Pregnancy is a turning point in the life of a woman. This phase comes with many challenges and has its benefits as well. If proper care is taken with precautions, the phase can be cherished and can be a memorable one as well. The most important thing throughout pregnancy is the health of the mother. It is advised that the mother should always be healthy and happy. Giving nutritious food during this time helps in the good health of the mother. The diet of the mother also impacts the health of the fetus. So proper care and vigilance must be given to what she eats. Ice apple during pregnancy is one of the fruits which is beneficial, an excellent source of energy, vitamins, folate, etc.
In addition to the abundance of fruits available that have incredible benefits to offer to pregnant women, ice apple, also known as palm fruit, is another fruit that can offer immense health benefits to them. In texture and taste, this fruit is similar to lychee, and it is sweet and tasty, just like coconut. A terrific way to beat the summer heat. It has many health benefits to offer. Since it is a reliable source of folate, energy, and vitamins it is beneficial during pregnancy. Let us study the ice apple benefits and other postulates in detail.
What Is Ice Apple?
Ice apple is also known as the palm fruit originates from South-East Asia. It is one of the fruits that have ample benefits for pregnant women. This fruit is loaded with nutrients. Ice apple is a common fruit in the southern and western parts of India and used as a major source of energy. It has a variety of names like Thaati Nungu in Kannada, Nongu or Nungu in Tamil, Paal Nongu in Malyalam, Thaati Bonda in Tulu and Thaati Munjalu in Telugu.
This fruit has good healing properties and is a major reason for it to be consumed during pregnancy. It is quite beneficial for healing pains like headaches, backaches, joint pains, etc. It is also effective in keeping skin problems away. A useful source to aid digestion, constipation, and acidity. It even quenches the thirst and is a great substitute for aerated drinks that are harmful to the health of the mother and the baby.
Related Reading: 15 Fruits Not To Eat During Pregnancy
Nutritional Facts Of Ice Apple
Ice apple is devoid of any cholesterol or fats, making it a healthy choice for all ages. This fruit contains vitamin E and vitamin A. The fruit has twelve different varieties of vitamins as well as phytonutrients. This fruit even has biotin or vitamin B7 and vitamin B9.
According to a source, below is the nutritional value one gets from eating ice apples during pregnancy.
Nutrients Value Carbs 10 g Dietary Fiber 1 g Vitamin C 5 % Calcium 27 % Iron 1 %
Is It Safe To Eat Palm Fruit During Pregnancy?
Another common question that is asked is “is it safe to eat palm fruit during pregnancy “. Palm fruits and ice apples are the same and have a plethora of health benefits for pregnant women. Ice apple or palm fruit is completely safe to be consumed during pregnancy as it can help in relieving many issues and even has several benefits as well. Ice apples have many nutrients like carbohydrates, and calcium that is necessary for pregnancy.
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Other nutrients like vitamin C, A, K, and E are also a part of ice apples which make them good for consumption. It is for this reason that ice apples are considered safe during pregnancy1.
7 Health Benefits Of Eating Ice Apple During Pregnancy
Ice apples should be necessary for the diet of the pregnant lady. It has many essential nutrients which are required by the body at this time. It is advisable to have minerals like potassium, zinc, iron, and many more to ensure the good health of not only the mother but even the baby.
Let us study further to understand the ice apple benefits of including ice apples during pregnancy.
1. Provides relief from digestive problems
Digestive issues during pregnancy are quite common for pregnant ladies. Ice apples are a great option to relieve digestive problems during pregnancy. The digestive issues if not treated well on time, can persist for a long. It is also important to consume the correct quantity of ice apples. Also, ice apples are known to help reduce acidity during pregnancy and therefore ease minor stomach pains and nausea associated with them2.
2. Excellent summer fruit
An ice apple is an ideal fruit for summer as it prevents dehydration and fatigue during pregnancy, the two most common issues faced by all pregnant women. During the summer, this fruit can act as a natural cooling agent. Ice apples naturally cool the body by regulating the body temperature effectively. Additionally, it helps quench thirst.
3. Treats itchy skin conditions
Getting skin eruptions or breakouts during pregnancy is quite common. Skin problems can be rashes, itchiness, and redness. All these occur due to uneven or bad diets. Ice apples if consumed in proper quantity help to keep the skin problems away and relieve the discomfort she has due to them. It even keeps her skin hydrated and thus having glowing skin during pregnancy3.
4. Aids in relieving constipation
Hormonal imbalance also leads to bloating and constipation during pregnancy. This also results in uneasiness and discomfort for the pregnant woman. A wonderful way to treat stomach issues is by consuming ice apples4. It is an excellent natural remedy for digestive issues and stomach aches. Ice apple encourages bowel movements and relieves constipation during pregnancy.
5. Enhances immunity
The immunity of the pregnant woman is very crucial during pregnancy. This is also because she must take care of herself as well as the growing baby. A good reason for the doctors to recommend including ice apples in the diet is to keep immunity levels high during pregnancy and even ensure proper health5.
6. Boosts energy
Having ice apples during pregnancy helps in keeping the glucose levels high and offers an apt balance of nutrients and minerals to the body. They are also known to boost energy levels. Sodium and potassium in this fruit help keep the body’s electrolytes and fluids in balance6.
By keeping a balance of the salts and minerals, the palm fruit helps keep the level of glucose in the body at the optimal level and makes you feel energized. It is therefore good to have an ice apple during gestational diabetes.
Related Reading: 21 Pregnancy Superfoods To Include In Your Pregnancy Diet
7. Helps to prevent UTIs
UTIs are very common during pregnancy. Eating an ice apple during pregnancy helps to keep the UTI at bay. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties7. The anti-inflammatory properties of ice apple reduce swelling in the bladder, while its antioxidant properties help eliminate free radicals and harmful bacteria from the system. As a result, the healthy cells in the excretory system organs are less likely to be oxidized.
Risks Of Eating Ice Apple During Pregnancy
A pregnant woman faces a lot of challenges during her pregnancy. Understandably, you would look for any side effects of even healthy foods. Don’t worry. Consuming ice apples while pregnant is not associated with any side effects. In addition, the fruit contains a variety of nutrients and vitamins that can help improve your overall health during pregnancy. Consume the fruit in moderation, however.
Palm Fruit During Pregnancy: Different Ways To Eat
Pregnant women can consume ice apples in many ways. But the question is “Is ripe palm fruit during pregnancy a good choice?” And the answer is that during pregnancy it is only advisable to take the fruit in its fresh form. It is best to eat palm fruits within a day or they can be dangerous. You can also eat palm fruits along with other kinds of fruits. In order to get all the benefits of ice apple during pregnancy, you can consume it in the following ways:
- To enhance the flavor and taste of the fruit, cut and sprinkle some spices or flavors of your choice over it
- A delicious dessert known as Nungu Kheer is prepared in many local areas. It is extremely healthy and nutritious for the mother and the baby
- Ice apple milkshake can be made by adding milk, vanilla, a pinch of salt, rose water, or flavors of cinnamon or cardamom. It is best to have the milkshake when chilled
Related Reading: Is It Safe To Eat Watermelon During Pregnancy? Health Benefits And Risks
How Do You Store Ice Apples?
Ice apples, if cut and drained are prone to oxidation that even changes their flavor and color instantly. So,
- If the fruit is not consumed immediately after purchase it is best to scoop out the section with the fibrous skin
- This helps to preserve ice apples in the refrigerator for one day or two. It should not be consumed after a day
- It is important to buy the fruit when in season
- Remember to take fresh and clean fruit since it perishes very easily
Thus, ice apples are one of those nutritious fruits that have immense benefits for women during pregnancy. It is however advisable to consume it in moderation, if not sure of the right quantity, it is best to consult a doctor or a nutritionist.
FAQs
Ice apples contain magnesium and protein that help keep muscles strong. Thus, they can reduce muscle cramps which are common during pregnancy.
There is a phytochemical compound contained in ice apples called anthocyanin, that may inhibit tumor formation and breast cancer cell growth.