Pregnancy is a very crucial period where the woman needs to take extra care of her diet and lifestyle. The doctor instructs her about diet restriction according to her pregnancy as every woman has different health and pregnancy experience. However, there are some common restrictions that every pregnant lady must follow. Apart from packaged and processed foods, there are certain fruits also that need to be avoided. This is to ensure that the mother and baby both are healthy. We have listed down some fruits to not eat during pregnancy. If you are expecting, you should check this list and strictly avoid consuming them.
Avoid papaya during pregnancy
One of the common questions that women raise is can pregnant women eat papaya? The answer is NO. A lot of women from Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, India as well as Pakistan have used papaya as an abortifacient, but it is not something that should worry you unless you binge on it. Papaya intake apparently brings on labour early or causes miscarriage. This is partially true. Papayas, especially the unripe and semi-ripe ones, are rich in latex, which is known to trigger uterine contractions.
Green papaya was often applied directly to the uterus. Still, food forms such as green papaya salad, the seeds of papaya in the parasite killing papaya seed smoothie ahead, as well as supplements containing papain enzyme should be avoided during the third and final trimester of pregnancy. For this reason, Papaya is in the list of foods to avoid during pregnancy.
However, ripe papayas are excellent during pregnancy. Here are some reasons why ripe papaya during pregnancy is safe:
- Ripe papayas are rich in vitamins, such as vitamin C and other wholesome nutrients that prevent the onset of pregnancy symptoms, such as heartburn and constipation.
- Papayas mixed with honey and milk are also an excellent tonic for pregnant women, especially during lactation.
- Ripe papayas contain much lower levels of papain and are generally considered very healthy for pregnant women with its rich antioxidant and vitamin content and many other health benefits.
Avoid pineapple during pregnancy
Can pregnant women eat Pineapple? The answer is NO. Eating pineapple during pregnancy is not good so resist yourself from consuming pineapple during pregnancy. Pineapples are rich in bromelain, which can cause the softening of the cervix leading to early labour.
One can have pineapple in moderate quantities as it will not affect labour and delivery; however, its intake should be restricted during the first trimester to avoid any unforeseen event such as softening of the cervix. For this reason, Pineapple is in the list of foods to avoid during pregnancy. A lot of women opine that drinking lots of pineapple juice can help them achieve labour. So you must stop yourself and your dear ones from eating pineapple while pregnant.
Also Read: 9 Reasons Why Pineapples Are Great For Your Health
Why avoid grapes during pregnancy?
Some medical professionals suggest that you avoid eating grapes during pregnancy, other advice that you do use it. Most expert advice the former because of the number of pesticides that are sprayed on grape plants to keep from being eaten away by insects.
Moreover, the main bone of contention is the high amount of resveratrol present in grapes. This chemical can cause toxicity for the expectant mother. But, eating grapes during pregnancy can also give you vital nutrients like vitamin A and C. So, you need to speak with your doctor before you come to any decision about eating grapes during pregnancy.
Pregnant women should not eat unwashed fruits during pregnancy
Other than the fruits that need to be strictly banned from pregnancy diet, an important advice is that you always consume unwashed and unpasteurised fruits. Food hygiene must be given primal importance during pregnancy to avoid infections from toxoplasmosis. Fruits should be an integral part of every pregnancy diet; however, one must exercise caution and avoid eating some of them such as pineapples or papayas in excess, to avoid any complication during pregnancy.
Also Read: Here Are 15 Healthiest Fruits That Offer More Benefits Than The Rest
How to ensure fruits are safe to eat during pregnancy?
Here are some suggestions that you must consider to maintain food safety during pregnancy for good health and smooth delivery:
- Thoroughly rinse raw fruits and vegetables under running water before eating or preparing them, especially fruits that require peeling or cutting- like cantaloupe and other melons. Bacteria can be found on the outer rind or peel.
- Don't use soap, detergents, or bleach solutions to wash produce.
- As an added precaution, use a small vegetable brush to remove surface dirt.
- Try to cut away damaged or bruised areas - bacteria can thrive in these places.
Fruits should comprise a major part of your diet when you are pregnant clearly because they are loaded with nutrients. But, you need to alter the list of your favourite fruits for the sake of your baby. Avoid the bad ones, and stay healthy. Besides, follow all the instructions given by your gynaecologist to ensure healthy gestation and smooth delivery.
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