benefits of eating raw mango during pregnancy?

9 Health Benefits Of Eating Mangoes In Pregnancy

9 Health Benefits Of Eating Mangoes In Pregnancy
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IN THIS ARTICLE

Is It Safe To Eat Mango During Pregnancy?
How Many Mangoes Can You Consume When Pregnant?
Nutritional Value Of Mango
What are the Health Benefits Of Eating Mango During Pregnancy?
Are There Any Side Effects Of Mango During Pregnancy?
How Will You Know If The Mango Is Ripened Naturally Or Artificially?
Tips to Eat Mangoes Safely
Which Mangoes Are Safe During Pregnancy – Ripe Or Raw?
Is It Safe To Eat Mango During Third Trimester?
Mango spinach pregnancy smoothie
Frequently Asked Questions

We all eagerly wait for the king of fruits to hit the summer market. Mangoes are juicy and delicious fruits loved by all. However, it is difficult to resist eating mangoes in pregnancy as women crave more for its sweet-sour taste during this time. Although you may love the sour and tangy raw mangoes as much as the sweet-ripe ones, you may be concerned about the safety of consuming this fruit during pregnancy. Mangoes are packed with several nutrients and minerals but are they good for your growing baby? Read this post to know how much of this fruit is safe in pregnant women, its health benefits, and possible side effects.

Is It Safe To Eat Mango During Pregnancy?

Yes, you can eat mangoes in pregnancy as they are an excellent source of energy, antioxidants and vital nutrients (1). But it is important to monitor the portions and avoid overindulgence. Mangoes are seasonal fruits and should be consumed at a time when they are naturally available.

In any case, consult your doctor before including the fruit in your diet.
How Many Mangoes Can You Consume When Pregnant?

It is best to consume no more than one mango a day. Also, include mangoes only if your doctor asks you to increase your calorie intake. A 100g serving of mango contains about 13.66 g sugar (2), which makes excessive mango consumption during pregnancy a bad idea, especially if you have issues with gestational diabetes.

Besides sugar, mangoes have several other nutrients that make it a safe food for pregnant women.

Nutritional Value Of Mango

The nutrient value of ripe mangoes per 100-gram serving is as follows (2):
NUTRIENT AMOUNT
Calories 60kcal
Carbohydrates 14.98g
Protein 0.82g
Fiber 1.6g
Fat 0.38g
Sugar 13.66g
Vitamins
Vitamin C 36.4mg
Vitamin A 54IU
Folic acid 43mcg
Pyridoxine 0.119mg
Niacin 0.669mg
Riboflavin 0.038mg
Thiamin 0.028mg
Minerals
Potassium 168mg
Calcium 11mg
Iron 0.16mg
Magnesium 10mg
Zinc 0.09mg
Phosphorus 14mg

Mangoes also offer several benefits for pregnant women. Read on to know more about it.

What are the Health Benefits Of Eating Mango During Pregnancy?

The following are the health benefits of consuming mangoes during pregnancy.
1. Iron prevents anemia

Mangoes are rich in vitamin C and help in the absorption of iron, which an expecting mother needs to overcome pregnancy-related-anemia (3).
2. Folic acid aids fetal development

Mango is a great source of folic acid which is essential for the development of the fetal brain and spinal cord. Mango consumption prevents the neural tube defects which can occur in early pregnancy (4).
3. Dietary fiber manages digestive health

The fiber content in mangoes helps you feel full for a longer duration. Mangoes also aid digestion and prevent constipation that women experience in the first trimester (5).
4. Provides rich antioxidants

Vitamin C in mango acts as a powerful antioxidant that helps develop resistance against free radicals, which can disturb fetal development and even lead to cancers. Vitamin C can also lower the risk of premature birth (6).
5.Vitamin A for baby development

The vitamin A, abundantly found in mangoes, helps in the formation of baby | s teeth and bones. It is also essential for eye and immune system development and aids in the development of heart, lungs, and kidneys (7).
6. Vitamin B6 ideal for fetal brain and nervous system

Mango is also a source of vitamin B6, which plays a role in the development of the fetal brain and nervous system (8).
7. Magnesium prevents preeclampsia

Magnesium, present in reasonable amounts in mango, acts as an excellent natural remedy for preeclampsia while the vitamin E in this fruit helps build fetal muscle and prevents preeclampsia (9) (10).
8. Beats morning sickness

The fresh taste of mango helps prevent morning sickness. Vitamin B6 in this fruit also plays a key role in relieving you from nausea and morning sickness (11).
9. Balances body fluids

As the blood volume increases during pregnancy, your body needs extra minerals. Mangoes contain electrolytes such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sodium that help in maintaining the fluid balance (12). Electrolytes ensure that your nerves, heart, brain and the muscles work as they should.

Although mango offers numerous benefits, you need to be mindful of eating it while pregnant.
Are There Any Side Effects Of Mango During Pregnancy?

The side effects of consuming mangoes during pregnancy include –

Diarrhea: Over consumption of mangoes can cause diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration (13). Dehydration during pregnancy is common and can be dealt with by keeping the diet in check.

Increased risk of gestational diabetes: Mango has high levels of sugars and can put you at a greater risk of diabetes mellitus. Eating fewer mangoes, which have a medium Glycemic Index (GI), can help overcome the risk of gestational diabetes (14).

Excess weight gain: Mangoes are rich in carbohydrates and add to your already increasing pregnancy weight.

Allergic reactions: Some people can have an allergic reaction when they come in contact with the fruit skin or the sap. If you experience the | mango itch | , avoid the fruit (15).

Reactions from artificially ripened mangoes: Mangoes that have been artificially ripened can have an adverse effect on both the mother and the baby. These fruits are ripened using calcium carbide, a toxic substance that contains traces of arsenic and phosphorus.

Consumption of these mangoes could lead to mood swings, sleepiness, headaches, dizziness, confusion, seizures, mouth ulcers and tingling in hands and feet (16). So only choose mangoes that have been naturally ripened.
How Will You Know If The Mango Is Ripened Naturally Or Artificially?

Artificially ripened mangoes show the following characteristics:

Possess a black powdery or grayish-white coat
Give out a garlic-like odor
Look ripe but remain raw and hard inside
Are tasteless and leave a peculiar aftertaste
Have a shorter shelf-life and start to show black patches sooner
Are soft to touch

Tips to Eat Mangoes Safely

It is not always easy to buy naturally ripened fruits. However, you can take measures to minimize the toxins you ingest by eating a mango that is not organic.

Wash the fruit thoroughly: Washing the fruit before consumption helps get rid of any chemical residues. It also removes any contamination by the listeria bacteria from the soil.

Peel the fruit: Do not eat the skin. Peeling the mango skin after washing will also reduce toxin exposure.

Maintain hygiene: Always clean the knives and chopping board before use, and wash your hands after getting in contact with the mangoes.

Ripen the fruit at home: To keep toxins away, buy raw mangoes and ripen at home naturally. That eliminates the risk of calcium carbide contamination.

Which Mangoes Are Safe During Pregnancy – Ripe Or Raw?

Consuming ripe and raw mangoes during pregnancy is safe, provided you take them with caution. Ripe fruit offers natural sugars and is an excellent replacement for high-calorie desserts. Ripened mangoes stimulate appetite, aid digestion and improve your complexion.

The raw fruit is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, which help fight morning sickness and acidity, improve immunity, and keep the liver healthy.
Is It Safe To Eat Mango During Third Trimester?

You can continue to eat mangoes during your final trimester but in smaller quantities. Excessive intake around this time can cause gestational diabetes. Also, avoid mangoes during the final weeks of pregnancy if you have experienced any allergic reactions earlier.

To enjoy mangoes in moderation, consider this recipe.
Mango spinach pregnancy smoothie

This mango and spinach smoothie offers beta-carotene, essential minerals, and fiber. It helps you relax and also cools your tummy.
Mango spinach smoothie for pregnant women
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Image: Shutterstock

You will need:

1 ½ cup frozen mango, cubes
10oz orange juice
½ cup Greek yogurt
2 cups spinach
2 tbsp chia seeds

How to:

Put all the ingredients in a blender.
Blend them until you get a smooth mixture.

Preparation time – 5 min
Servings – 4

Keep reading if you have any more doubts about consuming mangoes during pregnancy.
Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can mango abort the pregnancy?

Excess intake of raw mango, which is one of the fruits that most pregnant women crave, is considered to increase heat in the body (17). It can trigger bleeding, especially in the third trimester, and thus lead to miscarriage.

2. Can I drink mango shake or juice during pregnancy?

Yes, you can have a mango milkshake or juice without any restrictions. But note that they are high in sugars and calories and should be taken in moderation.

3. Can I eat mango pickle during pregnancy?

You can consider eating mango pickle, but only occasionally.

4. Can I eat dry mango powder during pregnancy?

Yes, you can have dried mango powder (amchur) as it is high in iron. It also prevents acidity and improves skin tone.

Eating mangoes during pregnancy may provide you with various vitamins, minerals, and energy. Mangoes are rich sources of vitamin C, folic acid, vitamin A, and potassium. It is also a good source of dietary fiber that prevents constipation. You may include mangoes into your diet to enhance the taste and flavor. Although mangoes are safe during pregnancy, you may limit their consumption or eat them in moderation since it contains sugar. Pregnant women with gestational diabetes or diabetes mellitus should seek doctors | advice to learn more about consuming mangoes.