Is Mosambi (Sweet Lime) Juice Safe During Pregnancy?

Pregnancy can make you reach out for many unusual food items simply because of your cravings or because you think those would be good for you. Mosambi or sweet lime might be one of them, especially if you like this fruit. But is Mosambi juice a safe option in pregnancy? Knowing the safety and benefits of sweet lime juice in pregnancy is essential for expectant mothers looking for nutritious beverage options. Let’s discover if this citrus delight is your new best friend during pregnancy!  

What Is Sweet Lime?

In India, sweet lime is known as ‘mosambi‘. It is greenish-yellow in colour and found in several parts of the country. Although ‘sweet lime’ belongs to the family of lemons, the tangy flavour is subdued as this citrus fruit’s sweetness is relatively high.

Nutritional Value of Mosambi (Sweet Lime)

Mosambi isn’t just delicious; it’s also packed with essential nutrients that can benefit your health in various ways (1). Let’s take a closer look at the nutritional value of this citrus fruit to understand why it’s a fantastic addition to your diet (7).

Is it Safe to Drink Sweet Lime Juice During Pregnancy?

Yes, it is safe to drink sweet lime juice during pregnancy (9). The factors that decide if the mosambi juice during pregnancy is unhealthy or unsafe are the environment in which it is made and the ingredients added to it. Therefore, you must always drink freshly squeezed sweet lime juice, preferably homemade. Restaurants may water it down and add sugar to enhance the flavour, and because you wouldn’t know what kind of water was added to the juice, you might be risking your health.

Now, let’s look at the benefits of drinking sweet lime juice.

Benefits of Drinking Sweet Lime Juice During Pregnancy

Almost all women relish sweet lime juice due to its sweet and tangy taste. However, besides its taste, the juice has its share of health benefits. So, let’s take a sip and explore all the amazing benefits of mosambi juice in pregnancy:

1. Supports Bone Development

Sweet lime juice contributes to developing strong bones and teeth in the fetus due to its calcium content. The presence of calcium and potassium in sweet lime supports the growth of the foetus (2).

2. Alleviates Constipation

The fibre content in sweet lime juice aids digestion and helps relieve constipation, a common issue during pregnancy (3).

3. Rich Source of Vitamin C

Sweet lime juice is packed with vitamin C, essential for a healthy immune system for the mother and the developing baby.

4. Aids in Iron Absorption

Sweet lime juice’s high vitamin C content helps enhance iron absorption, thus preventing pregnancy-related anaemia (5).

5. Folate-Rich for Neural Tube Development

Folate, present in sweet lime juice (4), is crucial in preventing neural tube defects in the developing fetus.

6. Boosts Immunity

Antioxidants in sweet lime juice strengthen the immune system, reducing the risk of infections during pregnancy (6).

7. Soothes Nausea

Sweet lime juice’s refreshing taste and aroma may help alleviate nausea and morning sickness for some pregnant women.

8. Promotes Hydration

Staying hydrated is essential during pregnancy, and sweet lime juice provides a refreshing way to meet daily fluid needs.

9. Relief from Ulcer

The fruit’s inherent antioxidants and antibiotics are known to relieve ulcers (8).

10. Controlling Blood Sugar Levels

If you have diabetes, drinking sweet lime juice with amla and honey will help you maintain a proper blood sugar level.

Pregnant women can enjoy these benefits and support their overall health and well-being throughout pregnancy by incorporating sweet lime juice into their diet.

These health benefits must have tempted you to consume some delicious sweet lime juice. But, as mentioned earlier, consume freshly squeezed juice and make it in front of your eyes. Here’s how you make sweet lime juice for yourself.

How to Prepare Sweet Lime Juice?

Here is a simple way to prepare sweet lime juice –

Ingredients

• Sweet lime – 3 to 4
• Black salt – 1 pinch
• Cumin powder – 1 pinch
• Sugar or honey – 1 teaspoon (optional)

How to Make

1. The juice from the sweet lime can be extracted either by using an electronic or manual juicer. In both cases, make sure you remove the seeds.
2. If using an electronic juicer, peel off the skin and cut the sweet lime into small pieces.
3. Put all the pieces into the juicer and switch it on. Keep it on for a while till you get a smooth liquid.
4. You can pour it into a glass as it is or strain it.
5. Add some sugar or honey to taste.
6. Sprinkle some black salt and cumin powder and mix well.
7. You can keep the glass in the refrigerator and allow it to cool before drinking it chilled.

Precautions to Take Before Drinking Sweet Lime Juice

Sweet lime juice tastes delicious, and your craving for it may increase in pregnancy. But when you are pregnant, you should be careful before eating or drinking anything. Here are a few precautionary measures you should consider before drinking sweet lime juice when pregnant:

• When drinking sweet lime juice, avoid drinking it from roadside stalls or other shops. Their preparation techniques may not be hygienic, and you don’t want to take chances during pregnancy.
• While buying sweet lime, ensure that it is fresh and shows no signs of decay. Fresh sweet lime also contains fewer preservatives, making it even healthier.
• If you have a cold or are susceptible to it, it is advisable not to add ice to the juice. Also, only refrigerate it for a short time.
• If the juice is too thick, do not dilute it by adding normal water. Use freshly filtered water, or boil it and let it cool. Then, add it to the juice.

FAQs

1. When should you eat sweet lime during pregnancy?

Sweet lime can be eaten during pregnancy at any time as part of a balanced diet, but consuming it between meals can help prevent acidity issues for some pregnant women.

2. Does sweet line juice offer specific benefits in preventing pregnancy-related anaemia?

Sweet lime juice offers specific benefits due to its high vitamin C content, which aids in iron absorption and is crucial for combating anaemia.

3. Can sweet lime help to alleviate nausea during pregnancy?

Drinking mosambi juice during pregnancy may help alleviate nausea for some women due to its refreshing and soothing properties, but individual experiences may vary.

Eating sweet lime comes with its share of benefits. But sweet lime juice acts as a nutritious drink and provides relief from the hot weather. Drinking sweet lime juice during pregnancy is one of the best ways to balance nutrients, minerals, and other vitamins. Making it a regular in your diet wouldn’t harm you, and you can enjoy it throughout your pregnancy.

References/Resources:

1. Abobatta. W. F; Nutritional Benefits of Citrus Fruits; American Journal of Biomedical Science & Research; https://www.researchgate.net/publication/333896181_Nutritional_Benefits_of_Citrus_Fruits; June 2019

2. What to eat before, during and after pregnancy; UNICEF; https://www.unicef.org/rosa/stories/what-eat-during-and-after-pregnancy; March 2023

3. Shah. A; & Masoodi. F. A, & Gani. A, et al.; Mosambi (Sweet Lime); Antioxidants in Fruits: Properties and Health Benefits; https://www.researchgate.net/publication/347649743_Mosambi_Sweet_Lime; December 2020

4. Banerjee. S, Pal. S. R; Inhibitory and complementary therapeutic effect of sweet lime (Citrus limetta) against RNA-viruses; Journal Of Preventive Medicine And Holistic Health; https://www.jpmhh.org/html-article/14193

5. Anemia: Iron Deficiency; Nationwide Children’s; https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/conditions/anemia-iron-deficiency

6. Bucher. A, White. N; Vitamin C in the Prevention and Treatment of the Common Cold; American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine; PubMed Central; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6124957/; February 2016

7. Lime juice, raw; USDA; https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/168155/nutrients

8. Khan. A, Mahmood. T, Siddiqui. H, Akhtar. J; Phytochemical and pharmacological properties on Citrus limetta (Mosambi); Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Research; https://www.researchgate.net/publication/299536530_Phytochemical_and_pharmacological_properties_on_Citrus_limetta_Mosambi; March 2016

9. Bhaumik. A, Nousheen. Md., Huma. Md., Vennela. M; A POTENTIAL REVIEW: PHYTOCHEMICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL PROFILE OF
SWEET LIME (MOSAMBI FRUIT); Panacea Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences; https://internationaljournal.org.in/journal/index.php/pjpps/article/view/171/167 ; December 2018

Also Read:

Healthy Pregnancy Juices
Aloe Vera Juice during Pregnancy
Drinking Sugarcane Juice in Pregnancy
Is it Harmful to Consume Soft Drinks when Pregnant

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