Eating Jackfruit During Pregnancy - Benefits & Side Effects

Eating jackfruit during pregnancy is healthy and can offer numerous benefits. But you shouldn’t consume it in excessive quantities, as it can affect your health negatively. Eat jackfruit in moderation just like everything else. Also, consult a doctor or a nutritionist before you decide to include any food in your pregnancy diet to clear all your doubts. This is because jackfruit might have some side effects, especially if you have never eaten it. It can cause allergies, lead to a stomach upset, cause blood coagulation and raise your blood sugar levels.  

Have a healthy pregnancy!

Nutritional facts of jackfruit

Jackfruit is very nutritious indeed! It has a moderate amount of calories in the form of approximately 155 calories in a single cup of jackfruit. But just a mere 5 calories come from its fat, and that’s what makes it a healthy option during pregnancy. Jackfruit is packed with folate, thiamine, niacin, riboflavin and also Vitamin C and Vitamin A, apart from various minerals like manganese copper, potassium, iron, and calcium. Last but not the least; jackfruit has a low amount of saturated fats, cholesterol, and sodium.

Is it safe to eat jackfruit during pregnancy?

A few people might suggest that you shouldn’t consume jackfruit during pregnancy on the supposition that there isn’t sufficient scientific evidence proving that it’s beneficial. But it’s a myth that consumption of jackfruit during pregnancy may result in a miscarriage. That’s just not true! In fact, jackfruit, when consumed in healthy amounts, does not harm either the baby or the mother.   

Health benefits of eating jackfruit during pregnancy

Provides Relief From Stomach Problems: Eating jackfruit in the right quantity can help resolve stomach problems like stomach ulcers present on the stomach lining during pregnancy.

Helps in the Growth and Development of the Baby: Jackfruit is rich in minerals like calcium, zinc, iron, beta-carotene, and these minerals can help in the growth of your baby. It is also packed with many vitamins like Vitamin A and C, folate and iron which are instrumental in forming the necessary organs of your baby.

Enables Regulation of Blood Pressure Levels: The rise in blood pressure levels of a pregnant woman can be harmful for the foetus and cause complications. But consuming healthy foods like jackfruit can help keep blood pressure levels in check and ensure the good health of both mother and baby.

Helps Fight Fatigue: Pregnancy is an ordeal for a woman and can be rather strenuous. Healthy fruits like jackfruit recharge your batteries by energizing you to prevent fatigue.

Stimulates Digestion: Fibrous fruits like jackfruit fight constipation and issues related to digestion that are common during pregnancy. The fibre content in jackfruit meets almost 10 percent of the daily fibre intake and helps streamline your bowel movements, relieve constipation, and optimise digestive processes.

Helps Lower Stress: Jackfruit in your pregnancy diet lowers the tremendous stress experienced by you during pregnancy. 

Strengthens the Immune System: The vitamin C present in jackfruit strengthens the immune system, especially during pregnancy. 

Side Effects of Eating Jackfruit during Pregnancy

Here are some of the side effects of eating jackfruit during pregnancy.

• Eating jackfruit can sometimes cause a woman’s sugar levels to fluctuate. Hence, diabetic women should avoid eating jackfruit.
• Jackfruit is known to accelerate blood coagulation which is mostly beneficial. But if you suffer from a pre-existing blood-related health condition, avoid eating jackfruit.
• Avoid consumption of jackfruit in excessive amounts as this can cause diarrhoea and excretory problems. This is because jackfruit is high on fibre content and is a natural laxative.  
• Some women may be allergic to jackfruit. So, if you never eaten it, pregnancy is hardly the time for experimentation as you do not know if you are allergic to it. 

Benefits of eating jackfruit seeds during pregnancy

• Jackfruit seeds are rich in iron, and help battle anaemia. The iron content optimises the production of red blood cells. Iron-deficiency is a common problem during pregnancy and could affect a baby’s health. The optimal development of the foetus demands a strong presence of RBCs.  Jackfruit seeds in your pregnancy diet can keep your iron levels in check as they are a rich source of iron.
• Consumption of jackfruit seeds during pregnancy helps your skin to glow naturally. Mineral rich foods like jackfruit seeds are great for great hair and healthy skin. 
• Eating jackfruit seeds during pregnancy help cure cold and viral infections.  
• Jackfruit seeds are particularly beneficial as they have protein and many other micronutrients that help combat mental stress.

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Q&A

You ask and we answer!

What should not be eaten with jackfruit?

Prema Sheldon, Sikkim.

Jackfruit and milk are also considered a harmful combination, according to Ayurveda. For centuries, the combination of jackfruit and any dairy product has been forbidden and is said to cause indigestion and skin diseases.

Can jackfruit be poisonous?

Radhika Mehrotra, New Delhi.

The seeds of the jackfruit can also be eaten and are said to taste like chestnuts. They are a rich source of carbohydrates and are served either roasted or boiled in water. Care must be taken to ensure that the seeds are properly prepared, for they may be poisonous.

Why we should not drink water after eating jackfruit?

Sonal Kaur, Chandigarh.

Avoid or refrain from having water after eating fruits because it hinders the absorption and digestion process in the stomach leading to acidity. This is why some people experience uneasiness after consuming fruit. It is recommended that you have water at least an hour after you eat fruits.