Pregnancy is certainly a wonderful experience, but along with it comes a lot of dos and don’ts to keep in mind. A pregnant woman has to pay special attention to her diet during this period. Some fruits like pineapple and papaya are considered risky. Let us find out whether it is safe to eat pineapple during pregnancy or not.
Can pregnant women eat pineapple?
Although most people do not recommend eating pineapple during pregnancy, it is completely safe to eat. Adding a cup or two of pineapple to your diet is not only safe, but may also have health benefits for both you and your baby. Pineapple is generally not preferred by pregnant women as it contains an enzyme called bromelain which can be responsible for miscarriage if present in large quantities in your body. Try to limit your pineapple intake to seven or eight cups a week. You can also try canned pineapple because bromelain is removed from the fruit during the canning process.
Health Benefits of Eating Pineapple During Pregnancy
Pineapple, when consumed in limited quantities, is great for pregnant women. Here are some of the health benefits that pregnant women can get from pineapple:
1. Boosts Immunity
Pineapple is a rich source of Vitamin C. One cup of pineapple can provide 80 to 85 milligrams of vitamin C, which meets the daily requirement during pregnancy. These vitamins boost immunity and prevent cell damage. Vitamin C also promotes the production of collagen, a structural protein responsible for the development of a baby’s skin, bones, cells and cartilage.
2. Keeps Bones Healthy
It also contains manganese, which promotes bone health and prevents the risk of osteoporosis.
3. Regulates the functioning of the nervous system
Pineapple contains vitamin B1 or thiamine, which regulates the functioning of the heart and nervous system.
4. Increases production of RBC
Vitamin B6 promotes the formation of red blood cells, thereby preventing anemia. It also produces antibodies and gives relief from morning sickness.
The copper in pineapple is essential during the formation of your baby’s heart. It is also helpful in making red blood cells.
- reduces pressure on the intestines
- Prevents congenital disabilities in the child
- keeps gut healthy
- Prevents water retention in the body
- Varicose veins are the ones that swell, twist and cause pain in the legs of pregnant women. Bromelain is known to reduce the build-up of fibrous deposits on these veins and reduce discomfort.
- lowers blood pressure
- lifts the mood
Risks of Consuming Pineapple During Pregnancy
If pineapple is eaten in excess during pregnancy, it can cause harm. You may be at risk by eating pineapple during pregnancy.
1. Acid Reflux
Pineapple contains acids which cause acid reflux or heartburn. Hence, if you have a weak or sensitive digestive system, it is best to avoid this fruit.
2. Miscarriage/premature delivery
Accumulation of bromelain in the body can soften the cervix and lead to miscarriage or premature delivery. It may cause uterine contractions, rashes and vomiting during the first trimester of your pregnancy.
3. Raises blood sugar
Pineapple contains a lot of sugar; Therefore, they are not suitable for women with gestational diabetes.
4. Increases body weight
Pineapple is high in calories and is not for pregnant women who are overweight.
5. Cause of diarrhea
Bromelain is responsible for diarrhea if consumed in large amounts.
If you do not eat much pineapple and are eating it for the first time, some people may have allergic reactions such as itching, swelling in the mouth, runny nose or asthma.
Can eating pineapple cause miscarriage?
People believe that eating pineapple causes labor pain. But this happens only when the fruit is eaten in excess.
How much pineapple can a pregnant woman eat?
Do not eat pineapple during the first trimester. During the second trimester, you can eat around 50-100 grams of pineapple in a week. In the third trimester, you can consume around 250 grams of pineapple in a day. However, excessive consumption can cause uterine contractions, so check with your gynecologist about how much pineapple you can eat.
recipe
Here are some recipes you can make with pineapple:
1. Mangalorean Pineapple Curry
This curry is a specialty of Mangalore.
Material
- Chicken – 1 kg
- Raw mango, chopped – 1
- Pineapple, chopped – 1/2
- Red chili powder – 1/2 tsp
- Turmeric powder – 3/4 tsp
- Palm sugar – 1 and 1/2 tsp
- Oil
- salt – as required
- fresh coriander for garnishing
Ingredients for Dry Spices
- Sesame seeds – 1 teaspoon
- Fenugreek seeds – 1 teaspoon
- Coconut, grated – 1 tbsp
Ingredients for tempering
- Mustard seeds – 1 teaspoon
- Curry leaves – 6-7
how to make
- Roast and grind the dry spice ingredients.
- Blend pineapple and green mango and make puree.
- Put the chicken in oil and salt and cook till it becomes golden brown. Take it out and keep it aside.
- Pour pineapple puree into the pan.
- Add red chilli powder, turmeric powder, salt and palm sugar.
- Add some water to the dry masala.
- Add the chicken to the gravy, and cook for a few minutes.
- Heat oil in a separate pan and fry the ingredients for the tadka.
- Pour the tadka over the chicken.
- Garnish and serve hot.
2. Paneer and Pineapple Rounds
Pineapple can even be used to make sandwiches!
Material
- Brown bread slices – 6
- Thick curd with salt and pepper – 2 tbsp
- Cheese, grated – 3/4 cup
- Onion, chopped – 1
- Mint, chopped – 1 tbsp
- Pineapple slices – 6
- mint for garnishing
how to make
- Spread curd on bread slices.
- Mix cheese, chopped onions and mint leaves.
- Spread this paste on bread slices.
- Place a pineapple slice on them.
- Serve.
Whether pregnant women can eat pineapple or not is still a debatable issue. People have different opinions on this. But, go ahead with your doctor’s suggestion.
