Fruits carry a lot of minerals and vitamins, which are essential for the fetal development and healthy progression of the pregnancy. In this article, we weigh up the health benefits and possible side effects of eating falsa during pregnancy.
Falsa, also known as Indian sherbet berry, tops the exotic berry group in India. These small purple fruits remain fresh only for a short while upon harvest. Hence it is difficult to transport this fruit.
By preparing falsa syrup, one can reap the benefits of this fruit for a longer time. (However, some nutrients levels can be reduced during the procedure of making syrup).To bag all its benefits, one should consume this fruit promptly as soon as it is harvested.
These are summer fruits and are available during the months of May and June when the summer peaks.
Nutritional Profile Of Falsa
Falsa has an incredible nutrient profile, making it beneficial during pregnancy as well as otherwise. It is loaded with vitamins and trace minerals that are vital during pregnancy. Falsa fruit has a significant amount of sodium, iron, and calcium. It is rich in fiber. Falsa contains bioactive compounds like flavonoids and phenolic acids.
According to a source:
Nutrient values per 100g of falsa
- Calories (Kcal) 90.5
- Calories from fat (Kcal) 0.0
- Moisture (%) 76.3
- Fat (g) <0.1
- Protein (g) 1.57
- Carbohydrates (g) 21.1
- Dietary Fiber (g) 5.53
- Ash (g) 1.1
- Calcium (mg) 136
- Phosphorus (mg) 24.2
- Iron (mg) 1.08
- Potassium (mg) 372
- Sodium (mg) 17.3
- Vitamin A (µg) 16.11
- Vitamin B1,Thiamin (mg) 0.02
- Vitamin B2, Riboflavin (mg) 0.264
- Vitamin B3, Niacin (mg) 0.825
- Vitamin C, Ascorbic acid (mg) 4.385
Is It Safe To Consume Falsa During Pregnancy?
Many expecting mothers worry about eating falsa during pregnancy as it is believed that falsa can increase the risk of miscarriage. However, if consumed in moderation, eating falsa during pregnancy is safe.
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No studies have scientifically proven any complication associated with eating falsa during pregnancy,
Health Benefits Of Eating Falsa During Pregnancy
The Antimicrobial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties of falsa fruit make it an ideal fruit to consume during pregnancy. Here are some health benefits of eating falsa during pregnancy:
1. Good for gestational diabetes
Falsa fruit is a fruit with a low glycemic index. Therefore, eating this fruit will not spike blood sugar levels. Therefore this is an ideal fruit to eat for mothers with gestational diabetes.
Also, drinking a small glass of falsa sharbat after heavy meals helps to avoid the spike in blood sugar level. Studies proved that increased blood sugar level during the first trimester increases congenital heart disease risk in babies.
Likewise, the uncontrolled blood sugar level in the third trimester can bring about many serious complications, including stillbirth. It is important to prevent the heightening of blood sugar levels during pregnancy.
2. Prevents hypertension
Falsa contains a significant amount of potassium and phosphorous. Eating falsa during pregnancy helps to regulate blood pressure during pregnancy. This is a very important health benefit because increased blood pressure during pregnancy can bring about many serious complications.
3. Falsa during pregnancy can improve blood circulation
Falsa has a noticeable amount of tannin, anthocyanin, and antioxidants. All these elements help to prevent the accumulation of lipids in the bloodstream. This, in turn, helps to prevent the clogging of cholesterol in blood vessels.
Therefore, eating falsa during pregnancy helps improve blood circulation, which is important for the fetus’s development.
4. Helps to regulate the electrolytic balance
Maintaining electrolytic balance is important during pregnancy. Electrolytic imbalance during pregnancy can adversely affect many body functions. It can, thus, bring about many issues like fluid retention (edema), muscle cramps and also hinder optimal nerve functions and muscle activity.
Studies also show mother and fetus could contract serious complications due to extreme electrolytic imbalance. Falsa is rich in sodium and potassium. Therefore, eating falsa during pregnancy helps to regulate the electrolytic balance.
5. Effectively combats anemia
Anemia is a common issue during pregnancy. The blood volume rises up to 50% in the course of pregnancy. Inadequate iron intake paves the way for anemia during pregnancy. Anemia during pregnancy can cause many issues.
Falsa is a good source of iron. Eating falsa during pregnancy helps boost the iron level and, thereby, combat anemia and extreme fatigue.
6. Provides a cooling effect
Munching falsa during scorching hot summer days provides a cooling effect. This delicious summer fruit is rich in water content and helps to quench thirst.
7. Helps to relieve joint pains
Pregnancy is a time women experience joint pains. Increasing weight and surge of pregnancy hormones contribute to joint pain during pregnancy. Falsa is well-known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Eating falsa during pregnancy thus helps to relieve joint pains.
8. Eating falsa during pregnancy aids in digestion
During pregnancy expecting women experience various issues due to indigestion. Digestive issues during pregnancy range from constipation and bloating to acid reflux.
Falsa is rich in fiber, and eating this fruit during pregnancy helps combat indigestion and its associated issues.
9. Good for skin and hair
Eating falsa during pregnancy helps to improve the skin tone and to achieve a ‘pregnancy glow’ faster. Falsa also improves scalp health and therefore helps to reduce hair fall during pregnancy.
10. Promotes bone density
It is very important to focus on the calcium intake during pregnancy. It is very important for the bone and teeth formation of the fetus. In case of inadequate intake of calcium intake, the fetus will leech calcium from the calcium deposits in the bones of the mother.
This will adversely affect the bone density of the mother and increase her risk of contracting osteoporosis in the future.
Falsa fruit is a good source of calcium. Eating falsa fruit during pregnancy helps to boost calcium intake.
Is It Okay To Drink Falsa Juice During Pregnancy?
Falsa juice during pregnancy has some additional health benefits during pregnancy. It can be used to treat many health issues during pregnancy.
1. Falsa juice during pregnancy is good for respiratory issues
Drinking falsa juice after adding a few drops of lemon and ginger juice is excellent to relieve breathing issues during pregnancy. This is because the anti-inflammatory property of falsa helps to reduce the inflammation in lungs and airways. It is very effective to combat shortness of breath during pregnancy.
Drinking falsa juice during pregnancy thus helps to ease cold, cough, and even asthmatic symptoms during pregnancy. Ingesting warm falsa juice after adding few drops of ginger juice and rock salt is also beneficial to ease respiratory issues during pregnancy.
2. Helps to combat digestive issues
Drinking falsa juice during pregnancy helps to enhance digestion and prevents stomach ache during pregnancy. Indigestion is one of the major issues many expecting mothers face. Drinking falsa juice is an excellent means to enhance digestion during pregnancy.
Add some rose water to falsa juice. Drinking this mixture may help to get relief from vomiting and nausea due to indigestion during pregnancy.
3. Easy means to get hydrated and restore energy
Falsa juice is excellent to quench the thirst on blazing summer days. It has high water content and has a cooling effect on the body when it gets exposed to the sweltering heat of summer days.
Besides quenching thirst, falsa juice provides instant energy as it is loaded with calories that can be put to use instantly.
Are There Any Side Effects Of Eating Falsa During Pregnancy?
When it comes to eating falsa during pregnancy, like any other fruit, moderation is the key. Excessive intake of falsa during pregnancy can bring about various side effects. Overconsumption of falsa can:
- Bring about the extreme fluctuation in body temperature, which is not safe during pregnancy
- Cause indigestion
- Cause a sudden fall in blood pressure, which should be avoided during pregnancy
Ways To Incorporate Falsa In Pregnancy Menu
Here are some ways to consume falsa during pregnancy:
- You can have falsa fruit as it is
- You can make falsa shakes and falsa juice
- Falsa Sherbet is excellent to quench thirst
- You can mix falsa juice in yogurt and add it to oats mixed with skimmed milk. Garnish it with roasted almonds. An excellent nutritious meal is ready.
Conclusion
Now you know what makes falsa, an exotic summer berry, so special during pregnancy. Try to get it these yummy berries as soon as it is harvested. You can try to get it straight away from the farmers. The fresher these fruits, the more will benefit.