Pregnancy is associated with multiple health complications and consequences. Individuals need to modify their dietary intake for proper growth and development of the fetus. Mothers fear what to eat and what to not during this fantastic journey. Lots of information about foods confuses them. In addition, pregnancy causes different food intolerances and preferences. As a result, the pregnancy diet becomes bland and monotonous. Sometimes, a lack of awareness about specific food items brings rejection. Now, have you heard about eating rose apples during pregnancy?
Rose apples, or water apples, contain approximately 90% of water. It also has a decent amount of vitamins A and C, along with Ca and Fe. Including rose apples during pregnancy ensures proper fetus growth and replenishes the mother’s Ca and Fe storage system. Consumption of rose apples during pregnancy also aids in postpartum recovery and preparing the mother for lactation. Read this article to learn more about red apples and their positive health impact.
In This Article
- Can Pregnant Women Have Rose Apple?
- When Can Pregnant Women Eat Rose Apple?
- What Is The Goodness Of Rose Apple For Pregnant Women?
- Precautions to Take While Having Rose Apples During Pregnancy
- Top 5 Health Benefits of Rose Apples During Pregnancy
- Side Effects of Rose Apples During Pregnancy
- FAQ’s
Can Pregnant Women Have Rose Apple?
Rose apples contain different bioactive compounds that positively affect our health and well-being. Pregnant women can include rose apple in their diet as it is rich in antioxidants (1). Sometimes, pregnant women can develop multiple fungal and bacterial infections due to poor immunity. In such cases, including rose apples in their diet can reduce infections. In addition, rose apples have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties that reduce back pain complications during pregnancy. It also helps in lowering cholesterol in expecting mothers. So, if you are pregnant and willing to have rose apples, have them regularly.
When Can Pregnant Women Eat Rose Apple?
Rose apples are rich in multiple vitamins and minerals, along with water. Therefore, pregnant women can take rose apples whenever they feel thirsty or dehydrated (2). Many women feel nausea or vomiting throughout their pregnancy journey, and mothers often feel hungry. At that time, they could have rose apples as a snack to keep them hydrated and active. Rose apples eliminate the risk of dehydration, improve digestion, and reduce constipation.
What Is The Goodness Of Rose Apple For Pregnant Women?
We all know that fruits are rich in vitamins and minerals. Rose apples have the same nutritional values. It contains vitamins A and C, calcium(Ca), iron(Fe), protein, and fiber. During pregnancy, vitamins and minerals requirement increases for fetal growth and development. Rose apples can fulfill the demands of excess amounts of vitamins A, C, and iron in pregnancy. On the other hand, the rose apple has jambosine compounds that prevent gestational diabetes. Furthermore, pregnant women with hypertension can take rose apples to maintain their blood pressure level.
Precautions to Take While Having Rose Apples During Pregnancy
Pregnant women should avoid eating rose apple seeds as they contain a trace of cyanide. Here are a few precautions you may need to take while having rose apples during pregnancy
- Ensure to discard their seeds whenever you eat rose apples
- Moderation is the key. Overconsumption of rose apples can cause throat infections, itchy skin, constipation, and coughing.
- Overeating can also cause loss of appetite, bloating, vomiting, and diarrhea in pregnant women.
- It is always better to let your doctor know about your dietary changes during pregnancy.
- Do not hesitate to let your doctor know if you had any food allergies before.
Top 5 Health Benefits of Rose Apples During Pregnancy
The health benefits of rose apples are enormous. However, a few of them are discussed briefly for better understanding
1. Helps in Maintaining Blood Glucose Level
The bioactive compounds in rose apples reduce the blood glucose level. During pregnancy, the metabolism system is affected due to overburden. It can raise the blood glucose level in mothers. Therefore, jambosine in rose apples stabilizes the glucose level in diabetic mothers.
2. Eliminates the Risk of Dehydration
In the first trimester, pregnant women often suffer from vomiting and nausea. It can lead to severe dehydration and interfere with fetal growth and development. The water percentage is high in rose apples and has no specific odor or smell. Thus, mothers can take them to hydrate themselves.
3. Helps in Bone Growth
It has been isolated that a 100-gram rose apple contains 29 mg of Ca. Pregnant women should take rose apples regularly to meet their excess demands during pregnancy. It can replenish their Ca storage for fetal growth and development (3).
4. Provides Immunity
Fruits are immunity boosters. Similarly, rose apples are filled with antioxidants and strengthen the functional activity of white blood cells. Hence, rose apples during pregnancy can eliminate the risk of infections.
5. Improves Digestion
Indigestion and constipation are common complications of pregnancy. Therefore, pregnant women are advised to include high-fiber foods in their diet. Rose apple is a high-fiber fruit that helps in digestion and prevents constipation. It also helps in food digestion due to its high water content.
Side Effects of Rose Apples During Pregnancy
Primary studies are indicating the benefits of rose apples. No research shows the adverse effects of rose apples on the human body. However, avoid eating and seek medical attention if you feel discomfort after having a rose apple. In addition, try to avoid overeating, which may harm dietary patterns.
Having rose apples during pregnancy is a good habit. It has multiple health benefits for the mothers and their fetuses. Weight gain is typical in a healthy pregnancy. Mothers must incorporate rose apples into their diet for healthy weight gain and to avoid indigestion-related issues during pregnancy. Furthermore, your dietary habits must be well-balanced for better health for you and your baby. So, choose wisely and believe in research rather than word of mouth.
FAQ’s
1. Is Rose Apple High in Sugar?
Rose apple is also known as water apple as it contains a lot of water. It is considered a low-calorie fruit with low sugar and carbohydrate content.
2. Can Pregnant Women Have Rose Apple in The Night?
Yes. Pregnant women can have it at night as it’s a watery fruit and keep the pregnant women hydrated throughout the night. It can be used as a healthy snack whenever you feel hungry. However, it’s a low-calorie fruit so you will feel hungry soon.
References:
- Watery Rose Apple: A Comprehensive Review of Its Traditional Uses, Nutritional Value, Phytochemistry, and Therapeutic Merits against Inflammation-Related Disorders – [https://www.hindawi.com/journals/omcl/2022/7502185/]
- Dietary Benefits of Watery Rose Apple – [https://ycmou.ac.in/media/publication/research_paper/MSS_RP_228.pdf]
- Rose apple: A systematic review – [https://www.thepharmajournal.com/archives/2019/vol8issue7/PartL/8-7-104-823.pdf]
