Pineapple in Pregnancy: Benefits and Risks in 2022

Motherhood is not only about happiness, celebration, and a never-ending feeling of joy. It is also about a sense of responsibility, thoughtfulness, and maturity. Pregnancy is nothing short of a roller coaster ride; it, too, has its fears, excitements, dreadful points, and thrills. But the safety belt must be worn throughout the ride. It is necessary to be careful of certain things throughout the magical nine months.

Diet tops the list of things to care about. A good diet can never be underestimated as the baby’s health, growth and development depend entirely on it. Many foods must be included in a pregnant woman’s diet chart, like fresh fruits, juices, and smoothies. They not only provide essential vitamins but other vital compounds much required in micro quantities, such as minerals and antioxidants, which help maintain good pregnancy health. Fresh fruits prevent weight gain and provide energy as they have natural sugar that does no harm at all.

Pineapple is one such superfood that is no less than a boon for pregnancy health. It is a tropical fruit native to South America. In certain cultures, the pineapple is also considered a lucky emblem of greeting, cordiality, and good luck.

It has immense benefits and is a good choice to maintain good pregnancy health. This fruit is the only known food source of the protein-digesting enzyme group known as bromelain. This group of enzymes breaks down protein, making it easier for the human body to digest and absorb food.

Other significant benefits of pineapple

1. See the Vitamin C: With a sweet and sour taste, pineapples are rich in Vitamin C which is necessary for the growth and repair of tissues. It is also required for the production of collagen, robust dental health, healing of wounds, and proper iron absorption. It is a non-negotiable nutrient for pregnancy health as it directly affects a baby’s physical growth and development. Even a small quantity of pineapple can supply much of the daily requirement of vitamin C.
2. Abundant Antioxidants: Pineapple is abundant in antioxidants, particularly phenolic acids and flavonoids. These antioxidants fight oxidative stress and keep diabetes at bay, making pineapple a great choice. Antioxidants provide immunity and protection at the cellular level by neutralizing destructive free radicals. These radicals upset the structure of other molecules and cause cellular damage. Antioxidants also prevent serious birth-related issues and defects in the unborn baby.
3. Mines of Manganese: They are rich in manganese as well. This mineral is required to metabolize food, prevent blood clotting and maintain bone health. It helps in the formation of bones and cartilage in the baby and is necessary for good pregnancy health. The good news is that more than half of the daily requirements for manganese can be fulfilled just by one bowl of pineapple!
4. Fantastic Folate: Pineapple is also a good source of folate. During early pregnancy, folic acid helps in a very important process called ‘neurulation’ or the formation of the neural tube, which is the primordium of the spinal cord and brain. Folic acid prevents certain major birth defects in the baby’s brain and spine. It gives one more good reason to make pineapple a choice!
5. Fibers: Indigestion and bloating in expecting women are harmful to the health of the unborn child. Pineapple is a good diet choice as it is pretty low in saturated fat and filled with fiber that cures constipation. Apart from this, pineapple helps prevent dehydration as well as it brims with abundant juice.

 Is it safe to eat pineapple during pregnancy?

It is a frequently asked question and opinions differ on this one. While the benefits of pineapple are mind-blowing, some consider it unsafe to eat during pregnancy. However, the myth buster is that what matters is the portion size because too much of anything can be harmful. There is no real scientific evidence that proves that eating this fruit can be risky during pregnancy. However, you may avoid it till the first trimester of pregnancy to be on the safe side. Small portions of pineapple can be safely consumed in the form of slices, juices, and smoothies.

You can add pineapple to your diet in a variety of ways

1. Salads: A mixed fruit salad is a good choice to consume pineapples. Take one apple, some pineapple, a banana, and guava. Cut into small pieces, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and mix well. A delicious fruit salad is ready!
2. Juices: Pure pineapple juice is good. But if you dislike its sharpness, it can be mixed with other juices also. Try the Mango-Pineapple Smoothie from Smoodies.
3. Cakes: Pineapple cakes and pastries are a cool way to have this fruit. If you love baking, you can bake them at home. Otherwise, you can order them from any local bakery. Some delicious options include carrot-pineapple cake, pineapple cheesecake, cherry-pineapple, and whipped cream-pineapple pastry.
4. Fried Rice: Many rice dishes can be prepared using this fruit, such as pineapple fried rice. It is prepared along with many other vegetables too. The pineapple adds a tangy flavor to the dish. It can be eaten for lunch or dinner.
5. Pavlova: It is a meringue-based dessert from Australia and New Zealand. For pineapple-passionfruit pavlova, you will need some passionfruit pulp, pineapple pieces, fresh mint, a few berries, and some whipped cream. These can be made into a savory pavlova in less than thirty minutes!

 Apart from pineapple, pregnant women can have other fruits such as mangoes, berries, litchis and apples, and many more. However, certain fruits like papayas, bananas, tamarind, watermelons, and dates should be avoided or taken in controlled quantities.

Each fruit is a goldmine of nutrition and prevents many diseases. A pregnant woman must be even more careful with her choice of food, portions, and schedules. A balanced diet of various food items has to be regularly consumed. Fruits form an important component of this diet. They must be consumed, be it in whole, raw form, pure juices, mixed juices, smoothies, salads, or cakes.

Smoodies offers a range of fresh fruit juices. These are preservative-free, have no added sugar, contain no added flavors and colors, and are cent percent natural, and clean. These come in safe hygienic glass bottles that prevent any type of contamination-safe for everyone to consume.