Breastfeeding is vital for both the mother and the baby. To be able to breastfeed well, the mother must have a balanced and nutritious meal. Jackfruit is sweet and fruity and has a very different texture as well. This fruit is known to be enriched with vitamins, potassium, and antioxidants. So is it safe to have jackfruit while breastfeeding?
This fruit is usually found in Southern regions of India, specifically in the Ghats, and is widely ava in Karnataka and Kerala. All foods taken during breastfeeding are sure to reach the baby’s body in small portions. Let us now see some points that will offer insight into whether jackfruit should be consumed during the lactation period, the side effects of its consumption, and the safety measures to be taken before consuming it while breastfeeding.
In This Article
- Video of Can You Have Jackfruit While Breastfeeding?
- Should You Consume Jackfruit While Breastfeeding?
- How Does Jackfruit Affect Breast Milk?
- Nutritional Value of Jackfruit
- Benefits of Eating Jackfruit During Breastfeeding
- How to Consume Jackfruit While Breastfeeding?
- Are There Any Side Effects of Eating Jackfruit While Breastfeeding?
- Precautions to Take While Eating Jackfruit During Lactation
- FAQ’s
Video of Can You Have Jackfruit While Breastfeeding?
Should You Consume Jackfruit While Breastfeeding?
Mothers often wonder what is safe and what is not safe during breastfeeding and the same question may arise with Jackruit too. The good news is jackfruit is safe to consume during breastfeeding. It is a nutritious fruit with many benefits for both the mother and the baby.
As with any food, it is important to exercise moderation when consuming jackfruit during breastfeeding. Consuming the fruit is beneficial but overconsumption can cause problems.
How Does Jackfruit Affect Breast Milk?
There is no research to suggest that the mother consuming jackfruit can negatively impact the breastmilk in any way. But moderate consumption is vital. Jackfruit may change the flavor of the breastmilk. Some babies may initially not like this flavor. However, babies exposed to different flavors through breast milk may find it easier to try different foods once they start solids.
Mothers allergic to jackfruit should avoid consuming it during breastfeeding. In some cases, the mother consuming jackfruit may cause gastric discomfort to breastfed babies. If you find that your baby has developed colic pain after you have consumed jackfruit, it may be a good idea to temporarily stop consumption.
Nutritional Value of Jackfruit
Jackfruit is rich in carbohydrates, dietary fiber, protein, vitamins, and other micronutrients (1). The seeds and flesh of fruit contain phytochemicals that have significant nutritional properties (2). However, there is a variation in the composition of fruit depending on the variety and maturity stages.
Table: Nutritional Value of Jackfruit (ripe and young fruit) (Per 100 gms) (3)
| Composition | Young Fruit | Ripe fruit |
|---|---|---|
| Water | 76.2-85.2 | 72.0 -94.0 |
| Protein (g) | 2.0 -2.6 | 1.2 -1.9 |
| Fat (g) | 0.1 -0.6 | 0.1 -0.4 |
| Carbohydrate (g) | 9.4-11.5 | 16.0-25.4 |
| Fiber (g) | 2.6-3.6 | 1.0-1.5 |
| Total sugars (g) | – | 20.6 |
| Total minerals (g) | 0.9 | 0.87-0.9 |
| Calcium (mg) | 30.0-73.2 | 20.0-37.0 |
| Magnesium (mg) | – | 27.0 |
| Phosphorus (mg) | 20.0-57.2 | 38.0-41.0 |
| Sodium (mg) | 3.0-35.3 | 2.0-41.0 |
| Potassium (mg) | 287-323 | 191-407 |
| Iron (mg) | 0.4-1.9 | 0.5-1.1 |
| Vitamin A (IU) | 30 | 175-540 |
| Thiamine (mg) | 0.05-0.15 | 0.03-0.09 |
| Riboflavin (mg) | 0.05-0.2 | 0.05-0.4 |
| Vitamin C (mg) | 12.0-14.0 | 7.0-14.0 |
| Energy (kJ) | 50-210 | 88-410 |
Benefits of Eating JackFruit During Breastfeeding
Consuming JackFruit during breastfeeding can be a safe snacking option when eaten in moderation. It is a versatile fruit that helps in meeting energy and other nutrient requirements for lactating mothers.
Jackfruit has a myriad of several benefits for the lactating mother.
1. Provides Energy
Breastfeeding mothers need extra energy to breastfeed and care for the newborn baby. A balanced diet with small meals throughout the day forms an important part of her meal plan,
Jackfruit is a rich source of fructose and sucrose, both of which provide the much-needed energy (4). The fruit can be a great snacking option for breastfeeding mothers owing to less sodium content and the absence of saturated fatty oil and cholesterol (5).
2. Regulates Digestion And Prevents Constipation
The high fiber content in jackfruit prevents constipation, regulates bowel movements, and safeguards the colon mucous membrane from foreign matter. This protective function is a great advantage for breastfeeding mothers with digestion-related problems (6).
3. Strengthens Bones
With longer periods of breastfeeding, bone density is temporarily affected. Jackfruit is rich in magnesium and manganese which help in better calcium absorption and favor bone mass.
4. Improves Skin Health
Hormone fluctuation during postpartum and breastfeeding reduces the transepidermal water leading to dehydration, making the skin dry and flaky. Jackfruit has anti-inflammatory properties that greatly improve collagen production, combat oxidative stress, and firm the skin (7).
5. Prevents Anaemia and Maintains Thyroid Health
Breastfeeding mothers can be prone to anemia due to blood loss during childbirth. Jackfruit is loaded with essential micronutrients like copper and iron that help combat anemia and improve blood circulation. Copper in jackfruit may help maintain thyroid health (8) by optimizing thyroid hormone absorption which is a great advantage for reducing problems related to let-down reflex (9).
How to Consume JackFruit While Breastfeeding?
You can enjoy jackfruit in its natural form. Also, there are so many dishes including puddings and ice creams that you can make with jackfruit (10). Curries can be cooked from raw jackfruit. Not only the flesh but the seeds of the jack fruits are also edible after cooking.
Always remember to consume jackfruit in moderation to keep yourself and your little one safe from the side effects of excessive consumption. Stay away from this fruit if you are allergic to it or if your breastfed baby is having digestion issues after you have eaten this fruit.
Are There Any Side Effects of Eating Jackfruit While Breastfeeding?
Undoubtedly, the consumption of jackfruits has some wonderful benefits. Yet, there are certain side effects related to its consumption and lactating mothers need to be cautious about the side effects before they start consuming it and they are as follows:
- Consumption of Jackfruit can lead to clotting for any mothers who have blood ailments.
- The flavor of jackfruit when mixed with breast milk might not be accepted by all babies.
- It can lead to gastric disorders for breastfed babies.
- The consumption of Jackfruit is not advisable to any mother who has a pollen allergy as it could be troublesome or a cause of worry.
Precautions to Take While Eating Jackfruit During Lactation
Jackfruit taken in moderation shows no side effects yet can be troublesome with excessive consumption. Here are some of the precautions that a lactating mother should take with jackfruit when breastfeeding.
- Jackfruit has the tendency to flavor the breastmilk and some babies may not relish this taste. Keep this is mind when eating jackfruit during your lactation phase.
- Some babies may develop gastric problems such as colic when the mother consumes jackfruit. If you find that your baby is having stomach issues, you may try to avoid consuming this fruit for a while.
- As with any fruit, moderate consumption is the key to making sure that you don’t suffer ill effects associated with excessive consumption.
- Stay away from this fruit if you are allergic to it or pollen
- When in doubt, always consult your doctor or a lactation consultant about the safety of consuming jackfruit when breastfeeding your baby.
A lactating mother must ensure that she has a balanced diet to allow for proper milk production and give her enough energy to tend for her baby. Contrary to popular opinion, consuming jackfruit may be actually beneficial to you and your little one as long as you do not observe any ill effects from consuming this fruit.
FAQ’s
1. Which Fruit is Good for a Lactating Mother?
Though all fruits are nutritious and have their own benefits, green papaya is considered the best fruit for lactating mothers. The enzymes in papaya promote milk production and hence are considered best.
2. Is it Ok to Drink Water After having Jackfruit?
Water consumed after eating jackfruit will alter the pH level in the body and thereby slows the digestion process, hence it is best to avoid drinking water after eating jackfruit.
3. Can We Consume Jackfruit And Milk Together?
The combination of jackfruit and any milk products is not advised as it slows down the digestion process and also leads to skin diseases.
4. Why are Breastfeeding Mothers Discouraged From Eating Jackfruits?
Jackfruits can cause gas in the breastfeeding mother as well as the baby. This can cause indigestion as well as discomfort for the baby. It can also cause great discomfort in some new mothers who have undergone a cesarean delivery.
5. How Much Jackfruit Can I Eat When am Breastfeeding?
Jackfruit is rich in fiber. Moderation is the key when you are breastfeeding. Check with your doctor for quantity recommendations.
6. Can Jackfruit Have a Negative Impact on my Breastfed Baby?
No, there is no report supporting this claim. However, jackfruit can cause gas and flatulence in the baby. Passing gas can be quite painful or uncomfortable for young babies.
7. Can Eating Jackfruit While Breastfeeding Cause the Baby to Vomit?
This is a common belief among many people. There are no studies supporting this claim. Eating jackfruit while breastfeeding can change the taste of the milk; the child might refuse and spit out.
8. Can I Eat Jackfruit Seeds While Breastfeeding?
Jackfruit seeds are packed with nutrients and prebiotics. They can help with digestion and increase your HDL levels. A breastfeeding mother can have it in moderation.
References
-
- Exploring the Potential of Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam) – [https://www.researchgate.net/publication/354098409_Exploring_the_Potential_of_Jackfruit_Artocarpus_heterophyllus_Lam]
- Phytochemical profiling and antioxidant activities of different parts of Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. (Moraceae): A review on current status of knowledge | Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences – [https://fjps.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s43094-021-00178-7]
- Nutritional value of Jackfruit | Download Scientific Diagram – [https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Nutritional-value-of-Jackfruit_tbl1_343362477]
- Variation of carbohydrate composition of two forms of fruit from jack tree (Artocarpus heterophyllus L.) with maturity and climatic conditions – ScienceDirect – [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0308814698001757]
- Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophylus) – ScienceDirect – [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780124081178000143]
- IRJET- Benefits of Jackfruit and its Natural Properties to Treat Diabetes or Colon Cancer and Weight Loss Related Issues | IRJET Journal – Academia.edu – [https://www.academia.edu/51025144/IRJET_Benefits_of_Jackfruit_and_its_Natural_Properties_to_Treat_Diabetes_or_Colon_Cancer_and_Weight_Loss_Related_Issues]
- Nutritional and Health Benefits of Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.): A Review – PMC – [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6339770/]
- ]Trace elements and the thyroid – PMC – [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9637662/]
- Effects of Elevated Thyroid Stimulating Hormone on Lactation in the Breastfeeding Womanhttps://commons.und.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1110&context=nurs-capstones
- Nutritional and Health Benefits of Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.): A Review – [https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijfs/2019/4327183/]
