Is Dragonfruit Good For Pregnancy?

Dragon fruit is packed with various nutrients, making it a healthy dietary choice to incorporate during pregnancy. Let us take a closer look at the serving per 100 grams of dragon fruit:

Also Read: Health Benefits of Dragon Fruit

Consuming dragon fruit while pregnant offers various health benefits, which we will discuss in this section.

Dragon Fruit Offers Constipation Relief

Constipation is a common concern during pregnancy, but many women have found relief by incorporating dragon fruit into their diet. The fruit's rich fibre content acts as a natural remedy, promoting healthy digestion and regular bowel movements.

Furthermore, its hydrating properties and essential nutrients also contribute to overall well-being, supporting both the mother and the developing baby.

Dragon Fruit Helps in Bone Development

Another crucial benefit of dragon fruit during pregnancy is its role in bone development. Rich in calcium and phosphorus, dragon fruit supports the healthy development of bones for both the mother and the growing baby.

Including dragon fruit in your diet can contribute to stronger bones and teeth, ensuring adequate mineral intake essential for foetal growth and maternal health.

Dragon Fruit Protects from infection

Dragon fruit is also known for its ability to protect against infections, which is particularly beneficial during pregnancy when the immune system is more vulnerable.

The fruit is rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants, which enables the body to fight off infections more effectively. Its antimicrobial properties can further reduce the risk of bacterial and fungal infections during pregnancy.

Dragon Fruit is a Rich Source of Fats

Another benefit of consuming dragon fruit during pregnancy first trimester is that it is a rich source of healthy fats. Pregnant women need a lot of healthy fats to maintain their high energy levels, which are crucial for maintaining various metabolic functions.

Furthermore, it helps in the formation of the foetal brain. Additionally, the presence of monosaturated fats makes it a great addition to diets.

Dragon Fruit Increases Haemoglobin Level

One of the challenges pregnant women face is low haemoglobin levels or risk of anaemia during pregnancy. However, this can be easily avoided by eating dragon fruit in pregnancy.

The fruit is a rich source of iron content, which assists in improving the blood cells' capacity to carry oxygen, thus enhancing haemoglobin levels.

• When picking dragon fruit during pregnancy, it is best to choose a fruit that is pink or deep golden in colour.

• Furthermore, make sure that the fruit's skin is evenly coloured and shiny.

• Also, check the stem of the fruit; if a stem is brittle, it means the fruit is overripe, and if it is pliant, it means the fruit is fresh.

• Additionally, the pearls of the fruit should be brightly coloured to avoid fruit whose petals are brown at the end.

• Also, make sure to check the firmness of the fruit before picking it. If the fruit is ripe, it will be firm.

Dragon fruit may look prickly, but it is easy to cut. The fruit's skin surface is smooth and thin. Beneath the thicker skin is a wax and soft, pliable peel that can easily separate from the pulp. Below is the step-by-step procedure for cutting dragon fruit.

Step 1: Cut Fruit in Half: The very first step is to place the fruit on a chopping board and slice it half lengthwise.

Step 2: Remove the Flesh: The next step is to remove the flesh of both halves, either using a hand or a spoon. It is best to use a large spoon to scoop out the flesh, like we do for avocados.

Step 3: Cut it into Slices: Once the flesh is removed, cut the inside pulp into thick or thin slices, depending on your preference.

Dragon fruit has a unique texture, flavours, and colours, which gives food enthusiasts the opportunity to experiment with something new.

From cakes to salads to smoothies, you can try various recipes made from dragon fruit during pregnancy. Some of the common dragon fruit recipes are:

Dragon Fruit Smoothie

Ingredients

• 1 chopped dragon fruit

• 3 bananas peeled and chopped

• ½ cup of berries.

• 500 ml to 750 ml of coconut water

• 1 tablespoon of natural vanilla yoghourt (optional)

How to Prepare

Step 1: Add dragon fruit, bananas and berries in the blender and blend until you get a thick consistency.

Step 2: Next, pour coconut water and natural vanilla yoghurt and blend it until you get a smooth consistency.

Step 3: Pour a smoothie into a glass and serve it.

Dragon Fruit & Chia Almond Energy Protein Balls

Ingredients

• 1 ⅓ cups of raw almonds

• 5 large dates

• ½ cup of vanilla protein powder

• 3 tablespoons of chia seeds

• 1 cup of dragon fruit juice

• ⅓ cup of shredded coconut

• 1 teaspoon of almond extract

• ⅓ cup of mini chocolate chips

How to Prepare

Step 1: Add almonds and dates to a food processor. Mix until the mixture is a good consistency.

Step 2: Pour a blended mixture into a bowl, and then add chia seeds and protein powder.

Step 3: Next, add the dragon fruit juice and vanilla extract. Combine all the ingredients well until they resemble cookie dough.

Step 4: Make a ball-like shape and roll it into chocolate chips.

Step 5: Further, roll it into shredded coconut for coating.

Step 6: Refrigerate the balls for 1 to 2 hours and then serve them chilled.

Dragon Fruit Fried Rice

Ingredient

• ¼ cup of dragon fruit pulp or flesh

• ½ cup of chopped green beans

• ½ cup of pan-fried tofu

• ¼ cup of frozen corn

• ¼ cup of toasted cashews

• 2-3 cups of cooked rice

• Oil (as required)

• Salt (as required)

• Fried shallots for garnish.

How to Prepare

Step 1: In a heated wok, add oil, beans, corn, and tofu and saute for 1 to 2 minutes on a medium flame.

Step 2: Season the mixture with salt and mix it gently.

Step 3: After that, turn off the heat and shift the mixture into a bowl.

Step 4: Now, in the same wok, add cooked rice and let it cook.

Step 5: Add the dragon fruit pulp and mix it well together.

Step 6: Add the sauteed vegetables and mix them well until the rice is well coated with the colour.

Step 7: Next, add the toasted cashews and cook it on medium flame for 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 8: Garnish it with fried shallots.

Eating dragon fruit while pregnant is generally considered safe, but too much consumption of it can cause potential side effects.

Dragon Fruit May Cause Allergic Reactions

One of the common side effects of dragon fruit during pregnancy is allergic reactions. However, allergic reactions are rare, but some people who are allergic to tropical fruit may experience symptoms of hives, swelling, itching, difficulty breathing, etc.

It is best to consult with a healthcare practitioner before incorporating dragon fruit into your diet.

Dragon Fruits May Cause Gastrointestinal Issues

Another side effect of dragon fruit during pregnancy is gastrointestinal issues. The fruit is packed with high amounts of fibre content, which can cause digestive issues if consumed in excessive amounts.

High amounts of fibre content can cause bloating, abdominal cramps, constipation, etc.

Dragon Fruit Affects Blood Sugar Levels

Dragon fruit is known for its low glycemic index, which means it does not cause a significant spike in blood sugar levels. However, excessive eating of dragon fruit may cause problems for pregnant women with gestational diabetes.

It can impact the blood glucose level; hence, it is important to monitor the blood sugar level after eating dragon fruit.

Dragon Fruit Can Interact with Medications

Dragon fruit contains high levels of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, which can potentially interact with certain medications, affecting their efficacy or causing unwanted side effects.

For instance, its high vitamin C content might interfere with medications like blood thinners. Additionally, its fibre content could affect the absorption of some medications.

Moderation is a key to avoiding any side effects. Ideally, a medium size dragon fruit can weigh around 350 to 400 gms. A pregnant woman should consume 200 grams of dragon fruit in a day.

However, this quantity may vary depending on the health condition. It is best to seek professional advice before incorporating a dragon fruit into your diet.

Incorporating dragon fruit into your diet during pregnancy offers several health benefits. However, pregnant women should also be prepared for other important aspects, such as securing a comprehensive health insurance plan.

Pregnancy can be expensive, with frequent visits to healthcare professionals and potential medical emergencies. Therefore, purchasing the best health insurance policy is crucial.

A robust medical insurance plan provides financial security, covering a wide range of expenses, from hospitalisation to pre- and post-hospitalisation costs and much more.

With the right health insurance, couples can focus on enjoying this special time without the stress of unexpected medical expenses.

TATA AIG offers various health insurance plans tailored to meet individual needs. Whether you are looking for family floater health insurance, senior citizen health insurance, or an individual health insurance policy, we have plans for everyone.

We provide numerous benefits, including maternity coverage, AYUSH coverage, newborn coverage, OPD coverage, and much more. With a claim settlement ratio of 96.70% in the last financial year, we ensure a hassle-free claim service.

Additionally, we offer cashless treatment services to all our policyholders at any authorised healthcare facility, providing peace of mind and financial security during critical times.

Having a balanced diet during pregnancy is crucial for the health of both mother and baby. Dragon fruit, packed with essential nutrients and minerals, can be a great addition to a pregnant woman's diet.

However, it should be consumed in moderation, as it can cause potential side effects. Moreover, it is important to seek professional advice before incorporating dragon fruit into your diet, especially if you have any concerns about its effects.

Is dragon fruit good for female fertility?

Yes, dragon fruit can be beneficial for female fertility due to its rich nutrient profile. It is packed with vitamins C and E, antioxidants, fibre and essential minerals like iron and magnesium, which are important for overall reproductive health.

Antioxidants help protect eggs from oxidative stress, while iron and magnesium support healthy blood flow and hormonal balance.

Is dragon fruit cold or hot?

Dragon fruit is generally considered to have a cooling effect on the body.

Who should not eat dragon fruit?

People who are allergic to dragon fruit should avoid consuming it, as it can cause allergic reactions such as swelling, hives, or difficulty breathing.

Additionally, those with certain medical conditions or who are on medications that may interact with dragon fruit should consult with a healthcare provider before adding it to their diet.

Disclaimer: This is a general guide on Is Dragon Fruit Good For Pregnancy?. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. It is advisable to consult a qualified health professional for treatment in severe cases.