Fruit contains nutrients that are beneficial for pregnant women (pregnant women). However, there are some fruits that are prohibited for pregnant women because they are believed to cause disturbances in pregnancy, including miscarriage. Is this true?
Adequate nutritional intake is needed to maintain the health of pregnant women and fetuses. Fruit is one type of food that can help meet these nutritional needs. Even so, there are several types of fruit that are usually prohibited to be consumed during pregnancy for various reasons.
Facts Behind Prohibited Fruits for Pregnant Women
The following are facts about various fruits that are believed to be harmful and prohibited for pregnant women:
1. Durian
Consumption of durian during pregnancy is believed to trigger miscarriage, excessive bleeding during childbirth, and birth defects. In fact, this fruit contains a variety of healthy compounds, such as organo-sulfur and tryptophan, antioxidants, antimicrobials, and antibacterials, which are good for pregnant women.
Durian can be consumed by pregnant women as long as it is not excessive. Even so, pregnant women who suffer from diabetes or high blood pressure are advised not to eat durian, because this fruit can aggravate both diseases.
2. Papaya
Pregnant women are often prohibited from eating papaya because it is believed to trigger abdominal pain before giving birth and cause miscarriage. This turned out to be not entirely wrong.
Young papaya whose skin is still green has a high content of latex and papain. The latex in papaya can cause uterine contractions thereby triggering early labour. Not only that, latex can also trigger allergies, so it should be avoided.
While the papain in unripe papaya has effects similar to prostaglandins, which are hormones that can induce or stimulate labor.
In contrast to unripe papaya, ripe papaya whose skin is already orange or yellow is actually good for pregnant women. Ripe papaya is a source of various vitamins, such as folate and vitamin A, which are good for pregnant women.
3. Pineapple
Consuming pineapple during pregnancy is believed to cause miscarriage, and the risk of giving birth to a baby with defects. This issue may stem from the content of the enzyme bromelain in pineapple.
Bromelain in tablet form is not recommended for pregnant women, because it can disrupt the body's protein balance and cause bleeding. Even so, bromelain levels in pineapples are low enough so that they do not affect the condition of pregnant women and fetuses.
When consumed in reasonable amounts, pineapple is actually good for pregnant women, because it is a source of vitamin C and iron. However, you should avoid eating too much pineapple, because it can increase stomach acid.
4. Pare
This fruit, which is often mistaken for vegetables, is believed to cause uterine contractions, so it should be avoided by pregnant women. This belief comes from traditional medicine that uses bitter melon for abortion.
Until now, there have been no studies that say that bitter melon can cause miscarriage. So if pregnant women want to eat bitter melon, that's fine, but consume it in reasonable amounts.
Even so, bitter melon can affect blood sugar levels. So, pregnant women with diabetes are advised not to eat bitter melon.
5. Jackfruit
Pregnant women may often hear that jackfruit is not good for consumption during pregnancy. According to some myths, jackfruit can complicate the delivery process, causing birth defects. While other myths say that jackfruit can trigger miscarriage.
In fact, there is no scientific research that can prove these myths, so pregnant women can still consume them. Jackfruit is known to contain a variety of vitamins and minerals that are good for pregnant women. Plus, the consumption of boiled jackfruit seeds can also be used to prevent constipation that is often experienced by pregnant women.
However, consumption of jackfruit in moderation, yes, pregnant women. This fruit can affect blood sugar levels, so it is not recommended for pregnant women who suffer from diabetes. Also avoid consuming fermented jackfruit, because it contains alcohol which is not good for pregnant women.
During pregnancy, there are many other fruit choices that can be consumed without a doubt, such as avocados, bananas, and apples. Always choose ripe fruit and wash the fruit before eating, to ensure the fruit is safe and clean.
Indeed, there are many myths about fruit that is forbidden for pregnant women, but there is no research that can prove it. Even so, consume these fruits in reasonable limits. If pregnant women have certain medical conditions, check with a doctor, so that the selection of fruit can be adjusted to the pregnant woman's condition.