During pregnancy, you may have some weird cravings. All of a sudden your taste buds may want to taste star fruit. But hold on, before you devour yourself to the taste of start fruit, let’s find out whether it’s going to be safe for you to eat star fruit during pregnancy. You will be delighted to know that consuming star fruit, which is popularly known as Carambola, during pregnancy is absolutely safe.
It has a good amount of vitamin A, Vitamin C, and E and is also a rich source of nutrients like potassium, calcium, and phosphorous which are really important during pregnancy. Also, you can get relieved from a cough, fever, hypertension, and headaches by eating star fruit which is a plus point. However, in order to confirm that star fruit is required in your diet, you should check with your physician.
In This Article
- What is a Star Fruit?
- Is Eating Star Fruit Safe During Pregnancy?
- What is the Nutritional Value of Star Fruit?
- What are the Health Benefits of Eating Star Fruit During Pregnancy?
- When are Pregnant Women Not Supposed to Eat Star Fruit?
- How to Select and Store Star Fruit During Pregnancy?
- How to Incorporate Star Fruit in a Pregnancy Diet?
- FAQ’s
What is a Star Fruit?
The species of the tree from which star fruit is obtained is found in places like Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, India, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Nepal. When you cut the fruit across, it resembles a star. The best thing about the star fruit is that the whole fruit can be consumed by cooking, or by preserving or making juice.
Is Eating Star Fruit Safe During Pregnancy?
Many consume star fruit for medicinal purposes. Start fruit treats several diseases. It has a slightly acidic and pungent flavor and is also sweet in taste. It has a high nutritional value that can really reap the benefits for a pregnant woman. However, if a pregnant woman has any kidney-related medical problem, then she should avoid eating star fruit because it can really make the condition worse.
What is the Nutritional Value of Star Fruit?
Star fruit is rich in nutrients and can be really beneficial for a mom-to-be. After eating 100 grams of star fruit, you will get:
- 6.7 grams of carbohydrate which will supply you the instant energy you require
- 2.08 grams of dietary fiber, which will enhance your digestive system
- 1.04 grams of protein, which is essential to prevent your muscle loss.
It also contains a good amount of Vitamin C which is around 34.4 mg out of 100 grams, Vitamin E- 0.15 mg out of 100 grams, and Calcium- 3mg out of 100 grams.
What are the Health Benefits of Eating Star Fruit During Pregnancy?
There are numerous benefits of eating star fruit during the pregnancy period. Let’s have a look at them.
1. Boosts Immunity
Star fruit is one of those fruits that prepare your body to fight against harmful bacteria and viruses. By preventing the production of the free radicals in your body, star fruit increases the immunity level of your body.
2. Regulates Blood Pressure
Star fruit is a rich source of potassium which helps you to lower your blood pressure level during pregnancy. It also reduces hypertension because of which strokes mainly happen.
3. Excellent For Eye Health
Vitamin A plays a massive role in keeping your eyes healthy. Star fruit is a rich and excellent source of vitamin A which protects your eyes.
4. Prevents UTI
Star fruit has the ability to act as a diuretic, which ensures smooth functioning of the urinary tract. So, it will prevent any urinary tract infection from happening. To double its benefits, just add a little bit of honey to your star fruit juice.
[Read: Urinary Tract Infection During Pregnancy]
5. Brings Down the Cholesterol Level
Starfruit has a great impact on lowering your cholesterol level. It also plays a key in preventing diseases caused by high cholesterol.
6. Alleviate Digestive Issues
Star fruit is a rich source of dietary fiber, which is essential for your digestive system to work well. So, consuming it can bring relief to those who are facing constipation. If you are looking to consume star fruit to treat digestive problems, then you should consult your doctor first.
[Read: Pregnancy and Constipation]
7. Alleviate Pregnancy Stress
Star fruits help to regulate the hormones that provide relief from pregnancy stress. They also reduce cramps in pregnant women.
8. Promotes Healthy Fetal Development
Star fruits are a rich source of nutrients. These nutrients are essential for your baby’s healthy development.
9. Prevents Cancer
Due to its richness of antioxidants, star fruit prevents the development of cancer cells in any pregnant woman’s body.
10. Combats Infections
Star fruit juice consumption can prevent viral infections, mouth infections, and influenza. It also boosts your stamina and energy.
When are Pregnant Women Not Supposed to Eat Star Fruit?
Various studies have shown that eating star fruit could have an adverse effect on your kidney. So, if you are suffering from kidney disorders, then you should avoid star fruit. Also, if you have any neurological disease, then you should abstain from consuming star fruit. Thus, before adding star fruit to your diet, you should consult with your doctor.
How to Select and Store Starfruit During Pregnancy?
Properly storing and selecting good star fruits is very important to reap all its health benefits during pregnancy. Read on to know how to select and store star-fruits during pregnancy.
1. Select
Choose firm star fruit which appears bright yellow with tinges of light green. Even if they have some dark brown along the five ridges, never mind. It is quite normal. It is also fine to buy star fruit when it’s green and leave it on your counter for a few days. However, avoid buying over-ripe star fruit. Once the star fruit turns entirely yellow and if brown spots appear all over the fruit, the fruit is overly ripe.
2. Store
Star fruit can be kept at room temperature for a couple of days (until you can smell its aroma). However, you can store it in the refrigerator for a week.
How to Incorporate Star Fruit in Pregnancy Diet?
Star fruit can be consumed raw or if you want to prepare fruit salad using it, then it can be a great idea. Also, there are dishes such as Carambola Pie that you can prepare by using it. Moreover, you can make its juice if you like to drink fruit juice. So, there are multiple ways you can incorporate it into your pregnancy diet.
FAQ’s
1. Can Eating Star Fruit be Beneficial During Pregnancy?
It is high in antioxidants. Pregnant women have low immunity. Star fruit can help improve it.
2. Can Eating Star Fruit During Pregnancy Harm my Baby?
Yes, it can. It is rich in many nutrients. This can be passed on to your baby too.
3. Can Eating Star Fruit During Pregnancy Cause Acidity?
Star fruit is acidic in nature. Do not over consume. If you are unable to digest it, then take a break or avoid it.
4. Is Star Fruit Good for UTIs During Pregnancy?
Star fruit can help fight many infections. This includes UTIs. It can boost your immunity.
Conclusion:
Star fruit is one of those popular fruits on a pregnant woman’s craving list. It has a bit of tangy flavor and if you want to avoid that then you can mix it up with other fruits. Star fruit provides multiple nutritional benefits, making it one of the best fruit choices for a pregnant woman. However, before you include it in your diet, make sure to consult with your doctor.
