Even though most of the fruits are healthy and are important to conform to all your nutritional requirements, BEWARE! There are some fruits, to be precise 6 of them, which can do more harm than good. All of them are very popular and you might not even wonder if they are safe or not. This list assesses each of them and define everything you need to know to be safe.
#6 Unripe Papaya
In India, papaya has long been treated as a danger fruit for pregnant women and also for those who are trying to become pregnant. It is believed that in ancient India and surrounding Asian countries papaya was used to carry out abortions safely and naturally.
This is because semi ripe or unripe papaya consists of oedema, a latex types substance which inhibits formation of placenta and cause excessive bleeding in it. Any abruption in placenta formation leads to miscarriage.
The main constituents of papaya are papain and chymopapain, both of them have the properties almost similar to prostaglandins and oxytocin. These two hormones are responsible for labor contractions and hence can stimulate premature birth or miscarriage. Papain can also retard the growth of fetus and can cause abnormal fetal development.
It’s said that you can have ripe papaya because the amount of all the undesirable compounds mentioned above is reduced as the papaya ripens. It’s present in smaller amounts though. Women who are on high risk of miscarriage or has history of miscarriage should avoid even ripe papayas completely.
#5 Plum
Plums eaten in moderation are not an issue for the mother and the baby, but it’s intake in excess could lead to generation of body heat and interfering with the hormones. This could lead to skin rashes and an increase in heartburn too.
Plums are also high in oxalates, which makes women more vulnerable to developing oxalates stones. So stay away from it if you are already prone to them.
#4 Peach
Peach has the same hot feature as plum and when consumed in excess could lead to excessive internal heat build up. Peaches are also one of the 12 most contaminated fruit (by pesticides), so it’s best to have them in moderation (once or twice a week) during pregnancy.
The skin of peach could worsen your sore throat because of prickly hair. So if you are suffering from sore throat, avoid peaches at all costs.
Peaches are also high in sugar and should not be consumed by pregnant women who are at high risk of or already suffering from Gestational Diabetes.
#3 Longan
Longan, along with papaya was also used as a natural treatment for miscarriage. This is because of it can interfere with fetal development and could render it or completely stop it.
It also exacerbates the symptoms of melasma (skin darkening during pregnancy) and constipation during pregnancy.
#2 Grapes
It’s suggested that pregnant women should not eat grapes at all because of their high heat content which could interfere with fetal development and can have deplorable labor consequences. The fruit contains large amounts of a toxic compound called Resveratrol, this toxic compound is harmful for the expectant mother whose hormones are imbalanced.
It’s dried form a.k.a raisins should also be eaten in moderate amounts as they have the same effect on the mother’s body.
The skin of grapes can also interfere with the digestion of expectant mother by either causing diarrhoea or constipation.
#1 Pineapple
Pineapple is also safe to consume as long as you have it once or twice a week (just 1-2 cups). This is because it consists of a substance called bromelain, which affects the cervix and can cause miscarriage or premature labor. When you consume it on first trimester it might increases nausea and sickness.
Bromelain in small amounts can actually be helpful with varicose veins.
It is of utmost importance that you do take care of foods you take in during pregnancy. Some foods will only do good if taken in moderation and some should be avoided at all costs. Just trust your motherly instincts and have everything within limits. You would be good to go.
If you have any suggestions on other fruits which are best to avoid or would prove beneficial for other Toothless community’s mothers. Do mention them in the Comments Section below: