Can You Eat Dragon Fruit in Pregnancy?

Craving in a pregnant woman could emerge in any manner. It could be in the form of sweets; it could be for spicy cuisine, or sometimes even from the dish’s visual appeal. Dragon fruit, as we all know, is reddish wine-colored fruit with a scaly aspect making it quite attractive, and can immediately stimulate a desire to try the same. But wait a minute – Is it okay to consume dragon fruit during pregnancy? 

Dragon fruit is very healthy and has a lot of carbohydrates in it, which will give a pregnant woman the energy she needs. Dragon fruit is safe to eat while you’re pregnant because it has a lot of good things for both you and your baby. Your doctor will be the best person to tell you whether or not you should eat dragon fruit and how much dragon fruit you should eat while you’re pregnant. Here in this article, Let’s deep dive to learn more about dragon fruit in pregnancy.

Is it Safe to Eat Dragon Fruit in Pregnancy?

YES, dragon fruit is safe to consume while pregnant. There are numerous advantages to eating dragon fruit for both you and your child. It contains monounsaturated fats, which aid in the correct development of the fetus’s brain.It includes antioxidants and contributes to energy production. Choosing red dragon fruits is a great approach to getting started and becoming acquainted with their taste and flavor. 

Dragon fruit is high in sugars, carbs, calcium, dietary fiber, and salt and is therefore healthy for pregnant women. It is safe to consume dragon fruit in the proper proportions.The most prevalent cause of anemia during pregnancy is iron deficiency. Red dragon fruit is thought to provide enough iron to boost hemoglobin and erythrocyte levels. 

Experts conducted a study on pregnant women suffering from anemia in the second and third trimesters. They found that you may use red dragon fruit juice to treat anemia in pregnant women. Another study also revealed that consumption of dragon fruit juice and honey helps increase the hemoglobin levels in pregnant women. Research has shown a significant difference between Hemoglobin levels in pregnant women before and after consuming dragon fruits.

Benefits of Eating Dragon Fruit in Pregnancy?

The benefits of consuming dragon fruit for pregnant women are numerous. Dragon fruit is a good source of nutrients for expectant mothers and their unborn children. Following are the few benefits of dragon fruit in pregnancy.

1. Healthy Fats 

Pregnant women need good fats in their bodies because they need the energy to keep their metabolic processes running and help the fetus grow a brain. Dragon fruit has a lot of fats, most of which is monounsaturated. This makes dragon fruit in pregnancy a great addition to your current diet.

2. Rich in Carbohydrates 

Dragon fruit, also known as Monster fruit, has nutritious carbs that provide you with the energy you need to do your daily activities. These healthy carbs are highly beneficial for babies too. Natural meals provide many more calories than sugary beverages, with little nutritional value. So definitely include dragon fruit in pregnancy.

3. Protects Against Infections 

Infection can endanger the infant in the womb because bacteria can pass through the placenta and reach the newborn. Dragon fruit in pregnancy can promote cellular regeneration in the treatment of wounds, which avoids infection and provides antifungal and anti-bacterial bodies to combat any microorganisms that are already present.

4.Prevents  Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a condition caused by high blood pressure during pregnancy. The consumption of dragon fruit in pregnancy can assist in maintaining normal blood pressure and blood sugar levels, hence reducing the risk of difficulties related to pregnancy.

 5.Development of Teeth and Bones

Dragon fruit is also high in calcium. Calcium is needed to maintain your bones and teeth healthy and the bones and teeth of your developing baby. Calcium also plays a role in muscle contractions. If you are lactose intolerant and cannot consume milk products, dragon fruit in pregnancy can help you meet your body’s extra calcium needs.

6. Preventing Birth Defects 

The child’s neural growth must proceed unhindered, and dragon fruit in pregnancy can help with high vitamin content. The vitamin B-complex group, together with folates, plays an important part in the development of the neurological system and the neural tube of the kid, ensuring that he is free of any problems.

7.Reliefs Constipation  

Constipation is common among pregnant women, and it is important to consume enough amounts of fiber-rich meals. As a result of the high amount of fiber, eating dragon fruit in pregnancy can help to alleviate constipation problems.

3 Simple Recipes for Dragon Fruit in Pregnancy

Dragon fruit is a fruit, much like any other. It’s diced, sliced, and chilled. Dragon fruit in pregnancy is great in a smoothie. You can drink it or use it in a salad. Including dragon fruit in pregnancy diet is one of the best things you can do for your baby’s health. Dragon fruit is one of the healthiest and safest fruits to eat while pregnant.

1. Dragon Fruit Smoothie 

Ingredients 

• One whole dragon fruit 
• Mint leaves – 15 leaves 
• Yogurt – 1 cup 

Method

1. Cut dragon fruit into small pieces or scoop out scoops of flesh with a spoon (ensure that you only take the creamy white part) 
2. you should chop mint leaves into small pieces. 
3. In a blender, combine the yogurt and the remaining ingredients. 
4. Blend till there are no lumps. 
5. Pour the mixture into the glass and garnish with fresh mint leaves.

2. Dragon Fruit Peda 

Ingredients 

• Dragon Fruit – 1 Nos
•  Sugar – 1/4th Cup 
•  Milk powder – 1-1/2 cup 
•  Cardamom Powder – 1/4th tsp 
• Ghee – 1-1/2 tsp 

Method

1. Cut one dragon fruit in half, Peel them and make the puree. Then cook the fruit pulp gently.
2.  Now mix in 1/4 cup sugar. On thickened syrup, sprinkle 1-1/2 cup milk powder. 1/4 tsp Cardamom Powder 1 1/2 tsp Ghee and mix well. 
3. Then add 1/2 tsp Ghee to an empty dish and then Remove the Peda mix from the skillet and place it on a platter. Spread the mixture and let it cool. 
4. Ghee in your hand. Make tiny balls of peda mix. Refrigerate for 1/2 hour to firm up dry fruits. Let your festival family members enjoy your homemade dragon fruit peda.

3. Dragon Fruit Jam 

Ingredients 

• Dragon Fruit – 300 Gram
•  Sugar – 1/4 Cup
• Lemon – ½ slice

Method

1. Add the dragon fruit, sugar, and lemon juice to a saucepan. Cook it in your pan on medium heat. 
2. Occasional stirring To break down the dragon fruit, squish it. Remove from heat and cool before transferring to a container.
3.  Finally, you may serve bread for breakfast.

These recipes are healthy for everyone not just pregnant women. Dragon has numerous health benefits in whatever form you consume it. If you want to know about dragon fruit benefits for skin and recipes for healthy glowing skin read this article.

Precautions For Eating Dragon Fruit In Pregnancy

Pregnant women can consume dragon fruit without fear of harming their unborn child. The best action is to avoid eating it if you suffer any adverse responses such as hives, sneezing, itching, or burning in the mouth. 

Pregnant women should avoid dragon fruit, even if they aren’t allergic to it, as excessive consumption of dragon fruit in pregnancy can have negative consequences.

(Also read- Growing Dragon fruit  plant in pot)

Conclusion 

To summarize, YES, you can eat dragon fruit while pregnant. It is a good source of nourishment because it contains carbohydrates, dietary fiber, sugars, and other nutrients. Furthermore, dragon fruit in pregnancy aids in the treatment of constipation, increases immunity, provides healthy fats, etc.,during pregnancy. Eating Dragon fruit in pregnancy is beneficial for both mother and foetus. Moreover, dragon fruit’s sweet taste and soft texture allow it to be part of numerous tasty and healthy recipes.