It’s generally safe to eat dragon fruit when pregnant. It has nutrients that can assist pregnant women regain their energy, including sugars, carbs, calcium, dietary fiber, and salt.
Pregnant women often develop cravings for unique, often strange flavors or scents. Some even crave certain foods purely due to their visual appeal.
Dragon fruit is one of those delicious and vibrant foods that pregnant women tend to crave. It makes a great addition to any healthy diet, as its high fiber content helps satisfy cravings for this delectable treat.
How Does Dragon Fruit Affect Pregnancy?
It is a rich source of good fats
Pregnant women need certain amounts of beneficial fats to support your baby’s development. Dragon fruit is an excellent source of these essential nutrients and can be a great alternative to other high-calorie foods by providing healthy alternatives instead.
The dragon fruit (also known as pitaya or strawberry pear) grows on a cactus known as Hylocereus, which translates to “honolulu queen.” Native to Central America but now widely grown around the globe.
When selecting the ideal dragon fruit, look for one that feels firm but gives when squeezed – a sign it’s ripe. Additionally, look for no bruises or dry leaves on its exterior.
Delicious on its own or added to a fruit salad. It can even be used in smoothies and ice cream recipes. Plus, the seeds contain prebiotic benefits that aid in improving gut health by encouraging the growth of beneficial bacteria.
It is a good source of carbohydrate
Carbohydrates are essential for energy and should be part of every pregnant woman’s diet. Furthermore, they offer an excellent source of fibre – which plays a pivotal role in supporting good pregnancies as it aids with satiety, digestion, and regularity.
Dragon fruit contains naturally occurring sugars and fiber, making it a beneficial option for those aiming to regulate blood glucose levels. You can consume it whole or in prepared forms such as smoothies.
Dragon fruit has a low glycemic index of 13g carbohydrates per 6-ounce serving, making it an ideal choice for those with diabetes or prediabetes since the betacyanins found within this fruit have been demonstrated to help regulate blood glucose levels.
To prepare dragon fruit, cut it in half lengthwise and peel away the skin. Scoop out the flesh using a spoon, ice cream scoop or melon baller.
It is a good source of Vitamin C
Women may need to take a prenatal vitamin that contains Vitamin C during their pregnancy. This vitamin can be obtained from various fruits and vegetables.
Dragon fruit is an excellent source of Vitamin C during pregnancy, as it’s packed with antioxidants. These beneficial compounds help combat free radicals that cause cell damage.
They may reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease.
Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory properties of this fruit may help alleviate symptoms associated with arthritis and joint pains. More than 22% of American adults (over 52.5 million people) have arthritis or another rheumatic condition diagnosed by a doctor.
These fruits are also an excellent source of iron, which helps the body transport oxygen throughout. This mineral is essential for preventing anemia during pregnancy.
When selecting dragon fruit to consume, make sure it is ripe and bright red with no blemishes. Pressing should cause some yield but should not yield anything too soft or mushy.
It is a good source of Vitamin B12
Dragon fruit is an excellent source of Vitamin B12, an essential nutrient for both mother and baby’s growth and development.
A lack of this essential nutrient has been linked to several serious pregnancy complications such as neural tube defects, intrauterine growth retardation, preeclampsia and early miscarriage.
Vitamin B5 also aids in the formation of red blood cells, which transport oxygen throughout your body. Furthermore, it may boost immunity levels.
Pregnant women should take a multivitamin that contains Vitamin B12 to prevent deficiency. This is especially important since many women experience nausea or vomiting which could prevent them from eating during this time, potentially leading to Vitamin B12 shortage.
Dragon fruit is packed with vitamins, but it’s also rich in antioxidants. These powerful compounds combat free radicals which cause aging and other ailments within the body, and may reduce your risk for heart disease or cancer by shielding cells from damaging elements.
What Fruits Cannot Be Eaten During Pregnancy?
Pregnant women can get a ton of good vitamins and minerals from fruits that are also good for a baby. Apples, citrus fruits, bananas, kiwis, watermelon, and berries are generally safe to consume while pregnant.
Some fruits, though, should be avoided when pregnant. Included in this list are pineapple, tamarind, papayas, dates, frozen berries, canned tomatoes, and grapes.
Also, due to the possibility of contracting foodborne infections, raw seafood and shellfish like sushi and sashimi should be avoided.
The possibility of hazardous microorganisms should also be considered while eating unwashed fruits and vegetables. Before ingesting any meals while pregnant, it is crucial to speak with a doctor.
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