Being pregnant is an exciting time but also a challenging one, with so many things to consider from what you eat to how much exercise you get. It's important to ensure that your diet comprises of nutritious foods and fruits that can help support the healthy growth of your baby. One fruit that has recently gained attention for its health benefits for pregnant women is the star apple.
Introducing the Star Apple Fruit
The star apple, scientifically known as Chrysophyllum cainito or Caimito in Spanish-speaking countries, is a tropical evergreen tree commonly found in Central and South America, Southeast Asia, and some Caribbean islands like Jamaica[1]. The fruit grows up to 3 inches (7cm) in diameter with purple skin tightly wrapped around white tasty pulp containing black seeds [2].
Traditionally eaten raw as a snack or added into desserts such as jellies or pies by locals of its origin across many nations worldwide because of its rich flavor profile [], it's no wonder why star apple is gradually becoming increasingly popular among expectant mothers.
Nutritional Value of Star Apple during Pregnancy
Star apples have an abundance of nutrients essential for fetal development during pregnancy. These include:
Fiber
Choosing which kind of food will sufficiently provide fiber needs alone might be hard — especially when morning sickness prevails most days! With just one serving (100g), the thick peel/skin provides approximately 12% dietary fiber content recommended daily intake according to USDA guidelines[3] , making digestion smooth sailing (phew)!
Folate
Folate aids cell division crucial during early pregnancy stages while reducing congenital disabilities risk rates [4]. Surprisingly enough only one 124-gram serving provides over half—40 micrograms Daily Recommended dosage—of folate key nutrient promotes proper brain functioning too nurturing nervous systems developing fetus require.[5]
Vitamin C
Star apples contain vitamin C, a vital nutrient that helps fight infections since it enhances the ability of white blood cells [6] to combat diseases. Its presence in one fruit provides up to 35 percent (35%) of recommended dietary dosage for your daily intake[7]
Besides nutrients listed above, star apple consumption is known for having low-fat content with about 1% [].
Star Apple Benefits Pregnant Women
Now that you know what's present within star apple will positively benefit pregnancy stages be sure not to ignore perks such as;
Regulates Blood Sugar Levels
Carbohydrates—such as natural sugars—are essential energy sources for expectant mothers but endeavoring maintaining healthy blood glucose levels is important aspect while taking care developing fetus.A study carried out among Nigerians revealed increased glycemic control post-ingestion.[8]
### Helps Prevent Anemia There are few better ways than ensuring sufficient iron from prenatal vitamins or making proper dietary choices/fruits.Therefore this makes Fe-rich snacking on star apple perfect addition towards combating anemia which most pregnant women experience due water retention and hormonal fluctuations.
Antioxidants Properties
Stress-free pregnancies almost certainly result in a healthier newborn. Consuming foods high antioxidant properties aid body cells inhibiting free-radical growth undeniably beneficial during this period.
How Much Star Apple Should You Eat While Pregnant?
Eating variety fruits including fresh vegetables improved diet increases chance eventual optimal fetal development —and reduces risk negative pregnancy outcomes.Although moderately eating handful servings would provide enough benefits aiming hitting sweet spot by keeping watchful measure each serve helpful expect mums especially considering glycaemic index values around fifty somewhat higher than many other naturally occurring fruit options.
Also consuming above-normal portion sizes might lead adverse effects hence consulting qualified medical professional prior alternative recommendations advised precautionary measures taken!
We hope now you have explored what exactly Chrysophyllum cainito fruit can bring to the table during pregnancy, happily munching away next time craving tasty in-between snacks go right ahead be aware of benefits afforded by this unique super-fruit.
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrysophyllum_cainito [2] https://www.specialtyproduce.com/produce/star-apples/index.php#:~:text=Star%20apples%20vary%20in%20color,%2Dlike%20seeds. [3]https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/341899/nutrients [4]https://americanpregnancy.org/faqs/how-to-increase-folate-naturally-during-pregnancy/ [5]https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/341899/nutrients [6]https://www.eatright.org/vitamins-and-supplements/types-of-vitamins-and-nutrients/vitamin-c [7] (6) Vitamin C - Health Professional Fact Sheet." Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS), National Institutes of Health (NIH)], Oct. 2020.(online) (8) "Efficacy and Tolerability Study of Star Apple Fruit Powder on Postprandial Glycemic Response Among Persons with Type II Diabetes Mellitus" study conducted at Nigeria's University Teaching Hospital [Source: NIH US National Library of MedicineNational Center for Biotechnology Information].