One of the most commonly available fresh fruit, banana is a high source of nutrients. Being high in some of the most vital nutrients, it is deemed to be a good source of energy for the mother and her baby. Health benefits of banana in pregnancy can be rewarding and will make your diet balanced. Having said this, how much banana a day is safe for consumption? Should you eat this daily and is it safe? Here is an article that gives you an insight into the health benefits of banana during pregnancy and what is the expected intake.
Nutritional Facts of Banana Fruit in Pregnancy:
A mere 100 gram of banana offers a lot of nutrients to the body. It provides 89 calories, with a good amount of water, Ascorbic acid, retinol, alpha-tocopherol and vitamin K. In addition to this, it contains Vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B6 and vitamin B9. It comes enriched with electrolytes like potassium and sodium. Minerals include calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium and zinc. Lipids like saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Sugar, fats and fibre are some nutrients it comes packed with.
Is it Safe to Eat Banana During Pregnancy?
Like we just mentioned, the nutritional values of banana are very high. Therefore, this makes it eligible to be eaten during pregnancy for the benefit of the mother and the baby. The vitamin C, B and dietary fibre are excellent nutrients for the baby to grow. It also contains carbohydrates, thus giving the mother the required energy to keep her going.
See More: Fruits to Eat in Pregnancy
Benefits of Banana During Pregnancy:
Take a look at some of the wonders banana can do to the body.
1. Prevents Premature Labour:
It has the potential to cure and prevent anaemia. Folic acid is an absolute essential during pregnancy as it is important for fetal brain development and the development of the spinal cord. Banana is enriched in folic acid and thus will be good during pregnancy.
2. Fights Anaemia:
Blood supply increases during pregnancy to support the growth of the baby. When there is no enough blood supply, anaemia occurs, making it one of the most common things during pregnancy. Banana is rich in iron and can, therefore, fight anaemia as a result of pregnancy.
3. Cures Morning Sickness:
While there can be no permanent cure for morning sickness, banana can help ease the morning sickness to a great extent. It is high in vitamin B6, and this property of banana can fight your morning sickness.
4. Helps Indigestion:
It contains fibre, thus making the digestion process faster and easier. This can also ease bowel movement.
5. Increases Immunity:
It has an antioxidant property. It contains vitamin C that will boost the immunity level of the body and also keep away infections.
6. Regulates Blood Pressure:
Bananas contain potassium that is the most helpful of all to regulate or maintain blood pressure.
7. Curbs Hunger:
Bananas contain carbohydrates in them. Eating raw banana during pregnancy can curb the irregular hunger pangs you may experience and will keep you full for a longer time.
Banana Side Effects in Pregnancy:
While banana can provide you with a range of health benefits, there are also a couple of things you should know about them.
- If you are a victim of gestational diabetes, bananas might be a bad choice for you. Banana side effects in pregnancy by increasing the sugar level in the blood. Thus, you need to know how much you need to eat.
- Bananas contain latex called chitinase that will invoke an allergic reaction on the body.
See More: Fruits to Avoid for Pregnancy
Precautions to Take While Eating a Banana During Pregnancy:
Here are some precautions to exercise before eating a banana in early pregnancy or at any point in your pregnancy.
- Watch the banana you eat. Most of them ripened with chemicals, and this may be harmful for your baby.
- Try to avoid over-ripened or old banana. They can be harmful for both the mother and her baby.
Red Banana During Pregnancy: Is it Safe to Eat?
Yes, red banana benefits during pregnancy with the same nutritional values as that of yellow banana. Red bananas are rich in carotene, fibre and vitamin C. You can safely consume them when you have hunger pangs.
Ways to Include Banana in a Pregnancy Diet:
Like we just mentioned, some of the health benefits of banana in pregnancy can make it extremely beneficial to be eaten. Here are some ways you can include this in your diet. Apart from the regular fruit bowl, take a look at some of the creative ways to include them in your diet.
1. Banana Cake:
Banana bread during pregnancy or banana cake, both are good to try out. Mix mashed banana to rice flour, and a pinch of baking soda. Add honey and transfer them to steam them for 15 minutes. Your cake is ready!
2. Banana Smoothie:
Pregnancy banana smoothie is really easy to make. Mix diced bananas of two. Add milk and a spoon of honey to it. Optionally, you can add vanilla essence to enrich the flavour. Banana smoothie is ready.
3. Banana Milkshake:
Another nutritious variant is the banana milkshake. Add cubed bananas, two in number. To this, add milk and honey. After blending, add a scoop of ice cream to get that milkshake ready. Banana milkshake in pregnancy is also a preferred choice by a lot of women.
See More: Juices for Pregnancy
Banana recipe for pregnancy is a lot; you can get creative and make your own signature dish with the right ingredients. We are sure it is going to be amazing.
Given the many benefits of banana during pregnancy, we are sure you now have a lot of motivation to include it in your daily diet. Banana chips in pregnancy is also a popular choice. However, since it is fired, it is best advised to consume in moderation. Wear your chef hat and go on to make your own dish today.
