A Complete Guide to Eating Dragon Fruit in Pregnancy

Introduction

Do you wish to experience a unique pregnancy? Incorporate Pitaya or dragon fruit into your diet. This fruit has gained popularity recently due to its unusual appearance and potential health benefits.

What is dragon fruit? 

Dragon fruit, or Pitaya, is a native of South America, Central America, and Mexico. Its skin is pinkish-red with light green scales. The flesh resembles kiwi and pear in that it is crunchy and sweet. 

The consumption of dragon fruit is safe for pregnant moms. The dragon fruit is available throughout the year in four colors: pink, purple, white, or red. Which one will you buy? 

As a mom-to-be, the consumption of dragon fruit can be healthy for you and your baby. It contains essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber that nourish the expecting mom and her child. 

Do you know?

Doctors may recommend dragon fruit to manage high blood pressure, obesity, pre-diabetes, and other health conditions. However, no scientific evidence exists to prove this. 

What is the Nutritional Value of 100 g of dragon fruit? 

This is the most interesting aspect of dragon fruit that may encourage you to include it in your pregnancy diet plan. The nutritional profile of dragon fruit consists of the following: 

Calories	57
Protein	0.36 grams
Fat	0.14 grams
Carbs	15 grams
Fiber	3 grams
Vitamins C	5% of the DV (Daily Value)
Iron	1% of the DV
Magnesium	2% of the DV

Also read: https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/food-and-nutrition/10-reasons-to-add-dragon-fruit-to-your-diet/ 

Dragon fruit is packed with several nutrients that could help your pregnancy needs: 

• Vitamins: The fruit contains vitamin C. Vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), and vitamin B3 (niacin) are also present. The vitamins in dragon fruit can improve a pregnant mom's health and energy production.

• Minerals: Calcium and phosphorus are significant minerals in dragon fruit that contribute to bone density. The magnesium in Pitaya or dragon fruit breaks down food into energy, muscle contraction, and bone formation. Additionally, 100 g of pulp contains 0.38 milligrams of zinc and helps reduce preterm births. 

• Fibre: A purple dragon fruit contains fiber and is low in calories. Consuming high-fiber foods like dragon fruit in pregnancy can help keep you full for longer between meals. 

• Antioxidants in dragon fruit like betaxanthins and betacyanins. They can prevent free radicals from causing damage. 

• Folic acid in Dragon Fruit promotes the development of the fetal nervous system. 

Is Dragon Fruit Consumption Safe for Pregnant Moms?

When a woman confirms her pregnancy, she and her family are ecstatic. Carrying a child in her womb for the first time will bring mixed emotions. Her in-laws and other elderly ladies in her family and neighborhood advise her to eat enough for herself and the baby. On the other hand, her gynecologist emphasizes incorporating fruits and vegetables into her pregnancy diet chart to experience a healthy pregnancy.

The 11 Best fruits to eat during pregnancy are: 

1. Bananas
2. Mangoes
3. Oranges
4. Apricots
5. Apples
6. Berries
7. Guava
8. Dried Fruit
9. Pears 
10. Pomegranate, and 
11. Dragon Fruit 

Maternal nutrition is integral to a baby’s growth and development. Low-sodium, calorie-free, fat-free, and cholesterol-free fruits are the best for a mom-to-be. 

Benefits of eating Dragon fruit in pregnancy

Consuming pitaya, or dragon fruit, can promote an expecting mom's overall health. During these nine months of pregnancy, some foods containing high water content and loaded with much-needed nutrients, antioxidants, and dietary fiber seem superfoods for pregnant moms.

Top 9 Benefits of Dragon Fruit for Pregnant Women. Let’s get started! 

• Dragon fruits are a rich source of fats. Monounsaturated fats in dragon fruits encourage the development of the fetus’s brain.
• They have large amounts of carbohydrates, thus helping pregnant women. 
• They can relieve constipation: Dragon fruit is a healthy and delightful option for moms exploring natural remedies for mild constipation. 
• They can boost hemoglobin levels: The high amounts of iron and vitamin C help increase the hemoglobin levels in pregnant moms prone to anemia. 
• They support fetal development: Dragon fruit's vitamins and minerals support fetal development. Calcium helps develop a baby's skeletal system, while vitamin B is essential for neural development. 
• They support hydration: Dragon fruit's high water content keeps pregnant moms hydrated. Hydration is important during pregnancy as it supports amniotic fluid production, increases blood volume, and aids cellular function. 
• They have antioxidant properties, which help combat oxidative stress. Nevertheless, chronic diseases are also minimized. 
• It prevents pre-eclampsia: Eating Dragon fruit can help maintain a stable blood pressure level in expecting moms, thus preventing pregnancy complications. 
• They can boost immunity: A robust immune system can guard pregnant moms and their developing children from infections and illnesses. 

Also read: https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/food-and-nutrition/complete-diet-plan-you-should-follow-to-manage-diabetes-during-pregnancy/

How much Dragon Fruit can an expecting mom eat in a day?

Expectant moms' cravings could vary from desserts to relishing specific flavors and fruits. However, to ensure the safety of their developing child, many pregnant ladies wonder if they should eat Dragon fruit during pregnancy. Well, the answer is yes. 

Dragon fruit offers many health benefits to a pregnant lady due to its vitamin C and antioxidant properties. Eating one Dragon fruit per day is safe for her to avoid health concerns, including hives, vomiting, or tongue swelling. 

What are the potential risks involved with eating Dragon Fruit during pregnancy?

Dragon fruit consumption is safe in pregnancy. However, there are a few side effects of Dragon Fruit in pregnancy, including: 

• Allergic Reactions: Consuming Dragon fruit can cause itching, swelling, vomiting, and difficulty breathing. 
• Spikes Blood Sugar Levels: The low glycemic index (GI) in Dragon Fruit can increase blood sugar levels. However, excessive consumption of Dragon Fruit can still affect blood sugar levels in the body. 
• Digestive Issues: Overeating dragon fruit can cause gastrointestinal discomfort, including diarrhea, during pregnancy. 

How can you eat dragon fruit during pregnancy?

Dragon fruit is nutritious for your body. Several delicious and healthy ways are available to incorporate dragon fruit into your diet during pregnancy: 

• Eat it fresh: Relish your taste buds by consuming fresh-cut Dragon fruit straight up. 
• Make a healthy, refreshing drink: Prepare a Dragon Fruit smoothie. Combine it with other fruits, a bit of honey, and yogurt to get various nutrients in one meal. 
• Salads: Dragon Fruit salads are loaded with vitamins and minerals, thus highly nutritious. 

You can also try dragon fruit desserts and dragon fruit juice. They are visually appealing, delicious, and a great alternative to sugary treats. 

Takeaway: 

Eating dragon fruit during pregnancy can offer numerous health benefits to a pregnant mom and her child. Dragon fruit’s rich nutritional profile supports fetal development, immune function, and promotes overall well-being. 

Consult your doctor. With proper guidance, you can incorporate Dragon fruit into your pregnancy diet, contributing to an enjoyable pregnancy journey. 

FAQs: Dragon Fruit in Pregnancy

1. Can I eat dragon fruit during pregnancy?

Yes. You can eat dragon fruit during pregnancy. It can be one of the best decisions for a developing mom and her baby. 

2. Can I eat dragon fruit during pregnancy?

Dragon Fruit juice is safe while pregnant. However, consult your doctor before taking it. 

3. I am a breastfeeding mom. Can I consume Dragon Fruit while breastfeeding?

Dragon fruit may boost your milk supply. Still, you should discuss it with your doctor before consuming the fruit.