There is a myth that says that eating durian while pregnant can harm the condition of the fetus. This assumption makes some pregnant women who like or are craving durian to be hesitant to eat durian. So, is it actually safe for pregnant women to eat durian?
Besides pineapple, durian is quite often referred to as a fruit that should not be eaten during pregnancy. There are those who think that eating durian while pregnant can trigger problems in pregnancy, such as miscarriage, vaginal bleeding, to birth defects in the fetus.
However, you should not accept this myth at face value. Let's find out the facts about eating durian while pregnant.
Nutritional Content of Durian Fruit
Durian (Durio zibethinus) is a tropical fruit that mostly lives in Southeast Asia, including Indonesia. Some people may not like durian, but not a few people like to eat this sweet and distinctive smelling fruit.
The sweet taste and distinctive aroma of durian comes from the fat, sugar, sulfur, and alcohol content in the durian. In 100 grams of durian contains about 150 calories and 3.5 grams of fiber and various nutrients, such as:
- 5–5.5 grams of fat
- 25–27 grams of carbohydrates
- 1.3–1.5 grams of protein
- 400 mg potassium
- 19–20 mg of vitamin C
In addition, durian is also rich in flavonoids which are antioxidants, B vitamins, folate, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, zinc, and copper. This nutritional content is good for pregnant women.
Facts About the Effects of Consuming Durian During Pregnancy
Unlike the myths that are widely circulated, durian can actually benefit pregnant women thanks to its nutritional content. In addition, so far there have been no scientific studies that prove that durian is harmful to pregnant women or fetuses.
The following are some of the benefits of eating durian for pregnant women:
1. Provides additional energy
Pregnant women may tire more easily, especially if they still have to do various activities and jobs. Well, pregnant women can try to eat durian, because the carbohydrates, sugar, and calories in durian can increase the energy needed by the body.
2. Increase folate intake
Durian fruit contains folate which is quite high. This nutrient is one type of nutrition that is important for pregnant women and fetuses because it can support the formation of the nerves, brain, and spine of the fetus, and prevent birth defects in babies.
In addition, folate also plays a role in producing red blood cells, so that pregnant women can be prevented from anemia or lack of blood.
3. Keep cholesterol stable
Some people often think that durian is a fruit that is rich in cholesterol content. However, this assumption is wrong. Although it contains quite high fat, the type of fat found in durian is not cholesterol.
Cholesterol is only obtained from animal fat, so it is not found in vegetable fats, one of which is durian. In addition, because of its high fiber content, durian is actually considered to be able to prevent an increase in cholesterol.
4. Keep blood sugar levels stable
Durian is a fruit with a low glycemic index. This means, durian fruit does not quickly increase blood sugar levels. The researchers suspect, this is because the content of fiber, fat, potassium, and antioxidants in durian is high.
However, pregnant women still need to limit their consumption of durian so they don't overdo it. This is because durian fruit contains a lot of sugar and carbohydrates. Pregnant women may also consult a doctor before eating durian if they have certain conditions, such as gestational diabetes.
In conclusion, eating durian during pregnancy is not dangerous, as long as the amount of durian consumed is not excessive and if the condition of the pregnant mother and fetus is healthy. In addition, to meet nutritional needs during pregnancy, pregnant women are also advised to undergo a balanced nutritious diet.
However, durian fruit may need to be avoided or reduced in consumption if pregnant women have certain conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, preeclampsia, or obesity. Durian fruit also needs to be avoided if it makes pregnant women often feel sick and vomit or make it worse morning sickness.
In addition to the myth of abstinence from eating durian during pregnancy, there are many other myths about pregnancy that are still believed today. In order to have a peaceful pregnancy, it is better for pregnant women not to believe the myths that develop before finding out the facts.
If pregnant women have questions or concerns about pregnancy or are still unsure about the effects of eating durian while pregnant, don't hesitate to ask your obstetrician directly.