Ice Apple During Pregnancy – Benefits & How to Include It in Your Diet

Many pregnant women remember being recommended to eat a fruit called ice apple. As strange as the name sounds, it’s a fruit that is observed in prominence, especially during summers. With a bunch of fruits already beneficial during pregnancy, ice apple still has quite some benefits that it can offer over others. In this article, we shall talk about what ice apple is and whether it is safe for pregnant women.

What Is Palm Fruit / Ice Apple?

Ice apple is a fruit that is known by multiple names across India. It’s popularly known as nungu in Tamil since it is native to the south-eastern part of Asia. Traditionally, it is known to have a bunch of healing properties related to the treatment of various skin ailments, digestion-related problems, and many others. Given its high water content, it is often consumed in summers to prevent dehydration. Many even enjoy it with a small garnish of spices to bring out some flavour in it.

Nutritional Facts of Ice Apple

As natural as fruit can be, the palm fruit is completely devoid of any fats or cholesterol, making it extremely healthy and suitable for all ages.

The distribution of ice apple nutrition in a 100 gm serving of it reveals the contents to have around 24 calories, 11 5 grams of carbohydrates, and 27% of calcium. Minimal traces of fibre, protein, vitamin C, and iron can also be observed.

The ice apple further contains vitamin A and vitamin E. The fruit primarily houses about twelve different vitamins and a lot of naturally occurring phytonutrients. Vitamin B7, known as biotin, and vitamin B9 are constituents of the fruit, too.

Is It Safe to Eat Palm Fruit During Pregnancy?

Ice apple is a naturally occurring fruit with tons of health benefits associated with it. It is considered safe to be consumed by pregnant women since it helps relieve many pregnancy-related issues. In any case, it’s always best to get a doctor’s recommendation for your benefit.

Health Benefits of Eating Palm Fruit When Pregnant

Pregnant women are strongly advised to eat ice apple primarily because it aids the digestion process directly. Common digestive issues such as constipation and stomach acidity can be managed by consuming palm fruit. Furthermore, it is also known to improve the quality of breastmilk in nursing mothers. It adds to the nutritional value that the baby receives from the milk, and acts as a good supplement, too.

Nausea and vomiting are common pregnancy symptoms, especially in the first trimester. Ice apple helps provide relief from these symptoms. It also acts as a natural energy supplement and regulator. With the combination of minerals and salts in the fruit, it helps maintain the right glucose level in your body and keeps you fresh.

Different Ways to Eat Palm Fruit in Pregnancy

It is possible to eat the fruit during pregnancy in a multitude of ways. However, it is essential that only fresh fruits are consumed. Palm fruits should be consumed within a day since they perish rather quickly. They should also be balanced with a variety of other fruits. The popular ways of eating palm fruit are:

• Cut the fruit and garnish it with some spices or flavours, such as cardamom, to enhance its taste.

• A delicious cooking preparation popular in the native areas is a dessert, called as nungu kheer. Making it a part of your meal is nutritious, and turns it into a feast, too.

Ice apple is one of the many nutritious and healthy fruits that can provide tons of benefits to pregnant women. However, it is best to consume the fruit in moderation. If you are still not certain if you should consume ice apple, it is better to consult a nutritionist who has helped you prepare your pregnancy diet.

Also Read: Best Fruits to Eat During Pregnancy