Bitter Gourd (Bitter Melon) During Pregnancy - Safe Or Unsafe?
Bitter Melon (Bitter Gourd) During Pregnancy - Health Benefits And Side Effects
Bitter gourd is a green-skinned veggie with white or translucent flesh and is also known as Bitter Melon, Bitter Squash, or Balsam Pear. This veggie gets its name from its taste as bitter taste. Bitter gourd is an excellent source of vital nutrients such as fiber, folate, vitamin A, vitamins C, iron, potassium, niacin, and many more. In addition, it has anti-diabetic properties, which makes it a healthy food choice, as we all know that bitter gourd is considered one of the healthiest veggies. But the question here is, Is bitter gourd safe during pregnancy?
Health Benefits of Bitter Gourd During Pregnancy
The health benefits of consuming bitter gourd while pregnant are:1. Loaded with vitamins
Bitter melon is fully loaded with several vitamins, such as B1, B2, and B3. All these vitamins are essential for a pregnant woman and play a vital role in the healthy growth and development of the fetus.
2. Rich in Folate
3. Strengthen Immunity
This veggie contains a good amount of vitamin C, which acts as an antioxidant and helps pregnant women fight against various infections and diseases. In addition, bitter gourd's vitamin C content helps strengthen your immunity during pregnancy.
4. Overall Development of the Fetus
5. Healthy Digestive Tract
6. Rich in Iron
7. Anti-Diabetic Property
The anti-diabetic properties of bitter gourds help control your blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of gestational diabetes.
8. Healthy Weight Gain
9. Healthy Hair And Skin
This veggie is a rich source of vitamin A and vitamin C. These vitamins are well known to reduce aging, fight acne, and skin blemishes, add luster to the hair, and combat hair loss, split ends, and dandruff. So, overall these vitamins help to keep your hair and skin healthy.
10. Good for eyesight
Bitter melon is an excellent source of vitamin A, which help to prevent cataract and strengthens vision. That's why the consumption of bitter gourd is good for eye health.
Nutritional Value of Bitter Gourd or Bitter Melon
Nutrient Value of Raw And Fresh Bitter Gourd (Bitter Melon) per 100 g
| Principle | Nutrient Value |
|---|---|
| Energy | 17 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 3.70 g |
| Protein | 1 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.80 g |
| Fat | 0.17 g |
| Vitamins | |
| Vitamin A | 471 IU |
| Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) | 0.040 mg |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | 0.040 mg |
| Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | 0.400 mg |
| Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) | 0.212 mg |
| Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) | 0.043 mg |
| Vitamin B9 (Folates) | 72 µg |
| Vitamin C | 84 mg |
| Minerals | |
| Calcium | 19 mg |
| Iron | 0.43 mg |
| Copper | 0.034 mg |
| Magnesium | 17 mg |
| Manganese | 0.089 mg |
| Zinc | 0.80 mg |
| Electrolytes | |
| Sodium | 5 mg |
| Potassium | 296 mg |
| Phyto-nutrients | |
| Carotene-ß | 190 µg |
| Carotene-α | 185 µg |
| Lutein-zeaxanthin | 170 µg |
Risks / Side Effects of eating Bitter Gourd During Pregnancy
1. Toxicity
Bitter gourd contains alkaline components such as quinine, saponin glycosides, and resins. These substances can cause toxicity in the human body, leading to diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea, extreme salivation, redness on the face, nausea, and weakness of muscles in expectant mothers.
2. Sensitivity
The seeds and skin of Bitter melon contain a molecule called vicine that can cause sensitivity in some expectant mothers and induce other problems such as heartburn, muscle fatigue, or toxicity.
3. Stomach Issues
Excess eating of bitter gourd can lead to diarrhea, abdominal cramps, gastritis, indigestion, and other stomach-related issues during pregnancy.
4. Favism
Some expectant mothers can experience favism after consuming bitter gourds. This is because bitter gourd contains a molecule called vicine which can destroy red blood cells known as favism, which can lead to anemia.
5. Risks of Miscarriage
According to the International Journal of Scientific Research and Reviews, excess eating of bitter gourd may cause trouble in the uterine system. It can lead to early labor or miscarriage in some worst cases.
However, eating a moderate amount of bitter gourd is considered safe during pregnancy. So don't worry if you're craving bitter gourds; you can talk to your doctor regarding their consumption.
If your gynecologist gives the go-ahead, enjoy their goodness during your pregnancy. And remember to eat them in limited quantities, as overconsumption of anything harms your health, and the same applies to bitter gourds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is it safe to eat bitter gourd (karela) during pregnancy?
Bitter gourds are a great source of nutrients that are good for the overall health of the expectant mother and her little one. However, there are some controversies due to the risks associated with bitter gourds. The jury is still out on this one, so it's up to you to add them to your diet or avoid them entirely during pregnancy. You can consult your doctor about the consumption of bitter gourds and whether they're safe for you to consume.
2. How much bitter melon can you have during pregnancy?
You can take a cup of bitter gourd once or twice a week but make sure you stay within the quantity. Remember to take bitter gourds in moderate amounts. However, it's better to consult your dietician to know the right amount of bitter melon to consume when pregnant.
3. Is it safe to eat karela (bitter melon) while pregnant?
Karela is a rich source of nutrients such as iron, potassium, vitamin C, folate, and many more. However, there are a few risks also associated with their consumption. So, it depends on whether you include them in your pregnancy diet or avoid them entirely. You can speak to your doctor if you're still unsure about its consumption.
4. Can I have bitter gourd juice during pregnancy?
Bitter Gourd juice is considered suitable for health. However, according to the International Journal of Scientific Research and Reviews, overconsumption of bitter gourd juice can lead to diarrhea, abdominal pain, induce contractions or even cause bleeding during pregnancy. So, it's best to speak to your doctor about its consumption.
5. Are bitter gourd seeds edible during pregnancy?
The bitter gourd seeds are known to have an antispermatogenic effect, which is why you should consult your doctor before using them. In addition, if you have a G6PD (Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) deficiency, it's best to avoid bitter gourd seeds as they contain a chemical known as vicine which can lead to favism in those who have G6PD deficiency. Favism can lead to anemia, headache, stomach pain, fever, and even coma in some.
6. Is it safe to drink bitter gourd juice (bitter melon juice) during pregnancy?
Drinking bitter gourd juice can lead to diarrhea, abdominal pain, induce contractions or even cause bleeding during pregnancy.
7. Does bitter gourd (bitter melon) cause miscarriage?
Eating bitter gourd occasionally in limited quantities is considered safe. However, according to the International Journal of Scientific Research and Reviews, excess eating of bitter melon may cause trouble in the uterine system. It can lead to early labor or miscarriage in some worst cases.
Bitter melons are a great addition to the diet as they're a good source of numerous nutrients suitable for you and your growing baby during pregnancy. However, pregnancy is a delicate phase where you must be cautious about your diet. If you're craving bitter gourds or going to eat them for the first time during your pregnancy, it's better that you consult your gynecologist about the same.
There are some controversies associated with the consumption of bitter gourds during pregnancy. Every pregnancy is different, so it's up to you whether to include bitter melon in your diet. If you're still unsure, it's best to consult your doctor, as your doctor knows what's best for you.
Hope you liked our article on eating bitter gourd during pregnancy. Have a happy and healthy pregnancy. Be safe, and keep smiling.
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