Can breastfeeding mothers eat jackfruit ? This is a question new mothers are curious about, as they are jackfruit lovers who enjoy eating it all the time. In reality, is it really possible to eat jackfruit? And will the distinctive smell of jackfruit stick to the baby? Let’s find out.
Many fruits are rich in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins A, C, E, and potassium, which help create new cells and nourish the mother’s body. Fiber helps with the digestive system. Choosing healthy fruits will help mothers stay healthy and produce enough milk for their babies. Before we get into jackfruit, let’s first look at some of the fruits that breastfeeding mothers often ask: can they eat it? Will it have any negative effects on the baby?
- Can breastfeeding mothers eat guava?
- Can breastfeeding babies eat oranges?
- Can breastfeeding babies eat grapes?
- Can breastfeeding babies eat longans?
- Can breastfeeding babies eat mangosteen?
- Can breastfeeding babies eat durian?
- Can breastfeeding babies eat watermelon?
- Can breastfeeding babies eat bananas?
Why do people like to eat jackfruit?
Jackfruit is a strange-looking fruit that grows in the tropics, or subtropical regions. It originated in southern India. Jackfruit belongs to the Moraceae family, which also includes figs, mulberries, and breadfruit. Jackfruit has a light brown-green shell with smooth, spiky bumps. It is also the largest perennial fruit in the world, weighing approximately 35 kilograms. Jackfruit has a sweet taste, and many people who try it for the first time say that its sweetness is similar to other fruits such as apples, pineapples, mangoes, and bananas. Vegetarians often choose to eat jackfruit instead of meat because its texture allows you to feel the shredded flesh. Jackfruit is not only enjoyed in tropical countries, but Americans also enjoy it, both ripe and unripe, in both savory and sweet dishes. Even the jackfruit seeds are popular to eat.
Nutritional value of jackfruit
Jackfruit has a nutritional value that is different from other fruits. 165 grams of jackfruit contains more than 3 grams of protein compared to close friends like apples or mangoes. It provides the body with about 155 kilocalories of energy, of which 92 percent comes from carbohydrates and the other 8 percent comes from protein and a small amount of fat. In addition, jackfruit also contains other vitamins and minerals as follows:
- Carbohydrates: 40 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Protein: 3 grams
- Vitamin A: 10% of the RDI
- Vitamin C : 18% of the RDI
- Riboflavin: 11% of the RDI
- Magnesium: 15% of the RDI
- Potassium: 14% of the RDI
- Copper : 15% of the RDI
- Manganese: 16% of the RDI
(RDI: Recommended Daily Intakes is the recommended amount of nutrients to consume per day.)
Jackfruit is rich in nutritional value, containing vitamins and minerals. (Photo by topntp26 from freepik.com)
What are the benefits of eating jackfruit during pregnancy?
Breastfeeding mothers don’t need to worry too much about their food choices, but they should still choose what they eat. Eating the right foods while breastfeeding will ensure that babies receive complete nutrition. Breast milk, given to babies, contains a blend of nutrients extracted from all types of food the mother consumes. Therefore, it’s important for mothers to be aware of the benefits and nutritional value they’ll receive before consuming any food. Jackfruit has the following benefits:
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- It is a source of fiber and carbohydrates, so eating it will help improve the efficiency of the digestive system and help reduce constipation problems for both mother and baby.
- It helps to provide energy and repair damaged cells in the body. Jackfruit pulp is made up of sucrose and fructose.
- Jackfruit is a great snack . Jackfruit is a high-energy fruit, making it a great snack because it is low in sodium, which prevents water retention from excessive sodium intake.
- Excess water elimination: Consuming jackfruit in the right amount helps your body to expel excess water. This is because excess water in the body can cause water retention and hinder the quality and quantity of breast milk production.
- There are many vitamins that help with vision and also act as antioxidants. Vitamin C, in particular, helps strengthen the body’s immune system and protects against germs and viruses that can damage the immune system.
- It contains phytonutrients, a group of nutrients found in different colored fruits and vegetables, which can help reduce the deterioration of cells in your mother’s body.
- It helps treat anemia because jackfruit is rich in vitamin A which helps in the efficient functioning of blood vessels and is rich in iron, making it suitable for mothers with anemia.
Is it true that breastfeeding mothers can eat jackfruit?
Is it true that breastfeeding mothers can eat jackfruit?
Concerns about consuming jackfruit while breastfeeding are common, especially for mothers living in tropical climates or in South India, as it is a local fruit. And of course, if you’re asking about eating jackfruit while breastfeeding, the answer is “yes, you can eat jackfruit while breastfeeding”, as it will not harm the baby. A word of caution, though, is that jackfruit can alter the taste of breast milk. However, this may cause only minor side effects. There’s no need to stop consuming jackfruit while breastfeeding, as it is highly nutritious for infants when consumed in the right amounts. It’s also an excellent source of energy.
Are there any side effects of jackfruit while breastfeeding?
You can eat jackfruit in any form you like, just like you would if you were not pregnant or breastfeeding. You can eat it in any form, whether it’s cooked, raw, processed, or even cooked. However, nursing mothers should be cautious about the side effects before consuming it, as detailed below.
- Consumption of jackfruit can lead to blood clotting in mothers who already have blood disorders.
- The taste of milk that has changed due to the mother’s eating of jackfruit may not be acceptable or the children may not like it , causing them to not drink milk.
- It may result in stomach abnormalities in infants who are breastfed by mothers who eat jackfruit.
- For mothers with a history of pollen allergies, it is not recommended to eat jackfruit as it may cause problems or be a cause of a recurrence of allergic symptoms.
Are there any side effects of jackfruit while breastfeeding?
Precautions when eating jackfruit while breastfeeding
Jackfruit doesn’t cause any serious side effects for either mother or baby, with only minor side effects. However, it’s best to consume it in moderation while breastfeeding, as the nutrients in jackfruit are passed through your breast milk. It can cause heartburn, gas, or a lot of stomach gas. So, if you realize you may have overeaten, drink some water to compensate and dilute the nutrients. If you’re concerned about this, consult your doctor to ease your concerns.
Although eating jackfruit is beneficial for both mother and fetus, mothers should choose the right amount and avoid overeating, as this can have side effects on the baby. However, mothers should choose a complete diet consisting of all five food groups for the good health of themselves and their babies.
Republished with permission from theAsianParent Thailand
