Mango benefits and side effect in pregnancy
Consuming Mangoes in Pregnancy - Health Benefits, Nutritional Value, Side Effects, And Precautions
Mangoes are an excellent source of vital nutrients that are required for a healthy pregnancy. The king of fruits is loaded with crucial nutrients essential for your baby's growth and development. Mangoes are a great source of antioxidants, energy, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and folic acid which all are essential for you during pregnancy. They provide immense benefits to the expectant mother and her baby. Read this article to know all about having mangoes during pregnancy.
Health Benefits of Mangoes During Pregnancy
Mangoes provide numerous benefits to both the expectant mother and her little one. Some of the amazing benefits of eating mangoes during pregnancy are:
1. Prevent Neural Tube Defects
Mangoes are a good source of folate and play a major role in fetal development. It helps in the development of the fetal brain and spinal cord. Folic acid also helps to prevent neural tube defects in babies.
2. Healthy Digestive System
Mangoes are a rich source of dietary fiber. The dietary fiber content of mangoes helps to prevent constipation thereby keeping your digestive tract healthy during pregnancy.
(Also read: Side Effects of Mango during pregnancy)
3. Rich Source of Antioxidants
Mangoes are a good source of vitamin C that acts as a powerful antioxidant and helps to prevent the growth of free radicals in the body. The vitamin C content of mangoes improves immunity and also reduces the chances of premature birth.
4. Prevents Preeclampsia
Mangoes are a great source of magnesium that helps to reduce high blood pressure which can lead to preeclampsia. The magnesium content of mangoes helps to prevent preeclampsia which can lead to seizures during pregnancy.
5. Alleviate Morning Sickness
The sweet, sour, and tangy taste of mangoes help to alleviate morning sickness, a common problem faced by most women, especially in the first trimester of their pregnancy. Mangoes also contain an ample amount of vitamin B6 which plays an essential role in reducing morning sickness and nausea while pregnant.
6. A healthy substitute for sweet cravings
Mango contains natural sugar that makes it a healthy substitute for cakes, chocolates, ice creams, or pastries when you've sweet cravings.
7. Prevent Anemia
Mangoes are a great source of vitamin C that helps absorb iron in the body. Eating mangoes during pregnancy helps you to meet the daily iron requirement. Iron is essential to prevent an iron deficiency that can lead to anemia which is a common complication during pregnancy.
(Also read: Eggs During Pregnancy - Safe or Unsafe?)
8. Great source of vitamins
Mangoes are a great source of vitamins such as vitamins A, C, and B6 that are essential for the proper growth and development of the fetus. Vitamin A helps in the development of the baby's bones, teeth, eyes, and immune system. Vitamin B6 is essential for the development of the fetal brain and nervous system.
9. Maintain Fluid Balance
Mangoes are a good source of electrolytes such as potassium, and sodium. These electrolytes help to maintain fluid balance in the body.
10. Filled with minerals
Mangoes are filled with vital minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, and many more. All of these minerals help in the proper functioning of organs during pregnancy.
Nutritional Value of Mangoes
According to USDA, 100 g of mango contains:
| Calories | 60 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Fats | 0.38 g |
| Protein | 0.82 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.60 g |
| Vitamin A | 180 IU |
| Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) | 0.028 mg |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | 0.038 mg |
| Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | 0.669 mg |
| Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) | 0.119 mg |
| Vitamin B9 (Folate) | 43 µg |
| Vitamin C | 36.4 mg |
| Vitamin E | 0.9 mg |
| Sodium | 1 mg |
| Potassium | 168 mg |
| Calcium | 11 mg |
| Iron | 0.16 mg |
| Magnesium | 10 mg |
| Manganese | 0.027 mg |
| Zinc | 0.09 mg |
| Copper | 0.110 mg |
| Carotene-β | 640 µg |
| Carotene-α | 19 µg |
| Crypto-Xanthin-β | 10 µg |
| Lutein-Zeaxanthin | 23 µg |
| Lycopene | 3 µg |
Side effects of mangoes during pregnancy
Naturally ripened mangoes are extremely beneficial for a pregnant woman as they contain many essential nutrients that are crucial for a healthy pregnancy. But artificially ripened mangoes are bad to consume while pregnant as calcium carbide is used to ripen them which is not good for both the expectant mother and her growing baby. You've to consume mangoes in a moderate amount while pregnant as excess consumption of mangoes can also cause some side effects too. The side effects of consuming mangoes during pregnancy are:
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Mood Swings
- Allergic reactions
- Excess Weight Gain
- Gestational Diabetes
- Tingling in hands and feets
- Seizures
- Sleepiness
(Also read: Why Kale Is Good For You During Pregnancy? )
Precautions while consuming mangoes during pregnancy
It's not so easy to identify whether the mangoes you're buying are naturally ripened or not. So, try to follow some simple tips to reduce the toxicity of mangoes. Some of the precautions that you should take while consuming mangoes during pregnancy are:
-> Buy mangoes during their season.
-> Avoid putting mango's skin directly in your mouth.
-> Wash them and then peel off their outer skin and after that consume the flesh.
-> You can buy raw mangoes during their season and ripen them naturally at home as this is the only way to ensure that the mangoes you're going to consume are free of calcium carbide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is it safe to eat mango during pregnancy?
Yes, mangoes are perfectly safe to consume during pregnancy as they are packed with vital nutrients that are essential for a pregnant woman and her growing baby.
2. How to identify if the mango is ripened artificially or naturally?
Some of the tips to identify if the mango is chemically ripened or naturally are:
-> Artificially ripened mangoes will not have a uniform color. They've patches of green and yellow color.
-> Such mangoes have a shorter shelf-life and they'll likely develop black patches on their surface within two to three days.
-> Chemically ripened mangoes are usually tasteless and have a peculiar smell as well.
-> They'll appear ripe yet their inner core remains hard and sour.
3. Are raw mangoes safe to consume during pregnancy?
Yes, raw mangoes are safe to consume while pregnant if eaten in a moderate amount. They contain vitamins that help in reducing morning sickness, nausea, and acidity which are very common pregnancy complications faced by many pregnant women.
(Also read: Apples During Pregnancy)
4. Can I drink a mango shake during pregnancy?
Yes, you can drink mango shake during pregnancy but remember to take it in moderation.
5. Is it safe to eat mango in the third trimester of pregnancy?
You can consume mango in the third trimester of pregnancy as well but remember to limit its intake. Overconsumption of mangoes can lead to gestational diabetes.
6. Is it safe to eat mango in late pregnancy?
Mango is safe to consume in late pregnancy as well if eaten in the right amount.
7. Can I eat mangoes during pregnancy?
Yes, you can eat mangoes while pregnant but if you've gestational diabetes then it's better to avoid consuming mangoes.
8. Can mangoes cause miscarriage?
Mangoes are safe to consume during the pregnancy period. Eating them in limited quantities doesn't cause any harm to the expectant mother or her baby.
9. What happens if you eat too many mangoes?
Mangoes contain high sugar and overconsumption of mangoes can cause gestational diabetes or excess weight gain. Overeating mangoes can also cause diarrhea which can lead to dehydration during pregnancy. So, eating mangoes in moderation is a good way to get all the nutritional benefits from them.
10. Is mango good for a pregnant woman?
Mangoes provide you numerous benefits during pregnancy. They're a great source of vital nutrients. So, it's good to include mangoes in your pregnancy diet.
11. How many mangoes can I eat during pregnancy?
You can consume one mango per day during pregnancy. They're high in sugar so avoid consuming them in excess amounts as it can lead to excess weight gain or increase the chances of developing gestational diabetes.
12. Can I eat mango pickles during pregnancy?
Yes, you can eat mango pickles occasionally in a small quantity. Consult your doctor to know whether consuming mango pickles in moderation is safe for you or not. Overconsumption of any pickle can lead to gestational hypertension due to its high salt content and can increase cholesterol levels due to its oil content.
13. Is it safe to consume mango in the first trimester?
Yes, mangoes are safe to consume throughout your pregnancy if you eat them in a limited quantity.
Mangoes are good to consume during pregnancy as they are packed with essential nutrients. Always remember moderation is the key. Consume mangoes in a moderate amount to get all the health benefits from them. Seek your doctor's approval and enjoy this juicy and tangy fruit throughout your pregnancy.
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Disclaimer: This content is intended for general information only and should not be used as the basis of patient treatment. The given content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, treatment, or any diagnosis. Always consult a doctor for more information. Our website doesn't claim responsibility for this information.
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