Mango, the king of fruits, is not just favoured around the world for its taste, but also for the numerous health benefits it offers – especially to an expecting mother. Raw mango contains more vitamin C than a ripe mango, besides being rich in vitamins A, B6, E, and K. It is also high in dietary fiber, calcium, potassium and copper. What this means for an expecting mother is that she can win the battle against morning sickness, heartburn and nausea – if armed with a raw mango.
Raw mangoes are packed with pectin, making them effective against a host of gastro-intestinal problems like diarrhoea, piles, dyspepsia, indigestion and constipation. Niacin, a form of B vitamin in raw mango makes them excellent for heart health of a mother. It helps regulate cholesterol levels, improves blood circulation and shields against cardiovascular diseases. It also helps prevent anaemia. The folic acid in raw mango aids in the development of the nervous system of the foetus. Vitamin C helps lower the risk of pre-term labour. Vitamin A aids in the formation of teeth and bones of the baby as well as nourishes the eyes. Magnesium regulates blood pressure and prevents preeclampsia.
And the best part, raw mango has a significantly low glycemic index as compared to other tropical fruits like pineapple or papaya. It also has fewer calories than ripe mangoes. So you can enjoy this heartthrob fruit with minimal impact on your blood sugar levels. A raw mango a day can definitely keep gestational diabetes at bay.
But limit your consumption of raw mango to 1 per day day as excess consumption can cause diarrhoea. Make sure you consult your doctor to know which fruits are recommended during pregnancy.
