Is it safe to eat Indian Gooseberry (Amla) during pregnancy?
Indian Gooseberry (Amla) During Pregnancy - Health Benefits, Nutritional Value, And Side Effects
Amla is a fruit that has a sweet and sour taste. It is an excellent source of antioxidants and vitamins that help to keep you away from illnesses and boosts your immunity during pregnancy. The high vitamin and fiber content of gooseberry makes it a perfect choice for an expectant mother. Amla is one of the most essential ingredients used in Ayurvedic medicines. Read this article to know all about having Gooseberry during pregnancy.
Health Benefits of Amla during pregnancy
Gooseberries are an amazing source of vital vitamins and minerals that are required for a healthy pregnancy. Some of the wonderful benefits provided by amla while pregnant are:1. Alleviate Morning Sickness
Morning sickness is one of the most common pregnancy complications faced by many pregnant women, especially during the first trimester. Taking a glass of fresh amla juice helps to reduce nausea, vomiting, and morning sickness during pregnancy. It also helps to prevent acidity and heartburn while pregnant. The sweet and sour taste of amla helps to reduce nausea.2. Immunity Booster
Amla is a powerful antioxidant that gives a boost to your immunity. It is rich in vitamin C that is essential for both the expectant mom and her growing baby. Vitamin C helps your body to absorb the iron that is essential to support your increased blood volume and to reduce the risk of anemia, a condition caused due to iron deficiency. Vitamin C is also essential for collagen synthesis that is required for healing wounds.
(Also read: Jujubes During Pregnancy)
3. Contains Calcium
A pregnant woman needs to take 1000 mg of calcium daily. It is one of the key minerals that is required in pregnancy. Taking an adequate amount of calcium is essential during pregnancy to ensure the proper development of your growing baby's bones and teeth. It also helps in your baby's heart and nerve development. If you don't take enough calcium during pregnancy your body will still take it from your own teeth or bones and give it to your baby which in turn increases your risk of developing osteoporosis, a condition in which bones become weak and brittle.
4. Blood Purifier
Amla is an excellent source of vitamin C which helps to remove harmful toxins from the body and purifies the blood in pregnancy. The high water content of gooseberry helps to increase your urine frequency and flush out the harmful toxins and radicals from the body.5. Regulate Blood Pressure Levels
Amla helps to dilate the blood vessels and normalize blood circulation in your body. It also keeps your blood pressure levels under control during pregnancy.6. Fight Infections
Amla contains powerful antioxidants and has many medicinal properties that help to keep viruses and infections at a bay thereby prevent both the expectant mother and her growing baby from diseases such as common cold and cough.
(Also read: Consuming Milk During Pregnancy)
7. Ease Oedema
Amla has anti-inflammatory properties that help to ease edema and also prevent swelling during pregnancy. Edema is the swelling around the feet and hands. It is a rich source of water thereby keep you hydrated and relieves water retention.8. Prevent Tooth Decay
Gooseberry contains calcium, a mineral that helps to prevent tooth decay. It is an excellent source of vitamin C which plays a major role in preventing conditions such as bleeding gums and bad breath.
9. Aids Digestion
Gooseberry contains a high content of fiber that helps to ease bowel movements, prevent constipation thereby promote a healthy digestive tract.(Also read: Bell Pepper (Capsicum) During Pregnancy )
10. Reduces the risk of Gestational Diabetes
A condition in which your blood sugar levels become high during pregnancy is known as gestational diabetes. Gooseberry has anti-diabetic properties that help to reduce your risk of developing gestational diabetes.
Side Effects of Amla during pregnancy
Consuming amla during pregnancy is highly beneficial for both the expectant mother and her growing baby and it has no side effects. However, overconsumption of gooseberry can lead to several stomach issues such as indigestion, diarrhea, and constipation. Excess consumption of gooseberry can lead to dehydration along with an upset stomach. That's why it's recommended to eat it in limited quantities.(Also read: Popcorn During Pregnancy)
Ways to include Amla in the pregnancy diet
Some pregnant women like to consume it raw while some don't like its tangy and sour taste so they opt for other ways to include it in their diet. Here are some ways to incorporate gooseberry into your pregnancy diet:
1. Fresh Juice
Extract the pulp of gooseberry, mix it with water and drink it. Grind the amla in a grinder and garnish it with coriander or mint leaves and enjoy this refreshing drink.
2. Salad
You can mix it in your salad as well. Mix a few chopped pieces of amla in your salad and consume it.
3. Amla Pickle
You can take gooseberry pickle along with your food.
Nutritional Value of Amla
100 g of amla contains the following nutrients:
| Energy | 44 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 10.18 g |
| Fats | 0.58 g |
| Protein | 0.88 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Vitamin A | 290 IU |
| Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) | 0.040 mg |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | 0.030 mg |
| Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | 0.300 mg |
| Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) | 0.080 mg |
| Vitamin C | 27.7 mg |
| Sodium | 1 mg |
| Potassium | 198 mg |
| Calcium | 25 mg |
| Copper | 0.070 g |
| Iron | 0.31 mg |
| Magnesium | 10 mg |
| Manganese | 0.144 mg |
| Zinc | 0.12 mg |
| Phosphorus | 27 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is amla safe to eat during pregnancy?
Yes, the consumption of gooseberries is absolutely safe for a pregnant woman. But remember to take them in limited quantities.2. How to consume amla during pregnancy?
It is best to be eaten raw however it is also available in the form of candy, juice, jam, pickle, and even preserved in the form of powder.
3. How does amla help during pregnancy?
Amla is a good source of vitamin C, calcium, and many more vital nutrients. All these nutrients are essential to maintain maternal health and for the overall health and development of the fetus.
(Also read: Is It Safe To Eat Meat During Pregnancy?)
4. Is cooked amla safe to eat during pregnancy?
Cooking amla can deplete its nutrients that's why it's best to consume it raw in order to get all the nutrients from it. If you don't want to eat it raw then you can make fresh amla juice or mix gooseberry powder in water, mix it, and drink it.
5. How much amla is safe to eat while pregnant?
You can eat 1 to 2 gooseberries in a day. If you're consuming it in the form of juice then 5ml to 10 ml is enough while one teaspoon of amla powder is sufficient. If you're taking it in the form of candies or pickles then it's best to consume them in moderation to avoid excessive salt and sugar.
6. When to avoid amla during pregnancy?
If you're suffering from a cold or cough then it's better to avoid consuming amla during pregnancy. It has a cooling effect on the body that can aggravate your cold if you already have one. The laxative properties of gooseberry can worsen your condition if you're having diarrhea.
7. Is it good to consume packaged Amla juice during pregnancy?
Packaged amla may contain a high amount of preservatives and sweeteners which are not good for your overall health. So, it's best to avoid packaged amla while pregnant. But if you want to have packaged Amla juice during pregnancy make sure to choose one from a trusted brand.
8. Is dried amla safe during pregnancy?
Yes, you can have dried amla during pregnancy as it is absolutely safe.
(Also read: Greek Yogurt During Pregnancy - Is It Safe?)
9. Is salted amla safe to eat while pregnant?
Yes, it's safe but it's good to limit your salt intake during pregnancy as high salt intake can adversely affect your health.
10. Can I drink amla juice during pregnancy?
Yes, amla juice is absolutely safe to drink during pregnancy. If possible then avoid having packaged gooseberry juice as it may contain added preservatives or sweeteners that are not good for the overall health of the expectant mother and her growing baby.
11. How much amla juice is safe to have while pregnant?
Taking about 5 ml to 10 ml of amla juice every day is enough during pregnancy.
12. Is it healthy to eat amla during pregnancy?
Yes, gooseberry is fully loaded with vital nutrients that you required throughout your pregnancy period.
(Also read: Is It Safe To Eat Green Beans During Pregnancy?)
13. Is it good to eat amla during pregnancy?
Amla has several medicinal curing effects and is packed with vital nutrients. All these nutrients promote the healthy growth and development of the fetus. So, it's good to eat gooseberry in pregnancy.
14. Can I eat amla during pregnancy?
Gooseberry is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that plays an essential role in a healthy pregnancy. So, it's good to consume it while pregnant.
Amla is packed with essential nutrients that play a major role in a healthy pregnancy. It is a wonder fruit that provides numerous benefits to the expectant mother and her little one. So it's good to include it in the pregnancy diet. If you want to add this magical fruit to your diet, you must consult your doctor. If your doctor gives a green signal then add this wonderful fruit to your diet.
Here's wishing you a very happy, safe, and healthy pregnancy. Be happy and stay blessed. Enjoy the wonderful phase of your life.
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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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