Dragon fruit, also known as pitaya, is a tasty tropical fruit that originated in South and Central America and Mexico and is available year-round in other countries. It comes in red and yellow-skinned varieties with light green scales, edible black seeds and a sweet, crunchy flesh. Dragon fruit has acquired a lot of popularity as it provides essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. But a common question being asked is “Is dragon fruit good for pregnancy?”. Studies say it is considered a food due to its antioxidant and anti-proliferative properties. Let’s dive into the many benefits of this fruit for mothers-to-be.
What is Dragon Fruit?
Dragon Fruit is a native of South America and Mexico. However, today it is available in most of the countries, including India. It is also popularly known as pitaya in some countries. Its outer covering is filled with scales, and it has black seeds inside. Known for a combination of sweet and tangy taste, dragon fruit’s internal texture is somewhat similar to the kiwi fruit. It is considered to be quite beneficial for pregnant women.
Dragon Fruit Nutrition Facts
Are you apprehensive about consuming dragon fruits when you are pregnant? The following section, which contains the nutrients in this fruit, will put your fears to rest. Dragon fruits are loaded with essential nutrients such as:
1. Carbohydrates – Helps to keep pregnant women energetic for a long time
2. Calcium – Helps in the bone development of the foetus
3. Iron and potassium – To improve the overall immune system
4. Folic Acid – For the overall development of the nervous system of the foetus
5. Lycopene – helps improve the overall health of pregnant women and reduces their risk of cancer
6. Vitamin C, beta carotene and fibre – Help improve the immune system, digestive system and overall health of pregnant women.
Is it Okay to Have Dragon Fruit During Pregnancy?
As a mom-to-be, it's of utmost importance to nourish your body with nutrient-rich foods and focus on your well-being and health. Here are the benefits of dragon fruit during pregnancy:
Dragon fruit contains a decent amount of several nutrients, which makes it a healthy option to include in your pregnancy diet. One serving 100 gm of dragon fruit contains:
Calories: 57
Protein: 0.36 grams
Fat: 0.14 grams
Carbs: 15 grams
Fiber: 3 grams
Vitamin C: 5% of the DV
Iron: 1% of the DV
Magnesium: 2% of the DV
A pregnant woman needs healthy fats to maintain high energy levels in the body for the functioning of different metabolic processes. Dragon fruit, being rich in fat including omega-3 fatty acid and omega-9 fatty acid and high in calorie content, aids in developing the foetal brain.
Dragon fruit is also a good source of dietary fibre and acts as a prebiotic which promotes healthy digestion, helps feed the good bacteria in your gut and promotes foetal growth and development.
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Increases haemoglobin (hb) levels
Dragon fruit being rich in iron content, can increase haemoglobin levels in the blood helps women to deal with iron deficiency or anaemia during the pregnancy
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Rich in calcium, magnesium and antioxidant
The calcium present in the dragon fruit helps to promote the growth of bones of a foetus. Magnesium present in dragon fruit helps to breakdown food into energy, muscle contraction, bone formation and even the creation of DNA. Dragon fruit, being rich in antioxidants like flavonoids, phenolic acid and betacyanin, protects the pregnant women’s body cells from damage by free radicals that can lead to chronic diseases like cancer.