Sapota During Pregnancy and its Health Benefits

Since pregnancy is a very delicate and important phase of a woman’s life, the mother-to-be needs to be nurtured and fed well. It has been seen that in spite of this, most of the women don’t get an adequate amount of fruits and vegetables. The intake of a good amount of fruits and vegetables throughout pregnancy assures far-reaching benefits for both the mother and the baby. Let’s find out the amazing health benefits of Sapota during pregnancy.

Sapota, also referred to as Sapodilla or Chiku, is basically a tropical fruit found in the United States of America, but even found in India as well as Mexico. It is a great choice for pregnant women as it has umpteen health benefits and thus should make it to the list of a healthy and balanced diet. Before introducing the same to one’s diet schedule, it would be vital to know its nutritional value, the chances of its safety of consumption sapota during pregnancy, health benefits, side effects, etc.

In This Article

• What is Sapota Fruit?
• What is the Nutritional Value of Sapota?
• Is it Safe to Eat Sapota During Pregnancy?
• 12 Amazing Health Benefits of Eating Sapota in Pregnancy
• Side Effects of Sapota During Pregnancy
• How Much Amount of Sapota Can One Eat in a Day During Pregnancy?
• How to Select Sapota?
• FAQ’s

What is Sapota Fruit?

Sapota, which is also known as Sapodilla or Chiku, is a common and tropical fruit that is very delectable and sweet in taste. It has a soft pulp, which is made with fructose as well as sucrose. This fruit is rich in calorie content and is loaded with many health benefits for skin, health, and hair.

The fruit is round in shape and weighs about 150 grams. The pulp is really soft and easy to digest and also has a sweet and crispy flavor. The presence of sucrose and fructose offers it the sweet taste that refreshes one instantly.

What is the Nutritional Value of Sapota?

The sapota fruit is enriched with many nutrients like vitamins, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, carbohydrates, copper, flavonoids, vegetable proteins, iron, selenium, and zinc. It holds a significant amount of water as well.

Sapota during pregnancy is ideal for pregnant mothers and also for the developing fetus. It is low in fat content and has zero cholesterol as well. It even has niacin, riboflavin, thiamine, etc.

Is it Safe to Eat Sapota During Pregnancy?

As this fruit is enriched with electrolytes, vitamins, and carbohydrates, it is ideal for mothers who need to lactate. Sapota during pregnancy also helps in reducing morning sickness and dizziness. Due to the production of collagen, stomach disorders are also in control.

[Read : How Good Are Bananas For You During Pregnancy?]

12 Amazing Health Benefits of Eating Sapota in Pregnancy

Sapota during pregnancy helps in the overall growth and development of the body as it is enriched with nutrients. It is also soft and fleshy. It has an array of nutritional benefits that are good for the mother as well as the baby.

Chikoo is loaded with vitamin A, carbohydrates, and energy. It is rich in protein and helps with the overall development of the fetus.

Some of the health benefits by the consumption of sapota during pregnancy are given as under:

1. Has Antiviral and Antibacterial Properties

Sapota has strong antiviral and antibacterial properties. It also has anti-parasitic properties. Therefore, it helps to prevent microbes from entering the body to some extent. It is good for fighting common infections during pregnancy.

2. Boosts Immunity

The vitamin C present in the fruit helps in building a stronger immune system, thus helping the pregnant mothers not to get affected by different diseases.

3. Combats Constipation

It has a rich fiber content that helps with constipation and hemorrhoid issues. Fibers also shield the outer membrane of the colon from carcinogenic toxins.

4. Anti-Diarrheal Property

Sapota is considered an anti-diarrheal due to its laxative properties. A concentrate prepared by boiling sapota in water can alleviate diarrhea. It also helps to relieve piles and dysentery.

5. Alleviate Nausea

The vitamin B present in the fruit helps to minimize nausea.

6. Prevents Anemia

Due to high iron content, eating sapota during pregnancy helps to produce red blood cells.  It can thus help in the prevention of iron deficiency anemia.

7. Boosts Energy

Sapota is a good source of glucose. Pregnancy is a phase when the energy drains out, and consumption of sapota helps in taking in carbohydrates that help with boosting the energy levels. Sapodilla is a high-calorie fruit. Each 100gm of sapota accounts for 83Kca.

8. Alleviates Pulmonary Issues

Cold, chest congestion and cough are the symptoms that pregnant women are more susceptible to, and the consumption of sapota fruit helps in removing the phlegm and the mucus from the nasal tract.

9. Good for Gestational Diabetes

Consumption of Chiku helps to regulate blood sugar levels. Therefore, it is a healthy option for expecting mothers who contract gestational diabetes.

10. Good for Bones

Being rich in calcium, iron, and phosphorus, sapota fruit helps to strengthen the bones of expecting mothers. Maintaining bone density during pregnancy is important to bring down the risk of osteoporosis in the future.

11. Reduces Swelling

Sapota contains a significant amount of tannin, which is a strong anti-inflammatory agent. This anti-inflammatory property of sapota is highly beneficial to alleviate swelling and pains, which are quite common during pregnancy.

12. Healthy Skin

Vitamin E present in Sapota helps in nourishing the skin. It is very beneficial as pregnancy hormones can adversely affect the beauty of your skin. In short, getting a pregnancy glow will be easy if you include sapota in your diet.

Side Effects of Sapota During Pregnancy

The sapota fruit has good nutritional value. However, it even has some side effects. This sapota during pregnancy should be taken in the right quantity as the overdose can lead to negative effects which are given as under:

• The overdose of sapota can result in an increase in weight.
• Indigestion and abdominal pain are also the results of the overeating of sapota.
• Consumption of raw sapota can even result in the ulcer, breathing issues, and throat irritation.

[Read : Health Benefits Of Eating Apples During Pregnancy]

How Much Amount of Sapota Can One Eat in a Day During Pregnancy?

Eating in moderation is the key thing for good health, not only in your pregnancy but also in the regular period as well. It would be best if you asked your health care practitioner regarding your diet plan, especially when you are pregnant.

How to Select Sapota?

It is always best to consume fresh fruits to gain maximum nutrition. It means that you can store sapotas only for three to four days at maximum. Otherwise, you can buy little unripe Chiku and eat them when they are ripe. Check the fruit has a smooth surface and is soft when you press it.

Do not take the fruits that have broken skin or wrinkles. Store this fruit in a cool and dry place that is away from the sunlight. You can store Chikoo fruit at room temperature for a few days, but you can also store this in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Thus, Chiku is one of the ideal fruits that has a sweet and relishing taste and a great nutritive value as well. It is a healthy option to be given throughout pregnancy due to its high far-reaching benefits, but only in moderation.

FAQ’s

1. Can I be Allergic to Sapota During Pregnancy?

Yes, you can. Allergy towards sapota is not uncommon. It can be due to pregnancy or it can also be hereditary.

2. Can Eating Chiku During Pregnancy Cause Gestational Diabetes?

This fruit is rich in fructose and is sweet in nature. If you are having high sugar levels, you may have to control the quantity of intake. Check with your doctor for quantity recommendations.

3. Can Eating Spota During Pregnancy Benefit My Baby?

Yes, it can. Sapota is rich in many nutrients such as thiamine, riboflavin, etc. these are very good for your baby too.

4. Can I Eat Sapota to Reduce Morning Sickness?

Yes, you can. Sapota is very nutritious for pregnant women. It is rich in electrolytes and other minerals which can restore your energy when you are suffering from morning sickness.

Read Also: Mangoes During Pregnancy