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Jackfruit During Pregnancy: Benefits, Risks, and Side Effects

November 16, 2023
Jackfruit During Pregnancy

A nutritious, balanced, and suitable diet is one of the biggest concerns for those entering the pregnancy phase. The pregnant woman and her family struggle with several doubts about what to eat and avoid during pregnancy. Even nutritious fruits need good research before you consume them during pregnancy. Jackfruit is one such fruit that leaves pregnant women in a dilemma. A lot of myths are attached to the consumption of Jackfruit During Pregnancy. Let’s explore whether to eat or avoid this healthy and delicious fruit during pregnancy.

Jackfruit During Pregnancy: Safe or not

Jackfruit is rich in several nutrients, like vitamins, calcium, iron, potassium, etc. Moreover, it is low in calories and fats. Following are the nutrients found in high quantities in 100g Jackfruit;

Nutrient- Amount

Potassium (mg)- 191.0 – 407.0
Vitamin C (mg)- 7.0 – 10.0
Vitamin A (mg)- 175.0 – 540.0
Protein (g)- 1.2 – 1.9
Carbohydrate (g)- 16.0 – 25.4
Calcium (mg)- 20.0 – 37.0
Magnesium (mg)- 27.0
Sodium (mg)- 2.0 – 41.0

In addition to these nutrients, jackfruit contains phytonutrients, iron, folate, niacin, calories, and vitamin B. All these nutrients help lower the blood pressure while strengthening the immune system. In addition, these nutrients are considered anti-cancer properties. These are good for energy metabolism, diarrhoea, fever, and bone. But the question is if it is healthy to consume Jackfruit in pregnancy. Well, no scientific evidence proves any negative impact of Jackfruit on pregnant women. Jackfruit is healthy and beneficial during pregnancy if one consumes it moderately.

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Health Benefits of Jackfruit During Pregnancy

The myths about Jackfruit causing miscarriage or any side effects of its seeds have no scientific backing, but these myths often prevent women from consuming it during pregnancy. However, Jackfruit is an excellent addition to the pregnancy diet. Jackfruit has numerous health advantages, a few of which are mentioned below:

  1. The strength of vitamins A, B, and C: Rich in vitamins A, B, and C, this delicious fruit strengthens the immune system. In addition, they help with eyesight, skin glow, and hair care. Therefore, consuming Jackfruit during pregnancy gives strength to prevent colds, viral infections, poor immunity, and skin or hair-related issues.
  2. Combat digestion issues: Constipation is a common digestion issue faced by pregnant women. As jackfruit has a high fibre amount, it can help with constipation or any other digestion issue.
  3. Get the right amount of electrolytes: In jackfruit, electrolytes like potassium and sodium are found in adequate quantities. These nutrients improve cardiac health, strengthen the bone, and lower blood pressure, making this fruit safe for pregnancy.
  4. Get the required minerals: The perfect quantity of minerals, like Iron, calcium, and magnesium in jackfruit, has a positive impact on the health of a pregnant woman. Anaemia is another common issue and a part of every pregnant woman’s complaint. These minerals present in Jackfruit help with anaemia.
  5. Natural sweetness: The sugar cravings are common during pregnancy. A ripe jackfruit’s delicious flavour and natural sweetness satiate this craving and provide various nutrients.
  6. Get glowing and healthy skin: Although moms-to-be usually glow more during pregnancy due to the excitement of embracing motherhood, jackfruit is a blessing for skin. The availability of vitamin C in jackfruit helps with collagen production. Collagen has anti-ageing and antioxidant properties. In addition, fibre is an excellent detoxifying nutrient.
  7. Prevent gastric ulcer: The phytonutrients present in jackfruit relieve gastric or stomach ulcers, commonly caused by infection of the stomach lining.

All these benefits prove that it is safe to consume jackfruit during pregnancy. However, one has to be careful of a few factors to avoid the side effects of jackfruit.

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Consuming Jackfruit During Pregnancy? Know Four Possible Side Effects

As every coin has two sides, the fruit one adds to the regular diet has pros and cons. Avoid Jackfruit if: 

  1. Allergies: Those suffering from latex or birch pollen allergy should avoid Jackfruit because it causes an anaphylaxis reaction. Swelling and shortness of breath are the symptoms of this allergy. Those who have never tasted Jackfruit before should avoid this fruit because it might cause an allergy.
  2. Struggling with diarrhoea: Avoid consuming jackfruit when struggling with diarrhoea or any other stomach issue. The overconsumption of jackfruit in pregnancy can also cause digestion problems.
  3. Kidney-related disease: If you have chronic kidney issues,  the imbalanced consumption of jackfruit can cause hyperkalemia due to high amounts of Potassium.
  4. Gestational diabetes: In the case of gestational diabetes, the natural sugar available in Jackfruit can increase the sugar level. Hence, women struggling with diabetes should avoid Jackfruit in pregnancy.

The side effects are not only related to certain medical conditions, but also the overconsumption can cause side-effects. Moreover, avoid lightweight Jackfruit with bruises or spots that are the signs of infected fruits.

Consuming Jackfruit During Pregnancy Know Four Possible Side Effects

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Various Ways to Enjoy Jackfruit During Pregnancy

While these facts prove that it is safe to consume Jackfruit during pregnancy in moderate amounts, the next question is, what are the best ways to consume it? Some worth-the-try Jackfruit recipes are perfectly favourable for health and cravings during pregnancy. You can enjoy the jackfruit in pregnancy in the following ways: 

  • Mix it with oatmeals and smoothies: You can chop and add jackfruit to oatmeal or smoothies to cherish its balanced and natural sweetness, but use only fully ripe jackfruit.
  • Try some Jackfruit snacks: Snacks like chips and roasted seeds are perfect for sudden cravings. Jackfruit chips recipe takes only 10 minutes, while you only have to roast seeds and season it well to enjoy Jackfruit in pregnancy.
  • Savour the curry’s savoury flavour of jackfruit: Curry with jackfruit is a simple and quick meal. Chop the seedless jackfruit flesh and soak it in buttermilk for fifteen minutes. After 15 minutes, boil some water and add salt, turmeric, and jackfruit to soften it. Next, blend the coconut, coriander seeds, garlic, pepper, etc, to make curry paste. Heat some cumin seeds, diced onion, and oil, and cook until brown. The last step comprises adding the Jackfruit and curry paste and cooking it on a medium flame for another 15 minutes.

Read Also: Preparing For a Healthy Pregnancy: A Comprehensive Guide for Couples

Get Expert Guidance at Nandi IVF

While Jackfruit can be one of the most nutritious additions to your diet during pregnancy, you should be aware of its side effects to ensure it suits you. Similarly, there are other fruits as well that should be consumed only after complete research. You can get the best guidance regarding your diet or the consumption of jackfruit in pregnancy from the experts of Nandi IVF. We will assist you in achieving a healthy pregnancy phase with our years of experience, research, and qualifications. Get in touch with our expert for any pregnancy-related query or guidance.

 Frequently asked questions

Q: Should one eat unripe Jackfruit during pregnancy?
Ans: One should avoid unripe Jackfruit during pregnancy as it can cause indigestion. Therefore, only ripe Jackfruit is recommended.

Q: Does jackfruit support weight gain during pregnancy?
Ans: Jackfruit has low fats and calories. Thus, consuming Jackfruit during pregnancy does not support weight gain or loss.

Q: How to analyse whether to eat Jackfruit or not?
Ans: You should avoid consuming infected Jackfruit that has spots or bruises on it. One should also avoid the unripe jackfruit. Besides these two factors, the other reasons to avoid Jackfruit in pregnancy are blood coagulation, allergies, diarrhoea, and diabetes. You can contact Nandi IVF’s expert to understand whether Jackfruit is safe for your diet or not.

Q: Can I have more than one Jackfruit every day during pregnancy?
Ans: It is not advisable to have Jackfruit every day because it benefits if consumed moderately. Moreover, overconsumption of jackfruit in pregnancy has many side effects.

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References:

Sr. IVF Specialist & Medical Director at NANDI IVF
Dr. Payal Bajaj is an experienced Obstetrician & Gynecologist with over 20 years of experience in the discipline. She is a Reproductive Endocrinologist & Infertility Specialist. She has Done MBBS From the Renowned Lady Hardinge Medical College. DGO from the prestigious VMMC & Safdarjang Hospital, DMAS From World Laparoscopy Hospital.

She has Completed Her esteemed ASPIRE -ISAR Fellowship in the field of Reproductive Medicine from AFGC, Delhi And St' Mother's Hospital Japan.She has also been trained from the University of KEIL Germany. She has won various academic awards all through her academic career.
Dr. Payal Bajaj

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