The vine coloured which can be seen at the grocery store is the passion fruit. Originating from Paraguay, Brazil and Argentina, Passion fruit is a species of the passion flower. Which is also known as Passiflora Edulis scientifically. This mysterious and intriguing fruit is very tasty and healthy. And is a treat for the fruit lovers owing to its medicinal properties. And the best part is, it is extremely safe for consumption during pregnancy. In this article, we will discuss the various health benefits of eating passion fruit during pregnancy.
Nutritional Values of Passion Fruit During Pregnancy:
The following are the nutrition received from consuming 100g of passion fruit during pregnancy:
Nutrient Quantity
- Calories 97Kcal
- Carbohydrates 23.38g
- Protein 2.2g
- Fibre 10.4g
- Fat 0.7g
- Folate 14mcg
- Vitamin B-6 0.1mg
- Niacin 1.5mg
- Pyridoxine 29mcg
- Riboflavin 0.13mg
- Potassium 348mg
- Sodium 28mg
- A Vitamin 1272IU
- C Vitamin 30mg
- E Vitamin 0.02mg
- K Vitamin 0.7mcg
- Calcium 12mg
- Iron 1.6mg
- Magnesium 29mg
- Zinc 0.1mg
- Phosphorous 68mg
Where g=grams, mg=milligrams, mcg=micrograms, IU-International Units
Benefits of Eating Passion Fruit in Pregnancy:
Passion fruit also popular as Granadilla, is an aromatic fruit known for its sweet-tart flavour. A native of South America, this exotic fruit possesses excellent healing and calming properties. It is a powerhouse of essential vitamins, potassium, carbohydrates, dietary fibres and proteins. The list does not end here. Read on to learn some of the amazing benefits of passion fruit during pregnancy:
1. Healthier Hair:
During pregnancy many women compliant for hair fall. Passion fruit is a powerhouse of nutrients helps in keeping the hair shiny and healthy and also controls the hair fall.
2. Improves Immunity:
Passion fruit is a storehouse of Vitamin C, alpha-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin. Which can remarkably boost your immune system during pregnancy.
3. Aids in Healthy Growth of The Foetus:
The antioxidants and essential minerals that are present in passion fruit. Will ensure healthy growth and development of your unborn baby.
4. Relieves Restlessness and Cures Insomnia:
A very simple means to alleviate common pregnancy problems like insomnia and restlessness is eating passion fruits every day. It is known to be a good source of medicinal alkaloids. Like Harmon that offers a sedative effect and therefore you can get a good sound sleep which is difficult in pregnancy.
5. Good For The Bones:
Passion fruit is an extraordinary source of minerals. Like magnesium, iron, copper and phosphorous which are vital for the bones. Eating passion fruit in pregnancy makes your bone stronger by increasing mineral bone density.
6. Improves Digestion and Relieves Constipation:
One of the benefits of passion fruit during pregnancy. Is promoting healthy digestion. Being loaded with dietary fibres, it eases out the bowel movements, besides improving digestion. Eating passion fruit daily during pregnancy will keep the problem of constipation at bay.
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7. Enhances Blood Circulation:
Iron present in passion fruit is essential for the production of haemoglobin. A good haemoglobin count implies a healthy supply of oxygenated blood to all parts of your body. Eating passion fruits during pregnancy also helps in the functioning of other organs in the body. Moreover, it also reduces the risk of anaemia.
8. Regulates Blood Pressure:
Monitoring blood pressure is extremely critical during pregnancy period. Because constant high blood pressure may lead to miscarriage while a too low blood pressure may cause dizziness. Passion fruit is packed with potassium. That functions as a vasodilator and improves the blood flow throughout the body. And, thereby keeps the blood pressure in proper levels.
9. Reduces Respiratory Problems:
Passion fruit also acts as a wonderful expectorant and so consuming this during your pregnancy. Helps in minimising the respiratory problems such as cough, asthma and wheezing.
10. It Is Good for Eyes and Skin:
Passion fruit has a very high content of Vitamin A. That greatly reduces the risk of eye-related problems such as night blindness and cataract. It is also good for your skin and imparts a smooth and soft texture. Who wouldn’t love receiving compliments for glowing skin especially during pregnancy. Eat a passion fruit daily, and this is sure to happen.
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Side Effects of Passion Fruit in Pregnancy:
Interestingly there are no inherent side-effects of eating passion fruit during pregnancy. However, as a word of caution for the women who are suffering from gestational diabetes, consume it in moderation. As most of the calories of passion fruit comes from sugar and hence it might just raise the blood sugar level. Otherwise, just add it to your pregnancy diet and get access to the numerous health benefits inherent in it instantly.
Tips to Eat Passion Fruit During Pregnancy:
The following are the various tips for eating passion fruit during pregnancy:
- Passion fruit will go well in the fruit salad especially the one that includes tropical fruits.
- Make a juice of passion fruit alone or combine it with other tropical fruits.
- While buying passion fruit select the ones that are large in size and heavy.
- Try not choosing the smooth-skinned ones as they would not be ripe.
Passion Fruit Juice During Pregnancy:
There are many ways of consuming passion fruit and including it in the pregnancy diet. But the simplest and the yummiest way to eat it is in the juice form. Here is how you can prepare the passion fruit juice:
Ingredients:
- 4-5 passion fruits
- Sugar as per requirement
- 1 cup of water
Method:
- Take the passion fruit and cut it into 2.
- Scoop the pulp out of it and add it to the blender.
- Also, add sugar and water.
- Blend it until you receive a smooth puree texture.
- Sieve it and serve chilled.
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This foreign fruit is low in calories but rich in nutrition – exactly what is needed in pregnancy. Loaded with goodness, eating passion fruit while pregnant is extremely important and beneficial. Spread the news and let every pregnant lady take a benefit of it.
Frequently Asked Question And Answers:
Q1. Is it safe to eat passion fruit during pregnancy?
Ans: Passion fruit is safe for consumption during pregnancy. It has miraculous health benefits and absolutely no side-effects when consumed in pregnancy and therefore a must-have during pregnancy.
Q2. Why does passion fruit make you feel sleepy?
Ans: Passion fruits contains alkaloids such as Harman which has features such as lowering the blood pressure, antispasmodic action and sedative. Due to these features, the passion fruit has an effect of a mild sedative and induces sleep. It is best to consume during pregnancy when sleep becomes difficult, and women face insomnia.
Q3. Is passion fruit good for uric acid?
Ans: Passion fruit is enriched with anti-inflammatory properties. Including passion fruit in the diet prevents the high uric acid levels in the blood. Hence if someone is suffering from a problem of uric acid, it is advised to consume passion fruit which will lower its level in the blood.
