Eating Mangoes During Pregnancy - Safe or Not

Mangoes have a unique sweet and sour taste, making them a great favourite among pregnant women. But is mango good for pregnancy? The answer is yes! Mangoes during pregnancy are a safe food because they are a great source of energy, antioxidants and essential nutrients. 

Is It Safe To Eat Mangoes During Pregnancy?

It is both safe and advantageous to eat ripe mangoes during pregnancy as long as you eat them in moderation. Enriched in Vitamins A, B6 and C, folic acid, iron and potassium, mangoes contain the vital nutrients that a pregnant woman needs. But ensure that mangoes are in season and avoid the chemically ripened ones. So, go ahead! Enjoy that juicy, luscious and delicious mango!   

How Many Mangoes Can You Consume During Pregnancy?

Eating mangoes during pregnancy in moderation is a must. Also, as the mango is a seasonal fruit, it should be consumed only during the proper season when it is available naturally. Do not eat beyond one mango per day.

Health Benefits of Eating Mangoes during Pregnancy

1. Eating mangoes during pregnancy fulfils the iron requirements that a pregnant woman has to prevent anaemia, a common condition during pregnancy. Consumption of mango during pregnancy increases red blood cell count, helping fight against anaemia.  
2. Mangoes are rich in folic acid and Vitamin B6, which help in the growth of the foetal nervous system when consumed by a pregnant mother in the first trimester of pregnancy. 
3. The dietary fibre in mangoes keeps your digestive health in good condition. 
4. The richness of Vitamin C in mangoes makes them a powerful antioxidant, preventing diseases and decreasing the risks of preterm labour.
5. Vitamin A in mangoes aids the development of the teeth and bones of a baby. It also nourishes the eyes and nervous system. 
6. The magnesium present in mangoes cures high blood pressure naturally and prevents preeclampsia which can cause seizures during pregnancy. 
7. The sweet and sour taste offered by mangoes and the Vitamin B6 in it gets rid of morning sickness, a common condition during pregnancy.  
8. The fluid balance in the body is maintained by the potassium in mangoes, and this is critically important during pregnancy as less or excess fluid can both be dangerous.
9. Mangoes have natural sugar which helps a pregnant mum check her sugar cravings and stop her from consuming food with synthetic sugars and preservatives. 

Ripe or Raw Mangoes - Which is safe?

The consumption of both ripe and raw mangoes during pregnancy is safe, provided you exercise caution while eating them. Ripe mango is an excellent substitute for high-calorie desserts, offering natural sugars. Ripe mangoes enhance your appetite, help digestion and improve your complexion. Raw mangoes are rich in vitamins and antioxidants. These help you improve immunity, fight acidity and morning sickness as well as keep the liver healthy. 

Side effects of Consuming Mangoes during Pregnancy

• Diarrhoea: Too many mangoes cause diarrhoea, leading to dehydration.
• Increased risk of gestational diabetes: Mango has high levels of sugars and can put you at a greater risk of diabetes mellitus. Eating fewer mangoes, which have a medium Glycemic Index (GI), can remove the risk of gestational diabetes.
• Excess weight gain: Mangoes are rich in carbohydrates and add to your already increasing pregnancy weight.
• Allergic reactions: Avoid mango if you feel the ‘mango itch’. This is an allergic reaction some people have when they come in contact with the fruit skin or the sap. Avoid artificially ripened mangoes that have traces of calcium carbide, a ripening agent. This can expose you and your baby to the ill-effects of arsenic and phosphorus, causing allergic reactions like mood swings, sleepiness, headaches, dizziness, confusion, seizures, mouth ulcers and tingling in hands and feet. 

Tips to lower the risks of Mangoes in Pregnancy

It is not easy to determine if the mangoes you are buying are artificially ripened or not. Here are a few precautions that you can take that will help minimise the risks. 

• Wash the mangoes – Wash the mangoes thoroughly before eating them to make sure that any residual ripening agent is removed from them.
• Peel the Mangoes – Remove the mango peel before you eat the flesh to reduce the risk of exposure to toxins.
• Maintain Proper Hygiene – Ensure that everything is clean in the kitchen from the knives to the chopping board. Wash your hands thoroughly after peeling and cutting the mangoes.
• You could buy raw mangoes and then ripen them at home to make them free of calcium carbide.

Mango Fun Facts

• The Mango is an ancient fruit that’s as old as 4000 years. Over 500 mango fruit varieties are grown all over the world and most of them ripen in summer. 
• The oldest known mango tree is 300 years old. Located in East Khandesh, it still produces viable fruit.
• The Mango is the national fruit of 3 countries, including India, the Philippines and Pakistan.

Did you enjoy reading this article? Do write in if you have something to share regarding mangoes during pregnancy. 

Q&A

You ask and we answer!

How many mangoes can I eat a day?

Samira Manchanda, New Delhi.

It’s best to limit mango to no more than two cups (330 grams) per day at most. This is because Mango contains more sugar than many other fruits.

Can I eat mango on an empty stomach?

Piya Mishra, Mumbai.

No! Mango is not recommended to be eaten as the first food in the morning. It is high in natural sugar and can cause a drastic spike and drop in blood sugar levels. 

Can we drink milk after eating mango?

Mamta Jha, Patna.

Yes! The only types of fruits that can be combined with milk would have sweet and buttery properties like mangoes, avocados, figs, dates etc.