All along you have been eating mangoes as and when they were available. But now, it’s a different time. You have embarked on a blissful journey of motherhood, and this period is very precious and important to you.
How you feel, what you think and what you eat affect your baby’s health in a big way. Food is one major concern for pregnant mothers. In this period mothers strongly crave for sweets and other sweet foods. And moreover, they have to eat healthy not for themselves alone, but for their babies too. Speaking of sweet foods, mango is one food option that is the sweetest fruit available around. But again, the big question is can mango be eaten during pregnancy; will they have any side effects? Or are they really healthy?
This post deals with all those questions and helps you with the answers! So why the delay! Go ahead and give a read!
Mango During Pregnancy – How Safe Is It?
Mangoes are rich in vitamins A, C and vitamin B6, folic acid, potassium, nutrients and fiber that are healthy for pregnant mothers. The fiber available in the mango gives the body energy, adds antioxidants and prevents constipation. Since the fruit is one of the sweetest, it helps to supply your body with high calories. The third trimester of your pregnancy requires a high amount of calories, which is why mango comes into the picture.
Precautions While Eating Mangoes During Pregnancy:
During pregnancy, you cannot afford to take chances when it comes to looking after yourself. So, even when you eat a fruit that is healthy and on a normal day would not cause any side effect, you may have to be extra careful consuming the same fruit during pregnancy. Here’s why:
1. Too Much Of Anything Is Too Bad:
Although we discussed in the above paragraph that the last phase of pregnancy requires calories, it must be noted that you do not consume too much of calories. Mango is high on calories, and if you eat too many mangoes, it can affect your body adversely. Experts advise that it is wise to eat the fruit in moderation.
2. Say No To Hybrid Mangoes:
It is true that the concept of genetically modified food has increased the availability of vegetables and fruits much more than our farmers could have produced. But it is common knowledge that they come with side effects. As an expecting mother, never opt for mangoes that are artificially ripened. Most of the fruits are ripened using the chemical calcium carbide.
It is interesting to note that the Food & Safety Standard Acts (2006) and the Food Safety And Standards Regulations (2011) have banned this particular chemical. This is because when calcium carbide is used to ripen the mango, it leaves toxic substances within the fruit. These toxic substances consist of arsenic and phosphorous which are harmful to you and your baby.
3. Gestational Diabetes:
If you are suffering from gestational diabetes, eating mangoes may not be suitable for you. Gestational diabetes is a medical condition in which the sugar level in the blood increases drastically. If you eat mangoes, you add to the sugar amount. But then, there is nothing much to worry as gestational diabetes is not an alarming situation. The condition disappears once you deliver the baby.
Well, now that you know how safe it is to consume mango during pregnancy, quickly rush to make a shake! But then, do remember the precautions!
Do you know anything else about eating mangoes during pregnancy? Share with us in the comments section below!
