Eating Chikoo (Sapota) Fruit During Pregnancy – Is It Harmful?

Are you speculating about eating chikoo (sapota) fruit during pregnancy? We get you! When you are pregnant, watching what you eat becomes a huge part of your life. The doctor also gives you a list of foods that you should include and exclude from your diet. Some foods are a complete no-no during pregnancy, while some are very beneficial to you and the baby. Although most fruits are recommended in pregnancy, there are many that should strictly be avoided. Many newbie moms wonder whether eating chikoo in pregnancy is safe or not. Let’s find out if you can eat chikoo when you are pregnant.

Is Chikoo Safe to Eat During Pregnancy?

‘Can I eat chikoo during pregnancy, or can I eat that during pregnancy?’ To answer your question of whether sapota is good in pregnancy, chikoo is absolutely safe to eat when you are pregnant. It is, in fact, very good for your baby and you. Sapota is rich in various nutrients that make it a kind of superfood for pregnant women. It contains vitamins, minerals, and healthy calories, while also being rich in antioxidants.

Nutritional Facts of Chikoo

The nutritional breakup of sapota is given per 100 grams of the fruit.

Source: https://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/fruits-and-fruit-juices/2061/2

How Many Chikoos Can a Pregnant Woman Eat in a Day?

Eating anything in moderation is the key to good health, not only when you are pregnant but otherwise as well. The amount that you can consume will depend on your weight and age. However, you must consult your healthcare practitioner regarding your dietary chart, especially when you are pregnant. For the benefits of chikoo to be felt, a ballpark amount of 100-120 grams a day should be consumed.

Health Benefits of Eating Chikoo in Pregnancy

Now that you are assured of the safety of eating sapota during your pregnancy, we’ll discuss sapota fruit benefits for pregnancy, shall we?

1.  Powerhouse of Energy

This is one of the known sapota fruit benefits for pregnancy. The fruit is rich in fructose and sucrose, which will give you an instant energy boost. Sapota is a great snack to have between meals due to this reason.

2. Improves Digestive Tract Health

When you are pregnant, there will be several changes to your body. A way to keep your digestive tract healthy is to eat sapota on a daily basis, as it combats any inflammations in the gut.

3. Strengthens the Bones

As you can see in the nutritional facts of chikoo, it is a rich source of calcium, iron and phosphorous. These minerals are important for the maintenance of bone health.

4. Prevents Bacterial Infections

A great way to prevent infections during your pregnancy is to eat sapota, which is a well-known inhibitor of bacterial infections due to the presence of polyphenolic antioxidants.

5. Lowers Stress

Most pregnant women complain of stress. A lesser-known fact about chikoo is that it is a natural sedative that soothes and calms nerves and also eases stress.

6. Removes Toxins

Sapota is a natural diuretic and detoxifying agent. It will help flush away unhealthy toxins from your body by maintaining a healthy rate of urination.

7. Regulates Blood Pressure

One of the most common things pregnant women find they have to deal with is fluctuations in blood pressure. Chikoo is rich in magnesium and potassium, which are very important for the proper regulation of blood pressure.

8. Reduces Nausea

If you are suffering from a nasty case of morning sickness, eating sapota might prove to be the right fix. It gives you the energy you require to stave off nausea and dizziness.

9. Fights Weakness

Even consuming sapota juice during pregnancy has great benefits for your body. It is full of energy-giving nutrients that will help you get over fatigue and general weakness.

How to Select and Store Chikoo

The thumb rule for all fruits, when you want to extract the best from their nutrition, is to eat them fresh. This means that you should store chikoos only for a maximum of three to four days. If this schedule is too taxing for you, you can buy slightly unripe sapota fruits and eat them once they ripen. Check that the fruit has a smooth surface and is slightly soft when you press it gently. The softer the fruit, the more it is ready to eat. Do not pick fruits that have wrinkled or broken skin.

You can store chikoo at room temperature for a few days, but you could also store it in the fridge for up to a week. Make sure that you store the fruit in a cool and dry place that is away from direct sunlight.

Side Effects of Consuming Chikoo in Pregnancy

Well, they say – anything in excess can be harmful to the body. Sapota for pregnant ladies, when consumed in excess, can also cause some side effects. Here are some you should know about eating sapota during pregnancy:

1. Chikoo is high in calories and can cause you to put on excess weight than required when consumed in excess.
2. The sucrose and fructose levels are high in chikoo. Excess consumption of chikoo can lead to increased blood sugar levels in the mother and increased chances of gestational diabetes.
3. Excess consumption can also cause diarrhoea in pregnant women.

Healthy Chikoo Milkshake Recipe

This milkshake recipe is healthy, tasty, and a great way to get your daily intake of nutrients. Plus, it’s cooling and refreshing during hot weather. This chikoo milkshake is best when made fresh, but you can also store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours if required.

Ingredients:

• Chikoos (ripe)- 2
• Milk- 1/2 cup
• Ice- 3/4 cubes
• Honey/ maple syrup- as required

Instructions:

1. Thoroughly wash the chikoos and remove the skin.

2. Cut the chikoos into small cubes and remove all the seeds.

3. Put the chikoo cubes in a blender and add half the quantity of milk.

4. Blend for one to two minutes.

5. Add the remaining milk and blend again.

6. Taste to check if it is sweet enough. If not, add honey as required.

7. Add ice cubes.

8. Blend until you get a smooth milkshake.

9. Pour into a glass and enjoy.

FAQs

1. Can I Be Allergic to Chikoo in Pregnancy?

Yes, there is a possibility. Allergy can either be hereditary or temporary due to pregnancy. 

2. Does Eating Sapota During Pregnancy Cause Gestational Diabetes?

The fruit is bundled with fructose and sucrose levels and other nutrients. Excess consumption or if you are having high sugar levels, you may want to watch out for your love for chikoo during pregnancy as it can increase the risks of gestational diabetes. Do check on the consumption limit with your doctor.

3. Can I Eat Chikoo to Reduce Morning Sickness?

Sapota during pregnancy is a rich mineral and electrolyte source, which can be helpful in reducing morning sickness and better your tongue taste in the morning.

4. Is It Okay to Eat Chikoo During Breastfeeding?

Yes, absolutely! Chikoo during breastfeeding is an amazing source of energy to get you through the day as breastfeeding sometimes can be taxing on the mother’s energy. High in nutrients and water content, it is perfect for sweet tooths!

Before deciding to eat sapota fruit during pregnancy, it is important that you consult with your doctor. Depending on your health, weight and age, your doctor might want you to eat the fruit in moderation or avoid it altogether.

Also Read: Eating Pear During Pregnancy