Sapota During Pregnancy: Benefit & Risk

During pregnancy, you pay much attention to what you eat, which gradually becomes a significant part of your life. During this period, the doctor suggests foods you should add and exclude from your diet.

Sapota, or chikoo, is a delicious and nutritious fruit with essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Many pregnant women may wonder whether it's safe to consume sapota during pregnancy. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits and risks of consuming sapota during pregnancy.

Is Eating sapota during pregnancy safe?

To read the answer to your query about whether sapota is good for pregnancy, read this SuperBottoms article thoroughly. Sapota (chikoo) is one of the fruits doctors recommend during pregnancy because of its nutrition. It is rich in various nutrients, making it a highly recommended fruit for pregnant women. Chikoo includes minerals, vitamins, and healthy calories and is rich in antioxidants.

How many sapotas can a pregnant woman eat during pregnancy?

The key to good health is eating anything in adequate quantity, not only during pregnancy but in daily life as well. Of course, the amount of fruit depends on your health factors like age and weight. But it would be best to ask the doctor about your diet when you are pregnant. For the benefits of sapota to be felt, you should come to 100-200 grams.

Health Benefits Of Sapota During Pregnancy

Till now, you have got to know about what quantity of sapota is good for pregnancy and can I eat sapota during pregnancy. Then, we will discuss its benefits.

▪ Powerhouse of energy
Chikoo is rich in sucrose and fructose, which gives an instant energy boost. Due to this reason, it is good to have chikoo between meals.

▪ Improves Digestive Health
During pregnancy, you notice several changes in your body. A simple way to keep your body healthy is to eat sapota during pregnancy daily as it fights against inflammation.

▪ Strengthens the Bones
Chikoo is a rich source of calcium, iron, and phosphorus, and these nutrients are suitable for your bone health.

▪ Prevents bacterial infection
During pregnancy, a woman's body can get attracted to various infections. The best way to keep your body away from any disease is to eat sapota, a good inhibitor of bacterial infection, because of the presence of polyphenolic antioxidants.

▪ Lowers stress
During pregnancy, most women bear a lot of stress. One of the best facts about chikoo is that it is a natural sedative that calms the nerves and relieves stress. And this is one of the most essential factors in eating sapota during pregnancy.

▪ Removes Toxins
Chikoo is an excellent and natural diuretic and detoxifying agent. It maintains a good and healthy rate of urination by which most of the unhealthy toxins get flushed away from the body.

▪ Reduces Nausea
If you face any morning sickness, then eating sapota might be the right fix for it, as it gives the required energy from the body to stave off nausea and dizziness

▪ Fights Weakness
Even consuming the juice of sapota during pregnancy has lots of good benefits. It helps the body overcome fatigue and weakness because of its energy-giving nutrients.

Note From SuperBottoms - Hello, expecting mommies & daddies. We hope you are ready with your Hospital Bag, as you might need to rush to the labor room any time! Remember to add all your newborn baby and new mommy essentials to the bag. We also offer eco-friendly and reusable cloth diapers for babies.

How To Select and Store Sapota In Pregnancy?

If you want to extract the best nutrients from the fruits, eat them when they are fresh. It would help if you stored chikoo for a maximum of only three to four days. If you cannot do this, you can purchase unripe sapota fruits and eat them when they are ripened. But first, check that the fruits are soft when pressed gently and have a smooth surface. Do not buy fruit that has broken skin or wrinkles. If it is softer, then it is good to eat.

Side Effects of Consuming Chikoo in Pregnancy

Consuming chikoo or sapota is good for pregnancy but in moderation. However, excessive consumption of chikoo can lead to specific side effects, especially during pregnancy. Some of the possible side effects of consuming chikoo during pregnancy are:

1. Gestational diabetes: Chikoo is high in sugar, and consuming it in large amounts can lead to a spike in blood sugar levels, increasing the risk of gestational diabetes.

2. Excessive weight gain: Chikoo is high in calories, and consuming it in large amounts can lead to excessive weight gain during pregnancy, increasing the risk of gestational diabetes, hypertension, and other pregnancy complications.

3. Gastrointestinal issues: Consuming too much chikoo during pregnancy can lead to digestive problems like bloating, gas, and constipation, which can be uncomfortable.

4. Allergic reactions: Some people may be allergic to chikoo, and consuming it during pregnancy can lead to allergic reactions like itching, swelling, and rashes.

5. Risk of infections: Consuming chikoo that is not adequately cleaned or stored can increase the risk of diseases like food poisoning and other bacterial infections, which can be harmful during pregnancy.

Sapota in pregnancy is advisable but only in moderation during pregnancy, and consult a healthcare professional before adding any new food to your diet.

Healthy Chikoo Milkshake Recipe

This milkshake is an excellent form for taking the daily amounts of nutrients, and it is healthy and tasty. It is best to consume it when made fresh though you can keep it and store it in the fridge for 24 hours if required.

Ingredients:
▪ Chikoo (ripe)- 2
▪ Milk- 1/2 cup
▪ Ice- 3/4 cubes
▪ Honey/ maple syrup- as required

Instructions
1. Wash the chikoo and remove its skin.
2. Cut the sapota into small pieces and remove all the seeds.
3. Put the cubes of chikoo in a blender and mix them with half a quantity of milk.
4. Blend the mixture for 1-2 minutes.
5, Now add the remaining milk and blend the mixture again.
6. Taste the mixture to check the sweetness; if it is not sweet enough, you may add honey as required.
7. Add the chikoo cubes.
8. Blend the mixture properly until it becomes a smooth milkshake.
9. Now pour the shake into the glass and enjoy it.

Conclusion

In conclusion, sapota in pregnancy can be a healthy addition to a pregnant woman's diet as it is packed with essential nutrients such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals. However, excessive consumption of sapota during pregnancy should be avoided as it may lead to complications such as gestational diabetes, excessive weight gain, and gastrointestinal issues. Moreover, it is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional before adding new food to your diet during pregnancy. A well-balanced and varied diet, regular exercise, and adequate hydration can ensure a healthy pregnancy and baby.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to eat sapota during pregnancy?

Answer: Yes, it is safe to consume sapota during pregnancy, but in moderate amounts. It is a rich source of nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals, which can benefit the mother and the growing baby.

Can sapota cause any complications during pregnancy?

Answer: Excessive consumption of sapota during pregnancy can lead to complications like gestational diabetes, excessive weight gain, and gastrointestinal issues. Therefore, it is advisable to consume it in moderate amounts.

Benefits of sapota during pregnancy?

Answer: Sapota contains vitamin C and other antioxidants that can help boost immunity and fight infections in both the mother and the baby.

Can sapota cause allergies in the baby?

Answer: Sapota is not known to cause allergies in babies, but it is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional before introducing any new food to your baby's diet.

Is sapota beneficial for breastfeeding mothers?

Answer: Yes, sapota is a rich source of nutrients and can benefit breastfeeding mothers as it can help improve lactation and provide essential nutrients to the baby.