[Lifestyle] Myth or fact: Mangoes are safe to eat during pregnancy

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Pregnant women have many restrictions on their diet owing to several reasons. As such, are they allowed to have mangoes considering they may cause heat-related issues in the body or may heighten the chances of gestational diabetes?

Gynecologist and fetal medicine expert Dr Deepthi Jammi took to Instagram to share that pregnant women can have mangoes provided they do not overeat.

“Mangoes are rich in vitamin C. A cup of mango slices fulfils your daily recommended dose of vitamin C. Vitamin C is essential for tissue repair, immunity boost, and the development of a baby’s bones and teeth. Mangoes are packed with vitamin A. A deficiency in vitamin A at birth lowers an infant’s immunity and increases several complications, such as respiratory infections or diarrhea,” said Dr Jammi.

What else? According to Dr Jammi, mangoes are an excellent source of antioxidants, nutrients, and energy.

Stressing that the health benefits of eating mango during pregnancy are countless, Dr Jammi shared that they help prevents anaemia, promote fetal development, packed with antioxidants, help in the development of bones and teeth, maintain fluid balance, and prevent preeclampsia.

“Only if you overeat mangoes, you may have to face dehydration and diarrhea, develop a higher risk of gestational diabetes, excessive weight gain, and can have allergic reactions,” remarked Dr Jammi.

mangoes Should pregnant women have mangoes? (Source: Pixabay)
According to Dr Jammi, mango is a nutrient-packed fruit that ensures the healthy development of the baby. “What else a mother needs other than a healthy baby? So, keep enjoying your mangoes, but, in moderation,” said Dr Jammi.

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Dr Jyoti Kala, consultant – Obstetrics And Gynecology, Manipal Hospital Sarjapur too agreed that mangoes can definitely be eaten during pregnancy as they are a rich source of antioxidants and vital nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin B6, iron, potassium, and folic acid which are essential for the growth and development of your baby. “Mangoes are also rich in fibre which aids in digestion and reduces constipation in pregnancy,” said Dr Kala.

But it’s best to avoid consuming mangoes in large portions, especially in cases of gestational diabetes, urged Dr Kala. “This is because mangoes contain higher levels of natural sugars which might bring about a spike in sugar levels, especially if sugars are poorly controlled in cases of gestational diabetes. Hence, in moderate quantities, mangoes can be enjoyed as a seasonal fruit in all stages of pregnancy, even in cases of pregnancies with well-controlled gestational diabetes,” said Dr Kala.

What else to keep in mind?
Calcium carbide that is used to artificially ripen mangoes are one of the reasons why there is skepticism about the fruit. “The use of this substance was outlawed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2016. As a result, you must make sure the mangoes you buy are organic and naturally ripened. Before eating it, properly wash it,” said Dr Shobha Gupta Medical Director and IVF Specialist from Mother’s Lap IVF Centre New Delhi and Vrindavan.

gs rather than at dinner time. “Mangoes should only be consumed if your doctor advises you to increase your calorie intake. Avoid combining mangoes with ice cream or sugar because pregnancy causes a lot of desires and might lead to an unbalanced calorie intake. For people with diabetes or obese mothers, mangoes are not recommended,” said Dr Gupta.

 

https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/health/myth-or-fact-mangoes-eat-pregnancy-8669496/