Adding healthy foods to your diet is essential during pregnancy, as it will benefit pregnant women and their baby’s growth.
Moreover, fruits play a vital role in a pregnant woman’s overall health. And banana is a healthy and nutritious fruit that every pregnant woman should consider adding to their diet.
Banana is a tropical fruit packed with vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, and dietary fiber. It provides instant energy. But sometimes, over-consumption is harmful to pregnant women. It is also recommended to eat 1 – 2 medium-sized bananas daily, as overeating may lead to pregnancy-related complications like diabetes.
Who should avoid bananas during pregnancy?
Bananas are safe to consume during pregnancy but in moderate amounts. The nutrients that bananas contain are very helpful for both mother and the baby. But, this fruit may increase the risk of diabetes and cause allergies.
Scroll down to know who should avoid eating bananas during pregnancy.
Women who suffer from gestational diabetes
You should not consume bananas because it causes a rapid spike in blood sugar level. It is wise to eat another fiber-rich juicy fruit like pears or apples in place of bananas.
Those fruits can also provide you required energy and nutrients. Talk with your doctor or your nutritionist before including bananas in your diet if you have gestational diabetes.
Women who are allergic to bananas
Bananas contain an allergen called chitinase, which causes the latex-fruit syndrome. Allergic reactions to bananas include itching or swelling of the lips, tongue, throat, runny nose, and sneezing. So consult your doctor before adding them to your diet.
Causes stomach upset
Avoid eating overripe or bananas that have turned black or the ones left outside for days. They may contain eggs or fruit flies which causes stomach upset on consumption.
Benefits of eating bananas during pregnancy
If you are clear about the above-stated reasons, please include bananas in your daily diet. Here is the list of benefits of eating bananas during pregnancy.
Lowers constipation
Bananas contain a high amount of dietary fiber. This helps in stimulating bowel movements and provides relief from constipation. As constipation is a common problem during pregnancy, eating bananas helps relieve it.
Regulates blood pressure
Bananas are loaded with micronutrients like Potassium. This essential mineral controls the blood pressure levels in your body.
Promotes healthy skin
Bananas are a good source of Vitamin C, which is an antioxidant. It helps in repairing tissues and maintaining healthy skin.
Reduces birth defects in the baby
Folate is necessary for the baby’s brain and spinal cord growth during pregnancy. Bananas are a rich source of folate. Eating this fruit during pregnancy can boost the folate levels in the body and lower the folate deficiency as its deficiency can cause congenital disabilities and premature delivery.
Bottom Line
Eating bananas can also boost your energy, prevents acidity, give your relief from vomiting and nausea. Thus, ensure to include bananas in your diet to reap it various benefits.
