Mangoes During Pregnancy – Are they Safe?

Eating a mango during pregnancy has its advantages. Enriched with Vitamins A, B6 and C, mangoes provide the essential nutrients that an expecting woman needs to support life within. Mangoes are also a rich source of folic acid, potassium, and iron that are integral to a healthy pregnancy.

There’s an old tale that mango during pregnancy can increase heat in the body, otherwise known as ‘thermogenesis’. However, this might not be true! The real culprits are spicy foods, ginger, chillies, and strong herbal products that need energy to digest and process, and increase body heat. Therefore, there’s no scientific proof that eating mangoes can increase heat or cause harm to the developing baby. Read on to know more about the benefits of mango during pregnancy.

Nutritional Value Of Mangoes

A mango in pregnancy has several health benefits when consumed in moderate amounts. Packed with nutrients and vitamins that can meet the nutritional requirements of the expecting mum, 100 g of mangoes have a nutritional value of:

• Carbohydrates – 11 g
• Energy – 55 Kcal
• Total fat and protein – 0.5 g (each)
• Cholesterol – 0 mg
• Niacin – 0.26 mg
• Dietary fibre – 2.02 g
• Thiamin – 0.03 mg
• Riboflavin – 0.04 mg
• Vitamin C – 29 mg
• Vitamin A – 210 mcg
• Vitamin E – 0.2 mg
• Pantothenic acid – 0.11 mg
• Pyridoxine (Vitamin B-6) – 0.1 mg
• Iron – 0.43 mg
• Sodium – 1.4 mg
• Potassium – 143 mg
• Copper – 0.07 mg
• Calcium – 15.8 mg
• Zinc 0.1 mg
• Manganese – 0.02 mg
• Magnesium -12.53 mg

Top 10 Benefits of Eating Mangoes In Pregnancy

Mango is good in pregnancy. Here’s a list of the mango benefits during pregnancy:

1. Expecting mums need iron to prevent anaemia, a common condition during pregnancy. Mangoes in pregnancy can meet your iron requirements.  Even if you eat one mango every day, it can increase your red blood cells count and can help fight anaemia.

2. Mangoes are a powerhouse of folic acid that aids foetal development during pregnancy. Consuming mangoes during pregnancy in the second trimester of pregnancy can help the growth of the nervous system of the unborn baby.

3. Mangoes are a rich source of dietary fibre, which is necessary to keep the digestive system. It can also ease constipation in pregnancy. However, it is advisable to keep a watch on the quantity, as excessive intake can also lead to gas and an uncomfortable feeling.

4. Packed with Vitamin C, mangoes act as a potent antioxidant and prevent the free radicals in the mum’s body from growing. It can also lower the risk of preterm labour.

5. Mangoes are a good source of Vitamin A, that aid in the development of bones, teeth, eyes and the nervous system of the unborn baby.

6. Loaded with magnesium, a natural cure for high blood pressure, mangoes prevent preeclampsia that can lead to seizures during pregnancy.

7. The sweet and sour taste of mangoes along with the content of Vitamin B6 can ease morning sickness, a common complaint of pregnancy.

8. Potassium helps to maintain fluid balance in the body. Fluid accumulation in the lower limbs can impact movement and excess fluid can lead to swollen feet.

9. The natural sugars present in mangoes ensure that you do not succumb to sugar cravings and thus prevent you from consuming foods that contain preservatives and synthetic sugars.

10. Mangoes are the storage house for antioxidants and contain bioflavonoids. These compounds in turn boost the expecting mum’s immune system.

How Can You Include Mangoes In Your Diet During Pregnancy?

Is mango good for pregnancy? Yes, they are!

The various ways in which you can include mangoes in your pregnancy diet are:

• You can extract the juice and drink it.
• You can consume them ripe.
• You can also make a smoothie, mango shake and lassi to enjoy this nutritious fruit.

How Much Mangoes Should You Take In Pregnancy?

Since mangoes are high in calories, it is advisable to consume them in moderation.

You can also consult your doctor if you have any doubts about how many mangoes should be consumed.

When Should You Start Taking Mangoes During Pregnancy?

Often expecting mums ask questions like, “can pregnant women eat mangoes?

Mango is good for pregnancy and can be eaten throughout your pregnancy. A storehouse of vitamins and nutrients, mangoes and pregnancy resonate well.

Benefits of Mangoes In Each of The Trimesters

Mangoes during pregnancy can have a host of benefits when consumed in moderation. Its advantages range over nine months. It is all the more essential to consume mangoes in the first trimester as they can aid the growth of the nervous system of the unborn baby.

Since neural tube defects mostly happen in early pregnancy, consuming mangoes in the right quantities can be averted.

Are There Any Harmful Effects of Mangoes?

Although eating naturally ripened mangoes does not have any major harmful effects, artificially ripened mangoes might contain traces of calcium carbide, a ripening agent, that can expose the mum and the baby to the ill effects of arsenic and phosphorus. Eating artificially ripened mangoes during pregnancy can cause:

• Loose motion
• Sleepiness, dizziness and headaches
• Mood swings
• A tingling sensation in hands and feet
• Seizures

Precautions When Eating Mangoes During Pregnancy

Is mango safe during pregnancy? Yes, they are safe but you should keep in mind some precautions when eating mangoes during pregnancy:

1. Excessive intake of mangoes in the third trimester can cause gestational diabetes. Therefore, it is advisable to consume mangoes in moderation.

2. It is not advisable to put the skin/ flesh of the mango in your mouth. Once washed, you can peel the mango before eating it.

3. Ensure to clean your knives, and chopping board, and wash your hands thoroughly after peeling and cutting the mangoes to avoid any bacteria or viruses to make through the body.

4. Excess intake of mangoes can also lead to allergic reactions (mango-itch).

Conclusion

There are a plethora of health benefits of eating mango during pregnancy. Pregnant women can eat mangoes as these are nutrient-packed and ensure the healthy development of the baby. Mangoes do not cause health complications for the expecting mum and the developing baby when eaten in moderate amounts.

FAQs

Can I eat mango pickles during pregnancy?

Yes, you can eat mango pickles during pregnancy but in moderation.

Can mango cause miscarriage?

There is no scientific proof that mangoes cause miscarriages. But it is advisable to eat mangoes in moderation for the overall health of the expectant mum and the baby.

Can I eat mango in early pregnancy?

Mangoes are a good source of folic acid that aids foetal development. Since neural tube defects mostly happen in early pregnancy, consuming mangoes in the right quantities can be averted.

Can I eat mangoes while trying to conceive?

Mangoes are a rich source of fertility-friendly nutrients like antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, and phytonutrients. Therefore, it is a good idea to eat mangoes while trying to conceive.

Can I drink a mango milkshake in pregnancy?

Yes, you can drink mango milkshakes during pregnancy but in moderation.

Eating raw mango during pregnancy?

Yes, it is safe to eat raw mango during pregnancy but in moderate amounts.

Benefits of eating raw mango during pregnancy?

Yes, you can have raw mangoes during pregnancy in moderation as it lets you meet the nutritional requirements during this crucial phase.

Mango shake in pregnancy first trimester?

Yes, you can consume mango during pregnancy in the first trimester even in the form of mango shake.

Mango juice is good for pregnancy?

Eating mangoes during pregnancy in moderate amounts can be beneficial as it is packed with various vitamins, minerals, and energy. Therefore, doctors recommend mango in pregnancy even in the 3rd trimester but in moderation.

Also Read: Top 7 Super Fruits To Eat During Pregnancy

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Fruits That You Must Avoid During Pregnancy