence supporting its benefits, many women, experts, and even a few doctors usually advise against consuming jackfruit during pregnancy. There is also a prevalent misconception among pregnant women that jackfruit consumption can cause miscarriage. However, when consumed in moderation, jackfruit is safe for both the mother and the unborn child.
Is It Safe to Eat Jackfruit During Pregnancy Early?
Jackfruit consumption during pregnancy is considered safe as long as it is consumed in moderation. The fruit is rich in several nutrients, including vitamin B6 and potassium, and its bulbs are a good source of antioxidants and easy to eat.
According to Trista Best, a registered dietician at the Whitfield County Health Department in Georgia, jackfruit consumption may produce more body heat than normal, which could be harmful to the fetus. Therefore, it is recommended not to consume excessive amounts of fruit.
Is It Safe to Eat Jackfruit During Pregnancy Then What Are the Benefits of Eating Jackfruit During Pregnancy?
If you are unsure about eating jackfruit while pregnant, consider its benefits. Eating jackfruit during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, can provide numerous nutrients and benefits to the body. Here are some of the benefits of jackfruit.
Source of Energy
Consuming jackfruit during pregnancy can help pregnant women control their blood sugar levels and lower their risk of pre-eclampsia. Jackfruit is beneficial for controlling blood sugar levels because it contains flavonoids, protein, fiber, and other nutrients. It has a medium glycemic index. Protein and fiber take longer to digest in the body, which affects blood sugar control and regulates blood pressure and sugar.
However, consuming too much jackfruit can cause a pregnant woman’s sugar levels to fluctuate. Thus, pregnant women with diabetes should avoid it, or they can consume it in limited quantities after consulting with their gynecologist. Nevertheless, pregnant women who are not diabetic can certainly enjoy this delicious fruit in moderation.
Boost Immunity System
Immunity decreases during pregnancy, making it essential to consume foods that boost immunity. Vitamin A, a well-known anti-inflammatory, aids in boosting immunity and cell development. Vitamin C is also helpful in boosting immunity by aiding the body in absorbing iron and producing collagen, which is useful in reducing inflammation. Antioxidants are necessary for neutralizing or eliminating free radicals that cause many diseases. Jackfruit is rich in antioxidants, and vitamins A and C, which are necessary for maintaining a healthy immune system and fighting infections.
Helps Regulate Blood Pressure Levels
An increase in blood pressure levels in a pregnant woman can be harmful to the baby and lead to various complications. However, consuming nutritious foods like jackfruit can help control blood pressure and ensure the health of both the mother and her unborn child.
Help to Relieve Nausea
Eating jackfruit during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, is an excellent way to obtain its health benefits. The fruit provides several health benefits that pregnant women require, such as the treatment of fatigue, support for healthy digestion, improvement of immunity, and assistance with the growth of fetal organs. Consuming jackfruit during pregnancy can also help relieve nausea and vomiting in the early stages of pregnancy.
Stimulates Digestion
Constipation and digestive issues are common during pregnancy. Fibrous vegetables and fruits like jackfruit can be used to alleviate digestive issues and constipation during pregnancy. Jackfruit’s fiber content can provide nearly 10% of one’s daily fiber requirement. This can help facilitate bowel movement, alleviate constipation, and improve digestive function.
Helps Lower Stress
The nine months of pregnancy can undoubtedly be uncomfortable for you, but it is not good for you or your baby. If you are feeling stressed, you can try yoga or meditation. You can also incorporate specific foods like jackfruit into your diet to lower stress levels. Jackfruit seeds are particularly beneficial because they contain protein and a variety of other micronutrients that aid in stress management.
Helps Fight Anaemia
Jackfruit seeds help treat anemia because of their high iron content. The iron content assists in producing more red blood cells. Iron deficiency is a common issue during pregnancy that may harm the health of the baby. Pregnant women are recommended to consume iron-rich foods as red blood cells are crucial for fetal development. Jackfruit seeds are a good source of iron that can help maintain iron levels during pregnancy and can be included in the diet.
When to Avoid Jackfruit and Jackfruit Seeds in Pregnancy
Despite its numerous health benefits, pregnant women with certain medical conditions may need to avoid eating jackfruit or its seeds. Furthermore, there are parts of the tropical fruit that require special handling.
- The trypsin inhibitors present in raw jackfruit seeds slow down or prevent the digestion of proteins in the body. However, consuming cooked jackfruit seeds is safe, as they are often boiled or roasted/toasted.
- If you are taking medication that increases your risk of bleeding, it is not recommended to eat jackfruit seeds as they may exacerbate this condition. According to one study, jackfruit may slow down blood coagulation.
- There is one documented case of jackfruit triggering an allergic reaction in a person allergic to birch pollen. Until more research is conducted, it is advisable to avoid consuming jackfruit if you know you are sensitive to birch dust.
- A woman who was allergic to latex had the only known case of anaphylaxis caused by jackfruit. A small amount of the sticky, latex-like substance covering the flesh of jackfruit may remain after preparation, but people without latex allergies do not usually have a problem with this.
Is It Safe to Eat Jackfruit During Pregnancy Then What Are the Ways to Consume Jackfruit Durning Pregnancy?
Before eating jackfruit, it is important to learn how to cut it properly. The fruit produces a sticky sap, so you should oil your hands, cutting board, or work surface, and the knife blade before cutting it. Once cut in half, remove the yellow fruit pods along the skin and core, eliminate the seeds, and you will have sweet-tasting flesh that is safe to eat.
- Jackfruit can be consumed in various forms, including as a raw or ripe fruit, or by cooking as a vegetable. While pregnant, it is safe to consume jackfruit chips in small quantities. Jackfruit slices can also be eaten with grated coconut on top.
- Sweet jackfruit flesh can be eaten plain or chopped and added to yogurt, oatmeal, smoothies, and even ice cream as a topping.
- Unripe jackfruit tastes great in savory dishes such as wraps, salads, tacos, and carnitas. Additionally, you can add raw fruit to curries and soups.
- Jackfruit chips are also a great snack for pregnant women.
- Jackfruit seeds are edible and can be roasted, boiled, or mixed with seasonings to make hummus.
How to Enjoy Jackfruit During Pregnancy?
When ripe, jackfruit can be enjoyed both raw and cooked or steamed, either as a vegetable or as a fruit. The pulp of ripe jackfruit, which is yellowish and very sweet and delicious, can be enjoyed. In addition, it has a pleasant scent and numerous health benefits, as previously stated.
A lot of people like to eat honey, banana slices, and ripe jackfruit slices with grated coconut on top. Additionally, jackfruit can be used to make a variety of desserts, fruit salads, jams, and jellies. However, keep in mind that opening a jackfruit requires some degree of skill.
When Pregnant Women Cannot Consume Jackfruit?
Jackfruit is abundant in vitamin C and phenolic compounds, which are significant sources of antioxidants. As previously mentioned, jackfruit has a significant impact on cardiovascular health, cancer prevention, and anti-aging. During pregnancy, jackfruit is an ideal source of some supplements that are required by the body, such as vitamin C, potassium, and B6.
Due to the presence of a chemical called furanocoumarins, jackfruit may not be safe for pregnant women to consume. Pregnancy is often accompanied by anxiety and excitement. Pregnant women often worry about what foods they can and cannot eat during their nine-month pregnancy. Ready-to-eat jackfruit is one food item that many mothers avoid to ensure that their unborn child will be healthy.
In addition, profiling isoforms may exhibit cross-reactivity with other plant allergens. Therefore, the first time you consume jackfruit or any of the mulberry-fig fruits that are allergenic, your body could form antibodies against these proteins, which could also lead to severe reactions. As a result, it is advisable to avoid eating these fruits at least during your first trimester.