Mangoes are highly nutritious fruits and a good source of Vitamin C, A, B6, B9 (folate), and potassium. They are safe and can be eaten during pregnancy, although in moderation.
Some old wives’ tales predict that craving a mango, especially during early pregnancy, means you may be having a girl while dreaming of the fruit hints about a boy-in-waiting.
Is mango good for pregnancy?
Being an excellent source of vitamins, about 165 g of ripe mango meets 75-100% of your daily requirements of vitamin C, 25% of vitamin A and 10% of vitamin B6.
Because of its high dietary fiber (6% of RDA), mango is on the list of foods that can be eaten for constipation during pregnancy.
Since mangoes contain about 15-25 g of sugar and 107 g of calories, it serves as one of the healthy food substitutes for cakes, pastries, and other sugary treats, especially in the third trimester when you need about 2400 calories a day.
However, before including mango shakes or juice in your diet, it is important for you to know that they contain artificial sweeteners and should occasionally be eaten.
Can you have raw or unripe mango?
Raw or unripe mangoes, which are popularly used in India for preparing chutney (cold sauce), pickles (using dried mangoes), candies, and murabba (fruit preserves), are normally ok to eat occasionally during pregnancy.
Are there any harmful effects of eating mango while pregnant?
Artificially ripened fruits may contain calcium carbide, a chemical banned by the Indian Food and Safety Standards Act (2006) and the Food Safety and Standards Regulations (2011). Studies have also shown that calcium carbide may hurt the fetus.
Eating such artificially ripened mangoes may result in symptoms like stomach pain, headache, feelings of dizziness, mouth ulcers, and allergic reactions. Consult your doctor immediately if you notice any of these symptoms.
When to avoid mangoes?
Those with gestational diabetes must avoid eating mangoes altogether.
Safety Tips
- Wash the fruit thoroughly before eating to keep it free from chemicals and bacterial contamination.
- Do not eat the fruit from its skin directly; instead, peel the outer part well.
- Avoid buying mangoes from roadside stalls or vans as they lack proper hygiene.
References:
- https://www.pregnancyfoodchecker.com/mango-pregnancy-safety-benefits/
- https://www.momjunction.com/articles/safe-eat-mango-pregnancy_0074563/
- https://www.mango.org/blog-is-mango-safe-during-pregnancy/
Dr. Mashiach has completed his MD at the Sackler School of Medicine, TAU; specialization in gynecology at the Lis Maternity and Women’s Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center; fellowship in Endoscopy at the Polyclinique de I’Hotel-Dieu, Universite d’Auvergne, Clermont, France.
He is a Senior Physician, Director of the Department of Gynecology, which provides routine and preventative care services to its patients and a full range of gynecological surgical procedures for adequately managing its patients with benign gynecologic disorders.
He offers advanced care in all gynecological subspecialties such as Urogynecology, Colposcopy, Fetal Loss Clinic, and Post Menopausal Clinic.
