Eating Passion Fruit in Pregnancy: Is It Safe?

Are you pregnant and looking for food items that will benefit your health? Do you always want to make sure both you and your baby are safe and eating the right type of food? You’re not alone if you’ve said yes to these questions!

Many fruits and vegetables have health benefits, but some of them are even more beneficial when consumed during pregnancy. One such fruit is passion fruit. Consuming passion fruit in pregnancy has numerous health benefits that you can learn about in this article. Let’s read and learn more about passion fruit and pregnancy.

Video: Benefits of Eating Passion Fruit During Pregnancy

What Is Passion Fruit?

Passion fruit originates from Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. It comes from a vine species of the passionflower, known scientifically as Passiflora Edulis. It is a heart-shaped fruit that tastes sweet and can be used in many different recipes.

Is It Safe to Eat Passion Fruit During Pregnancy?

One common question asked is, is passion fruit good for pregnancy or can pregnant women eat passion fruit? Yes, absolutely! This particular fruit has been tested to have no side-effects when consumed during pregnancy, and hence, it is recommended by doctors and nutritionists alike.

What Is the Nutritional Value of Passion Fruit?

Here is the nutrient value of 100 g of passion fruit:

• Calories 97Kcal
• Carbohydrates 23.38g
• Protein 2.2g
• Fibre 10.4g
• Fat 0.7g
• Folate 14mcg
• Vitamin B-6 0.1mg
• Potassium 348mg
• Sodium 28mg
• A Vitamin 1272IU
• C Vitamin 30mg
• E Vitamin 0.02mg
• K Vitamin 0.7mcg
• Calcium 12mg
• Iron 1.6mg
• Magnesium 29mg
• Zinc 0.1mg
• Phosphorous 68mg

The nutrients in passion fruit are plenty and they have several health benefits. Passion fruit can be consumed in many different forms – juices, milkshakes, pies, pastries and of course, raw. The nutritional content of passion fruit is versatile and has a number of benefits that have been recognized by nutritionists world over.

Health Benefits of Eating Passion Fruit During Pregnancy

There are many health benefits that come with consuming passion fruit during pregnancy first trimester. Here are the best passion fruit benefits in pregnancy:

1. Healthy and Smooth Digestion

During pregnancy, women are known to develop upset stomachs and indigestion due to sudden changes in the body. Passion fruit is rich in fibre content, and thus, it helps with making digestion better and reducing problems in the digestive system.

2. Better Immunity

It is a universally known fact that vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is a great natural remedy for illnesses, as it helps in boosting the viability of the immune system. That said, passion fruit contains more than 50% vitamin C per 100 grams, which is why it is great for expectant mothers who want to boost their immunity.

3. Better Bone Health

Being sufficiently rich in minerals such as phosphorous and calcium, passion fruit prevents the mother’s bones from becoming too weak during pregnancy.

4. Reduced Insomnia

This fruit is rich in alkaloid medicine such as Harman, which helps in reducing insomnia, anxiety and restlessness, all of which are experienced by expectant mothers. It is essential that the mother gets the maximum rest and good sleep to stay healthy.

5. Good for the Skin

During pregnancy, the skin breaks out quite often, owing to hormonal changes and adjustments. Passion fruit is rich in vitamin A, which is great for the skin pigment, thus making the mom-to-be look fresh and glowing.

6. Food for Eyesight

Another great advantage of vitamin A is that it helps with improving eyesight and reduces the incidence of any deficiencies in the eyes. It also reduces the chances of night blindness and cataract problems. For expectant mothers, this is definitely a boon.

7. Improved Circulation of Blood

When a woman is pregnant, she shares all of her nutrients with her baby. Due to this, good blood circulation is essential. This is taken care of by the high iron content found in passion fruit.

8. Controlled Blood Pressure

Along with circulation, blood pressure needs to be in control. The high potassium content in passion fruit helps with regulating the blood pressure as it is an essential mineral for the body.

10. Reduced Joint Pain

During pregnancy, especially in the later stages, the joints and bones tend to become weaker-osteoporosis symptoms can also appear. Consuming this mineral-rich fruit can help with reducing this ailment.

12. Low Glycemic Index

Passion fruit has a low glycemic index (GI) value, which means that consuming it does not spike up blood sugar levels in a steep manner. This makes it a beneficial fruit for pregnant women, as their chances of developing gestational diabetes are reduced.

13. Reduces Anxiety

Passion fruit is rich in magnesium, which is a mineral that is known to reduce stress and anxiety.

What Are the Risks of having Too Many Passion Fruits During Pregnancy?

While passion fruits are a nutritious addition to a balanced diet, it’s essential for pregnant individuals to consume them in moderation. Excessive intake may lead to certain side effects that could potentially impact both the mother and the developing baby. Potential side effects of passion fruit during pregnancy are:

• Eating too many passion fruits can lead to gastrointestinal issues like bloating, gas, or diarrhoea.
• Overconsumption may contribute to an excessive calorie intake and high sugar levels, potentially leading to unwanted weight gain.
• Some individuals may be allergic to passion fruits, which can lead to allergic reactions ranging from mild itching to more severe symptoms.
• The high sugar content in passion fruits may be a concern for pregnant individuals at risk of gestational diabetes.

How to Add Passion Fruit to Your Pregnancy Diet?

Incorporating passion fruit into your pregnancy diet can provide a delicious and nutritious boost of essential vitamins and minerals. However, it’s important to do so in a balanced manner to reap the full benefits without exceeding recommended intake levels.

• Enjoy passion fruit on its own, scooping out the pulp with a spoon for a sweet and tangy treat.
• Blend passion fruit pulp into smoothies or mix it into yoghurt for a flavorful and nutrient-packed addition.
• Add passion fruit to fruit salads, green salads, or salsas for an exotic twist and an extra dose of vitamins.
• Create dressings or sauces with passion fruit juice, combining it with olive oil, honey, and herbs for a delightful flavour boost.

How to Prepare Passion Fruit Juice for Pregnant Women?

Passion fruit juice is a refreshing and nutritious addition to a pregnant woman’s diet, providing essential vitamins and minerals. Here’s a simple guide on how to prepare passion fruit juice in pregnancy at home, ensuring it’s fresh and free from added sugars or preservatives.

Ingredients

• Ripe passion fruits
• Water
• Honey or sugar (optional, for sweetness)

Method

1. Wash the passion fruits thoroughly under running water to remove any surface dirt.
2. Slice the passion fruits in half using a sharp knife.
3. Use a spoon to scoop out the pulp and seeds into a bowl.
4. Place the passion fruit pulp in a blender along with a little water to facilitate blending.
5. Blend until the mixture becomes smooth.
6. Pour the blended mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a separate bowl. This will help separate the juice from any remaining seeds or pulp.
7. Taste the juice and, if desired, add a small amount of honey or sugar to sweeten it. Blend briefly to combine.
8. Transfer the strained juice into a pitcher and refrigerate for a short while to cool it down.
9. Serve the passion fruit juice chilled, optionally garnished with a slice of lime or mint leaves.

Precautions to Consider

While generally safe for pregnancy, consult your healthcare provider if you have allergies or medical concerns. Prioritize washing and preparing passion fruit to prevent foodborne illnesses. While rich in vitamin C, excess intake may lead to digestive discomfort, so consume in moderation.

FAQs

1. Is It Ok to Consume Unripe Passion Fruit During Pregnancy?

Expectant mothers should steer clear of unripe passion fruits due to potentially elevated levels of cyanogenic glycosides. These compounds can lead to symptoms like vomiting, nausea , reduced appetite, dehydration, and low energy levels. It’s crucial to opt for ripe passion fruits for consumption during pregnancy.

2. Is It Safe to Have Passion Flower When Pregnant?

Passionflower is advised against during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It’s important to consult a healthcare provider before using any herbal supplements during these periods.

3. Is Passion Fruit Recommend for Morning Sickness?

The tangy taste of ripe passion fruit, with its combination of sweetness and tartness, could potentially provide relief for morning sickness in certain pregnant women. This flavour profile aligns with the reported alleviating effect of sour tastes on these symptoms.

4. Is It Safe to Drink Passion Fruit Tea in Pregnancy?

No. While passion fruit tea, also called passionflower tea, is commonly used to address issues like insomnia and anxiety, passion fruit tea while pregnant is not recommended for pregnant individuals. Its impact on pregnancy hasn’t been extensively researched, but it’s recognized as a uterine stimulant, potentially leading to complications.

5. Is It Safe to Eat Passion Fruit Seeds in Pregnancy?

Yes, it’s safe to eat passion fruit seeds during pregnancy. They are rich in fibre and nutrients. However, some people may find them hard to digest.

6. Can You Be Allergic to Passion Fruit While Pregnant?

Yes, it’s possible to be allergic to passion fruit while pregnant. If you experience any allergic reactions such as itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing after consuming passion fruit, seek medical attention.

It is extremely important for an expectant mother to eat nutritious and healthy foods at all times, keeping her and her child’s health in mind. Especially during pregnancy, you can never have too much of the goodness of passion fruit because the body is ever-ready to absorb as many minerals and vitamin-rich food as possible.

Passion fruit is hence very good for the body and should definitely be incorporated into a pregnant woman’s diet. Passion fruit for pregnancy can be consumed in many different ways through various tasty recipes and remedies. So, go ahead and try this amazing wonder-fruit!

References/Resources:

1. Passion fruit, raw; nutritionvalue.org; https://www.nutritionvalue.org/Passion_fruit%2C_raw_63134010_nutritional_value.html

2. Passion-fruit, (granadilla), purple, raw; fdc.nal.usda.gov; https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/169108/nutrients

3. Food of the Month: Passion Fruit; beaumont.org; https://www.beaumont.org/health-wellness/blogs/food-of-the-month-passion-fruit

4. Real Food Encyclopedia | Passion Fruit; foodprint.org; https://foodprint.org/real-food/passion-fruit/

5. Health Benefits of Passion Fruit Seeds; healwithfood.org; https://www.healwithfood.org/health-benefits/passion-fruit-seeds.php

6. Passionflower; mountsinai.org; https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/passionflower#

7. Passion fruit; krishi.icar.gov.in; https://krishi.icar.gov.in/jspui/bitstream/123456789/17866/1/tripathi%20-Chapter_Passion%20fruit.pdf

8. PASSIFLORA CINCINNATA; b4fn.org; http://www.b4fn.org/resources/species-database/detail/passiflora-cincinnata/

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