Reena is a new age, smart, educated, working professional. She is particular about everything, from her dress… to her make- up… to her exercise schedule ….to her career plan. This agile, young, healthy girl, Reena is now pregnant. And she is so happy! As she discloses the news to her near and dear ones, she is suddenly bombarded with so many inputs about do’s and don’ts.
Reena believes that being pregnant is a natural event. Then why should her lifestyle go upside down suddenly? Why should there be restrictions on things that she always liked to do for so many years? On the other hand she is a perfectionist…wanting to keep no stone unturned to achieve the “best results”!
She has so many questions and no one can convincingly answer them… neither her Mom or Mom in law not even Google!
Finally, Reena comes to me and she asks:
Can I eat a mango?
And here is my answer:
Mango is actually power packed fruit. Mangoes are rich in antioxidants, such as beta carotene and vitamin A, C and D. Antioxidants have been shown to play an important role in the prevention of cancer and heart disease. They also contain bioflavonoids, the compounds which boost immune system. Mangoes also supply potassium and fiber. This high fibre prevents constipation.
Mango is a rich source of calories and sugars.So it is obvious that mango has nothing that can harm the baby in the womb. Yes, it has high caloric load. So mango consumption can definitely cause significant weight gain and can increase the blood sugar levels. Thus it is not advisable to have the fruit for obese mothers or diabetic mothers.
Mango is rich in iron… although not the best source of iron. Given that many pregnant women in India have low haemoglobin it can help prevent anemia.
How does Ayurveda look at mango eating in pregnancy?
The “king of fruits” is known to Indians for at least 6,000 years. This fruit is described in the ancient Sanskrit literature such as “Valmiki’s Ramayana”. Ayurveda considers ripe mango sweet and heating.
It balances all the three doshas and acts as an energizer. The
ayurvedic qualities of green mango are sour, astringent and cooling. I spoke to my Ayurvedic doctor colleagues about their perspective on eating mango during pregnancy. And surprise! Surprise! All of them clarified that Ayurveda too does not consider mango to be unsafe for
consumption during pregnancy.
Why the myth that mango should not be eaten during pregnancy?
No one knows the reason really. For many years the mangoes were picked unripe from the trees and ripened artificially with calcium carbide, dangerous chemical. This might be a reason for which it was advised to avoid mangoes during pregnancy. Any ways, Since 2016 Indian FDA has
banned use of this chemical for artificially ripening the mangoes.
Enjoy the mangos but take care of:
• Donot overdo mangoes. They are calorie bombs
• It is generally a good strategy to consume any high calorie food at
breakfast but not at dinner
• Wash the fruit thoroughly so that all chemicals are removed from the skin
• Prefer eating organic fruits of good quality
• Avoid extra calories by adding cream, ice-cream or sugar.
• Try to reduce intake of pickle as it is high on salt and oil. It can increase acidity too.
• If you are an overweight mom or diabetic mom avoid it. Instead
consume low Calorie seasonal fruits like melons
• Balance your calories all the time. 8 Peel of the skin before eating the fruit.
I am happy that this article was published by indian express .