Passion fruits are powerhouses of nutrients, and are one the healthiest and safest lip-smacking fruits from nature. Passion fruit is loaded with immune-protecting vitamins and disease-resistant minerals.
The fruit is rich in Vitamins A, B2, B3, B6, and C. It also contains fibers and minerals – magnesium, potassium, iron, copper, and phosphorus. But are passion fruits good for pregnancy? Should you eat this fruit during any trimester? Are there side effects for your baby?
You will learn all you need to know about passion fruits in this article. Keep reading!
Passion fruit and pregnancy
Women are generally more cautious with food when they become pregnant. It’s innate. However, it doesn’t change the fact that pregnancy erupts all kinds of cravings.
That said, you should be wary about what you eat because it plays a crucial role in your baby’s health during pregnancy. Amidst the variety of foods you can eat, fruits are one of the best choices.
Fruits are an essential nutrient source that plays a vital role in a healthy pregnancy. The sad reality is not all fruits are safe for pregnant women.
Some fruits are beneficial, and you should avoid some entirely. Passion fruits fall into the category of beneficial fruits for pregnancy.
Benefits of passion fruit for pregnant women
You will enjoy the following benefits when you incorporate passion fruits into your diet.
Enhances your immune system
Pregnancy alters the immune system, and it breeds an Immunocompromised state which is why pregnant women are prone to UTIs, flu, etc.
According to this study, infection in pregnancy causes intrauterine growth restriction, preterm birth, low birth weight, and intrauterine fetal demise.
To prevent these complications, you need an immune-boosting diet.
Passion fruit contains immune-boosting antioxidants that suppress and prevent cell damage, neutralize free radicals, and drastically reduce oxidative stress.
Additionally, it’s loaded with Vitamin C, alpha-carotene, and beta-cryptoxanthin, all immune boosters.
They help develop resistance against flu and other infections.
Aids digestion
As pregnancy progresses, women begin to experience constipation and abdominal discomfort because of reduced Gastrointestinal motility.
This is why pregnant women have indigestion issues, which can be uncomfortable.
Also, constipation will cause straining when defecating, further leading to hemorrhoids.
The good news is that passion fruit is rich in fiber (25g per cup), which can help prevent and eradicate constipation.
Aside from the dietary fibers, it also contains water that helps in improving digestion.
It helps to control blood pressure
Elevated BP is a danger sign in pregnancy. It comes with diverse complications.
Pregnancy-induced hypertension is a leading cause of maternal, fetal, and newborn morbidity and mortality.
Women with this condition are at a higher risk of abruptio placentae, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and cerebrovascular events.
This study shows that the fetuses are at higher risk of intrauterine growth retardation, prematurity, and intrauterine death.
Maintaining a normal BP is the goal in pregnancy.
The high-level potassium and low sodium content in passion fruit help relax the blood vessels and regulate blood pressure.
Improves sleep quality
Bedtime can be dreadful during pregnancy. The big belly, backaches, and uncomfortable sleep positions can keep pregnant women awake.
If you want to enjoy uninterrupted sleep or you’re having trouble sleeping, a cupful of passion fruit can do wonders!
It’s rich in alkaloids and some phytonutrients, which are potent sedatives. Not only do these alkaloids reduce insomnia, but they also relieve anxiety and restlessness.
It has also been discovered that the magnesium content enhances the tranquility, duration, and, most importantly, sleep quality.
Healthy bones
Passion fruit is a huge source of minerals – magnesium, calcium, iron, phosphorus.
These minerals are required to develop strong bones by increasing mineral density and bone strength.
Not only do they prevent osteoporosis that creeps in during pregnancy, and the fetus needs the nutrients for the development of healthy bones.
Promotes pregnancy glow
I have met many pregnant women who are feel insecure because the skin changes they experience dampen their self-esteem.
As insignificant as it may seem, it can negatively impact your mental health and, if not addressed, lead to postpartum blues or depression.
Passion fruit makes your skin radiant throughout pregnancy, and it’s rich in Vitamin A, which is good for the skin and eye.
Prevents anemia
As a pregnant woman, your body requires a lot of iron.
If you are not getting enough iron, it could lead to Anemia in pregnancy.
This condition is dangerous for both the mother and fetus, and it retards the growth of the fetus and can lead to the death of the baby or cause a miscarriage or preterm labor.
Passion fruit is rich in Iron and is incredibly helpful during pregnancy.
Promotes healthy growth of the fetus
The best medical outcome of a pregnancy is the delivery of a healthy fetus.
It’s one thing to have a baby, and it’s another thing to have a healthy baby at birth.
A deficiency in nutrition due to ignorance, religious or cultural beliefs can affect the pregnancy outcome.
The antioxidants and minerals embedded in passion fruit will provide the mental and physical growth required for your baby.
What are the side effects of passion fruits in pregnancy?
There are no documented findings or studies about any side effects of the fruit. But, here are some key facts.
- It is advisable to consume it in moderation. Overconsumption can cause diarrhea because of its high fiber content.
- Pregnant women with a history of latex allergy must be cautious because passion fruits contain chemicals similar to what’s found in latex.
Conclusion
The fantastic benefits of passion fruits are endless. You and your baby will enjoy this fruit.
You can eat it alone or pair it with other fruits as a salad or smoothie.
Always remember that grooming a child starts from pregnancy. You can determine how healthy, fit, and intellectually smart your child will be. And your nutrition is crucial to achieving this.