Importance of Eating Mango In Pregnancy

By Edith Igbokwe

Eating mangoes during pregnancy may provide you with various vitamins, minerals, and energy.

Mangoes are rich sources of vitamin C, folic acid, vitamin A, and potassium and so, are good for maternal health. The fruit is also a good source of dietary fiber that prevents constipation.

You may include mangoes into your diet to enhance the taste and flavour. Although mangoes are safe during pregnancy, you may limit their consumption or eat them in moderation since they contain sugar.

Pregnant women with gestational diabetes or diabetes mellitus should seek their prenatal health care provider or doctors’ advice to learn more about consuming mangoes.

Mangoes also help develop the fetus’s nervous system and brain.

The following are the health benefits of consuming mangoes during pregnancy.

Iron prevents anemia: Mangoes are rich in vitamin C and help in the nutrient absorption of iron, which an expecting mother needs to overcome pregnancy-related anemia.

Folic acid aids fetal development: Mangos is a great source of folic acid which is essential for the development of the fetal brain and spinal cord. Mango consumption prevents neural tube defects which can occur in early pregnancy.

Just a 3/4th cup of mango provides you with 15 percent of your recommended daily allowance of folate.

Dietary fiber manages digestive health: The fiber content in mangoes helps you feel full for a longer duration. Mangoes also aid digestion and prevent constipation that women experience in the first trimester.

Provides rich antioxidants: Vitamin C in mango acts as a powerful antioxidant that helps develop resistance against free radicals, which can disturb fetal development and even lead to cancers. Vitamin C can also lower the risk of premature birth.

Vitamin B6 is ideal for the fetal brain and nervous system and also helps prevent conditions such as eczema and low birth weight.

Vitamin A in mangoes helps in baby development: Vitamin A, abundantly found in mangoes, helps in the formation of a baby’s teeth and bones. It is also essential for eye and immune system development and aids in the development of the heart, lungs, and kidneys.

Magnesium prevents preeclampsia: Magnesium present in reasonable amounts in mango, acts as an excellent natural remedy for preeclampsia or increased blood pressure, while the vitamin E in this fruit helps build fetal muscle and prevents preeclampsia.

Beats morning sickness: Eating mangoes during pregnancy helps beat morning sickness.

The fresh taste of mango helps prevent morning sickness. Vitamin B6 in this fruit also plays a key role in relieving you from nausea and morning sickness.

Balances body fluids: As the blood volume increases during pregnancy, your body needs extra minerals. Mangoes contain electrolytes such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sodium that help in maintaining fluid balance.

Electrolytes ensure optimal heart health and make the brain, nerves, and the muscles work as they should.

Although mango offers numerous benefits, you need to be mindful of eating it while pregnant.

The side effects of consuming mangoes during pregnancy include Diarrhea: Overconsumption of mangoes can cause diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration.

Dehydration during pregnancy is common and can be dealt with by keeping the diet and nutrition needs in check.

There are fermentable carbohydrates in mangoes that can cause sensitivity in some women.

During pregnancy, some women might experience irritable bowel syndrome and other gastrointestinal issues that can cause indigestion, gas, and bloating.

Nevertheless, mangoes are high in fiber and can keep your gut working regularly, while also helping feed the healthy bacteria.

Increased risk of gestational diabetes: Mangos has high levels of sugar and can put you at a greater risk of diabetes Mellitus. Eating fewer mangoes, which have a medium Glycemic Indexi (GI), can help overcome the risk of gestational diabetes

Pregnant women who experience gestational diabetes should avoid eating too much mango and always pair the fruit with a source of protein. Also, they should avoid eating it in the mornings to prevent hyperglycemia.

Excess weight gain: Mangoes are rich in carbohydrates and add to your already increasing pregnancy weight. So, consume them in moderation as part of a healthy eating plan.

Allergic reactions: Some people can experience allergies when they come in contact with the fruit skin or the sap. If you experience the ‘mango itch’, avoid the fruit.

Reactions from artificially ripened mangoes: Mangoes that have been artificially ripened can have an adverse effect on both the mother and the baby. These fruits are ripened using calcium carbide, a toxic substance that contains traces of arsenic and phosphorus.

Consumption of artificially ripened mangoes could lead to mood swings, sleepiness, headaches, dizziness, confusion, seizures, mouth ulcers, and tingling in hands and feet.

So only choose mangoes that have been naturally ripened.