Eating Jujube (Ber) Fruit During Pregnancy

Is Jujube Same as Dates?

Jujube fruit is a small and yummy fruit that is also referred to as red dates, Chinese dates, or Indian dates and it is nutrient loaded specifically vitamin c and other minerals as well as vitamins. The unripe fruit is green in color. However, as it ripens, it turns yellow-green with mahogany-colored spots on the skin. The fully grown Jujube is red in color (hence the name red dates). Soon after becoming fully red, Jujube starts to crumble and become softer.

Nutritional Value of Ber Fruit

Jujubes/Ber fruits are packed with energy, minerals, and essential vitamins. It is an excellent source of fats, carbohydrates, niacin, sodium, zinc, potassium, magnesium, iron, and calcium. It is loaded with Vitamin C, one of the powerful water-soluble antioxidants.

Is Jujube Safe During Pregnancy?

If taken in moderation Jujube is safe to consume during pregnancy. Also, there is n number of reasons to snack on this fruit. It has zero cholesterol and so when you are hit by hunger pangs at odd hours during pregnancy, you can have this.

Health Benefits of Consuming Jujube Fruit During Pregnancy

Having jujubes during pregnancy can offer ample benefits for the expectant mother as well as the baby. Some health benefits are as under:

1. Enhance Fetal Brain Development

Jujube is an excellent source of folate. Therefore jujubes are beneficial in promoting the growth of the fetus’ nervous system. Red jujube contains trace elements zinc, which is significant for fetal brain development.

2. Combats Mood Swings

Eating Jujube during pregnancy helps to alleviate insomnia and mood swings.

3. Boosts Immunity

Jujube is loaded with vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants in the jujube fight against free radical damage, thereby, boosting immunity.

[Read : Pregnancy-induced hypertension]

4. Helps to Regulate Blood Pressure

Jujube contains Rutin. This helps to strengthen and increase the flexibility of the blood vessel. Thus, this fruit is beneficial for expecting mothers who contract pregnancy-induced hypertension.

5. Alleviate Muscle Pains

It is quite common that the expecting mothers come across several episodes of muscle pains and joint pains. The anti-inflammatory property of jujube helps to combat these issues during pregnancy.

[Read : Osteoporosis and Pregnancy]

6. Enhances Bone Strength

Inadequate calcium and phosphorous during pregnancy is one of the root causes of osteoporosis in the future. Jujube contains the minerals calcium and phosphorus, which are vital in strengthening your bones and enhancing general bone health.

Side Effects of Eating Jujube Fruit During Pregnancy

As such, there are no side effects of consuming jujubes throughout pregnancy if it is fresh and taken in moderation. However, if taken in excess it can harm the body.

Some of the side effects are given as under:

• In case jujubes are taken in excess, it can lead to insomnia.
• Overdose of jujubes could lead to muscle pains.
• It can also result in high blood pressure.
• Excess iron content present in jujubes can lead to blood loss.
• There are chances of constipation and hyperacidity.
• In some cases, reports have come of an increased level of fatigue and exhaustion.

How to Consume Jujube Fruit While Pregnant?

Jujubes can be consumed as it is or in juice form. Yet it is important that it is peeled properly since it is difficult to digest it, in case not peeled it stays or sticks to the intestinal walls.

But the peel has the maximum nutrients one should not throw it. You can always cook it in the form of a stew to get the maximum nourishment from it.

How Many Jujubes Can be Consumed During Pregnancy?

Consuming jujube during pregnancy is highly beneficial. However, it should be remembered that when it comes to pregnancy, moderation is the key.

Consuming 20-25 jujubes in one go can shoot the blood pressure and blood sugar level, which is very dangerous for the smooth progression of pregnancy. Anyway, around 5 Jujubes will not do any harm.

Who Cannot Eat Jujube Fruit During Pregnancy?

Expecting women experiencing gestational diabetes should stay away from this fruit. This is owing to the fact that this fruit is high in sugar and this will negatively affect the blood sugar level.

Likewise, expectant mothers should only consume fresh jujubes. In case they consume jujubes that are exposed to air it can lead to dizziness and sometimes can turn very lethal to the mother as well as the fetus.

How to Select and Store Jujube Fruit?

It is important to select good jujube and store it the right way to reap all its benefits.

1. Selecting

The proper way to select ripe jujubes is the color, the one which is semi-ripe is green whereas the fully ripe one is brown. Also, select the fruit on its texture. Never choose jujubes that have scars.

2. Storing

Once the ripened fruit is bought, it can be stored at room temperature for a maximum period of four days. However, you can store it in the refrigerator for a couple of weeks. On the other hand, dried jujube can be stored in an airtight container for months.

[Read : Eating Dates During Pregnancy – Is It Safe?]

Two Recipes of Jujube Fruit For the Expecting Mother

Following are some yummy Jujube recipes for the expecting mother.

1. Fresh Candy Jujube

• Put 8 ounces of pitted dried jujube fruit through a food processor and chop them finely.
• In a mixing bowl, add 1/2 powdered sugar gradually till it becomes stiff.
• Now add 1 tbsp coriander, then 2-3 tablespoons brandy.
• This mixture should be slightly moist.
• Shape into marble size balls.
• Roll the balls in the leftover powdered sugar and place a nut in the middle of every ball.
• Leave it overnight for it to become dry and then store in airtight containers.

2. Savoury Jujube Dessert Topping

• Chop 30 pieces of jujubes by cutting the stems and de-seeding them.
• Combine the jujube fruit in a cooker.
• Add 13 cups raw sugar, 14 cup honey, a pinch of salt, zest of a lemon or the juice of half a piece of lemon, 12 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract,14 cup brandy, 1tablespoon tapioca, 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh ginger to the jujubes and cook on low heat stirring in between.
• Once done, check if jujubes are soft.
• Remove from the heat and cool it.
• Put the mixture in the food processor and churn.
• Serve with fresh beaten cream and seasoned with walnuts, raisins, or ice cream.

Consumption of Indian jujubes throughout pregnancy is beneficial for the expectant mother as well as the unborn baby. But it is important to have it in moderation as excess could be harmful to the growth and development of the baby.

FAQ’s

1. Can Eating Jujube During Pregnancy Make me Gain Weight?

No it won’t. This has zero cholesterol. It can be a great guilt free snack.

2. Can Eating Jujube During Pregnancy Improve a Baby’s Immunity?

Yes, it can. It is loaded with antioxidants. It is also rich in folate, which is important for baby.

3. Can Jujube Help With my Joint Pain During Pregnancy?

Yes, it can. joints tend to swell and ache when you are pregnant. Jujube has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce your pain.

4. Are Jujube Good for Pregnant Women and New Mothers?

Yes, they are. They are rich in calcium which can help your bones. They are packed with nutrients that can help the baby too.

Read Also : Is It Safe To Eat Prunes During Pregnancy?