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MANGO! ALPHONSO! HAPUS! & Pregnancy


Doc can I eat mangoes ? Doc I can’t eat Mango ?

The Mango season is here and all my pregnant mums want to know whether they can eat it . They lure me by saying “ we will eat #Hapus madam “. The husbands and the mothers of the mums-to-be want to be sure about the safety of this divine fruit the so called king of the fruit . I decided to bring forth this easy reckoner for all to read and feel comfortable and confident about mangoes .


Mangoes ( #Hapus and all ) both the ripe one and the raw one have been believed to cause heat and therefore adverse effects on the pregnancy . Anything from miscarriages , to preterm delivery and diabetes and obesity is blamed on this mango ( #Hapus and all ) .so let us look at this issue a little more in-details


Can I eat mango in my first trimester ?

Yes you can .Mango has a lovely tangy and sweet taste.Helps against pregnancy nausea and vomiting and helps in overcoming the hypoglycaemia ( reduced sugar levels in the blood ) . It acts as an appetiser and is rich in vitamin C and A ,many micronutrients such as folic acid and magnesium . All these make it a good source of valuable ingredients necessary to correct anaemia and during the process of organogenesis ( the process of formation of the embryo and organs ) and placentation ( formation of the placenta which is the foundation of a successful pregnancy ) .The fibre content of the mango ensures good digestion and clean bowel and conditions like constipation can be overcome .


Is the raw mango safe during pregnancy ?

Raw mango can be eaten in moderation and acts as an excellent taste booster and an appetiser. It is an excellent source of fibre and vitamin C. It is a good practice to combine a raw mango with lot of turmeric which can act as an Insulin sensitiser and anti-inflammatory agent that helps in boosting immunity. The raw mango pulp along with jaggery flavoured with cardamom is a drink which can help in hydration, correct electrolyte imbalance, boost energy and give a good source of Iron which is well absorbed due to the large quantity of vitamin C.


How much mango (Hapus) can I have in a day during pregnancy?

On a daily basis one can consume upto 200 gm safely. This can be taken as a pulp or as smoothies mixed with milk or curd or yogurt or along with other cut fruits. One should avoid adding sugar to the mango as it already has adequate sugar content. A fresh cut mango appropriately peeled is the right way of taking mango.


Are there any precautions while taking mango?

The mango should be naturally ripened as artificially ripened mango can contain chemicals which can be harmful to the pregnant mother and the baby. The mango has to be thoroughly washed and cleaned off dust and sticky gum before consuming. Cut the mango and only take the pulpy part, Don’t eat the mango of the peel. The covering of the mango may contain chemicals, pollutants and the gum which can cause skin rashes. Do not eat mango which has been kept uncovered and has been cut for a long time. Likewise about the pulp which should be freshly made. Do not eat a mango which is overdone or which has gone down as it can cause gut infection or diarrhoea.


Is mango contraindicated in mothers with diabetes?

Mango is identified to have a very high content of sugar, but the fibres content and rich vitamins balance this and make it an effective source of nutrition. Additionally, the sugar is a fructose sugar. And it is better to take the quantity in moderation. While eating mango in mothers with diabetes, the caloric content should be carefully accounted for.

Is it safe to eat mangoes during 3rd trimester?

There is no contraindication for moderate consumption of clean, healthy mangoes any time during pregnancy.


What are the advantages of mango in pregnancy?

  1. Mangoes are the healthy way of satisfying your sweet cravings during pregnancy, definitely better than Ice-creams or pastries.

  2. Ripe as well as raw mango are a good remedy for morning sickness.

  3. Mango acts as an appetiser and helps in proper bowel movements.

  4. Mangoes being rich source of Vitamin B6, acts as a brain tonic.

  5. High content of beta carotene helps to improve skin and hair texture and boost immunity by its anti-oxidant property.

  6. It is an excellent source of instant energy and wonderful cure of pregnancy fatigue.

  7. Mangoes are rich source of Iron, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin C, vitamin A and vitamin E thus helping to combat anaemia and ensure healthy functioning.

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