Is it Safe to Eat Custard Apple During Pregnancy?

Custard apple, or sitafal, is a popular fruit in India. It has a creamy, slightly grainy texture and a sweet taste. Custard apple is mostly available around the winter season, and people love to enjoy its deliciousness throughout the season. While eating the fruit is great for children and adults alike, what about pregnant women? Pregnant women are supposed to eat a variety of fruits during pregnancy. Does custard apple make it to the list of safe fruits to eat during pregnancy? Let’s find out!

Yes, you can! There is no harm in eating custard apple or sitafal in pregnancy. In fact, adding this sweet fruit to your pregnancy diet can provide you with several essential nutrients required to keep you hale and hearty while also supporting your baby’s development.

However, there are certain situations when custard apples may not make an ideal fruit choice for pregnant women (more on that in the coming sections). So, it is best to seek your doctor’s opinion on whether you can or cannot include custard apples in your diet.

For a better idea, let’s take a look at the nutritional profile of custard apples.

100 g custard apple contains -

• Calories: 101
• Protein: 2.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 23.6 g
• Fibre: 5.4 g
• Sugars: 19.3 g
• Folate: 14 mg
• Vitamin C: 19.3 mg
• Potassium: 382 mg
• Calcium: 22 mg
• Iron: 0.6 mg

In addition to the above, custard apples also contain magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin A, and vitamin B6.

Given below are the many benefits of custard apples for pregnant women. Take a look!

Supports mother’s health and foetal development

Custard apple, being rich in a variety of vitamins and minerals, helps in keeping the expectant mother healthy while also supporting the growth and development of her baby. Folate, present in the fruit, supports the development of a baby’s nervous system and may also prevent birth defects.

Helps strengthen the immune system

Custard apple contains vitamin B6 and vitamin C, both of which are required to ensure a healthy immune function. Eating the fruit strengthens immunity and protects the to-be mother from infections.

Reduces morning sickness

Vitamin B6 in custard apples helps in reducing symptoms of morning sickness like nausea and vomiting. Women who are in their first trimester or those who experience morning sickness even in the later stages of pregnancy can eat this fruit to reduce these annoying symptoms.

Aids in digestion

Hormonal changes during pregnancy often lead to digestive problems. Constipation is a common complaint of many pregnant women. Custard apples can add more fibre to your diet, help facilitate digestion, and relieve symptoms of constipation.

Prevents anaemia and other pregnancy complications

Custard apples can improve haemoglobin levels in the mother’s body and reduce the chances of anaemia. Nutrients present in the fruit ensure the overall health of the mother and minimise the chances of complications like miscarriage and/or postpartum haemorrhage.

Maintains hydration

Custard apple is a water-laden fruit and contains a good amount of water. So, it helps in maintaining hydration in the body and preventing dehydration and related issues.

Imparts healthy skin to the baby

Custard apple also helps the growing baby develop healthy skin due to its vitamin A content. It also supports the eye and overall development of the little one.

Helps in blood pressure regulation and stress reduction

Custard apple can also help in regulating blood pressure in pregnant women. The presence of magnesium helps in minimising stress and depression and ensures the mental well-being of the expectant mother.

Usually, custard apples do not cause any side effects when consumed in moderate amounts. Eating too much of anything is not good for the health. The same holds true for this fruit, and eating large amounts may cause tummy troubles like bloating and diarrhoea or loose motions. In such situations, one can try home remedies for loose motion after consulting their doctor.

Furthermore, custard apples may also cause allergic reactions in women who are allergic to the fruit. If you have a known allergy towards custard apple, avoid it at all costs. However, if you are unaware and notice an allergic reaction after eating the fruit, see your doctor immediately.

Though custard apples can be immensely beneficial for health during the pregnancy period, they may not be suitable for all. Avoid eating custard apples if you fall into one of the following groups:

You have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes

As custard apple has a high sugar content, women with gestational diabetes should avoid it because it may lead to high blood sugar levels in the body.

You are having a cough or cold

Custard apple is considered to be a cold fruit according to Ayurveda and has a cooling effect on the body. Eating the fruit when having a cough or cold can worsen the symptoms and prolong recovery. Hence, it is better to avoid it.

You have Parkinson’s disease

The seeds and skin of custard apples contain a toxin called annonacin, which is known to impact the brain and nervous system. For this reason, women with Parkinson’s disease or any other condition related to the nervous system must avoid eating custard apples.

Choose a custard apple that is ripe enough to be eaten. Look for a fruit that has light green skin and is a little soft to the touch. Wash the fruit well to remove any dirt before you eat it. You can either slice the fruit in half and enjoy the fleshy part of the fruit or peel the skin first and then eat it. Remember to remove the black seeds contained within the fleshy pulp of the custard apple, as they are not meant to be eaten.

Besides eating the fruit fresh, you can also enjoy custard apples in other ways:

• Add the fruit to your salads for a tasty treat.
• Mix it with yoghurt to enjoy a flavourful snack.
• Top it over your morning oatmeal for a healthy start to the day.
• Make a healthy smoothie by blending milk, custard apple pulp, and honey together.
• You may even make desserts like cakes, tarts, and pudding using custard apple.

Fruits like custard apples make a tasty addition to your diet. Many women are not sure if they can eat custard apple during pregnancy. And why not? There are certain fruits that must be avoided when pregnant. But thankfully, custard apples don’t fall into that category, and pregnant women can enjoy them like any other fruit.

However, women with gestational diabetes must avoid this fruit due to its high sugar content. Still craving the fruit? Check with your doctor to see what they have to say!

Is custard apple good in pregnancy?

Custard apple is filled with several essential nutrients, including iron and calcium. So, it is considered a good fruit to have during pregnancy.

Is it safe to eat custard apple during pregnancy?

Yes, it is safe to eat custard apples during pregnancy unless you have gestational diabetes. If that is the case, avoid eating the fruit and choose other fruits with a lower glycaemic index, like berries and apples.

Does custard apple cause heat in the body?

Custard apple is said to have a cooling effect on the body. It does not cause heat in the body similar to other fruits like ripe mango, banana, and grapes.

How many custard apples to eat in a day?

Ideally, a small to medium-sized custard apple is okay to eat in a day. Eating too much of it can cause side effects. So, it is better to eat this fruit in moderation during pregnancy and otherwise.

Does custard apple increase haemoglobin?

Custard apple can help improve your haemoglobin levels, as it is a good source of iron and other nutrients that help the body produce haemoglobin.

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