Watching what you eat can become a huge part of your life when you are pregnant. Therefore, confusion is normal at this stage. So, can we eat sapota (Chikoo) during pregnancy? Well, if you are wondering, we know why. In pregnancy, some fruits are a total no, while others are extremely beneficial to the baby and body. So, here is an article that will help you understand what chiku does to your body and how it can be helpful during pregnancy.
Nutritional Values of Chikoo Fruit in Pregnancy:
For a serving of 100 grams, here is a break up of the nutritional values of the chikoo. After seeing this, you will be able to answer whether it is safe to eat sapota during pregnancy.
It provides a high dose of energy, around 83 calories with carbohydrates amounting to 19 grams and 14 grams of folate. Vitamin A is about 18 mcg; vitamin C is about 14.7 mcg, sodium of 12 mg, and magnesium and phosphorous of 12 mg. They also contain fibre of 5.3 g, 0. mg of zinc, 193 mg of potassium and 0.44 mcg of protein.
See More: Best Fruits to Eat in Pregnancy
Is It Safe To Eat Sapota During Pregnancy?
Yes! Sapota is good for you and your growing baby. It is nutrient-dense and acts as a superfood for pregnant mothers. It is rich in antioxidants and comes packed with vitamins, minerals and calories to keep you going and energized.
Benefits of Eating Chikoo Fruit During Pregnancy:
Here are some fabulous benefits of chikoo (sapota) during pregnancy and its side effects. Let’s have a look at them.
1. Enhances the Health of the Digestive Tract:
Chikoo can combat and fight any inflammation that may be present in your gut. With pregnancy comes a lot of issues in digestion. Therefore, eating sapota can help.
2. Energy Source:
Sapota is a powerhouse of energy. It is high in fructose and sucrose and therefore can give you a quick energy boost. Every time you find yourself going low on energy, sapota can give you a boost and lift, thus keeping you energized.
3. Strengthens the Bones:
Sapota is rich in iron, phosphorous, sodium and calcium. For the strengthening and maintenance of the bone, these are some of the essential nutrients.
4. Keeps Bacterial Infections Away:
Infection during pregnancy can be normal and common. Eating sapota can help fight infections and keep them at bay.
5. Checks Blood Pressure:
Fluctuations in blood pressure is a very common thing pregnant woman face. Since sapota is rich in magnesium and potassium, and they are responsible for regulating blood pressure, eating sapota can keep a check on your blood pressure.
6. Lowers Stress:
Sapota is a natural sedative, and can therefore relieve you from stress, and will calm the nerves.
7. Fights Fatigue:
Sapota can also fight the weakness you experience daily during pregnancy. Since it is loaded with nutrients, it can give your energy a boost and thus fight fatigue. Thus, chiku fruit is good for pregnancy and is a safe bet.
See More: Butter Fruit During Pregnancy
Side Effects of Sapota During Pregnancy:
Here are some side effects of the sapota fruit during pregnancy:
- Since sapota is high in calories, it is highly possible that overconsumption can cause you to put on a lot of unwanted weight.
- Abdominal pain and discomfort are the other side effects of the fruit when consumed in excess.
- Unripe and raw sapota can cause irritation in the mouth and itching in the throat.
Chiku in Your Diet: Guide to Pregnancy Diet:
Now that you know what chikoo can do, the next thing is to include it in your diet and make a difference. The high nutrient-rich fruit is a sure yes to the list. Apart from including it in your food bowl, here is how you can make chikoo juice.
- Wash the chikoo well after removing its skin. Chop them into small pieces.
- Add half a cup of milk to a blender. To that, add the chopped chikoo.
- Blend it well. You may also add milk little by little.
- Add honey as required. Taste first to understand the sweetness.
- Chiku is naturally sweet and is at best to taste before adding honey.
- Keep blending until you get a smooth consistency.
Chiku juice is safe to drink during pregnancy. You only have to keep a check on the quantity of the fruit you are consuming.
Sapota during early pregnancy is equally good. However, our advice is to consult your doctor to know the quantity of it you can take. Most often, this is determined by your weight, age and health situation. However, it is difficult to actually let go of this wonderfully and naturally tasty fruit.
See More: Eating Pineapple During Pregnancy
Frequently Asked Questions & Answers:
Q1. Can I Eat Chiku During Breast Feeding?
Ans: Yes, you absolutely can eat. As we mentioned in the article, fruit is high in nutrients and is therefore essential for the body. You only have to watch how much you eat.
Q2. How to Include Chikoo in Pregnancy Diet?
Ans: The best way to include it in your pregnancy diet is to add them to your bowl of freshly cut fruits. They add a sense of taste that is different. This way, your bowl gets interesting. The other way is to drink them as juice, both of which are healthy.
Q3. When to Avoid Chikoo Fruit During Pregnancy?
Ans: You may want to avoid it if you are watching your weight. It has a lot of calories and can therefore add to your weight. Nevertheless, consult your doctor before you decide to include them in your pregnancy diet.
