Can Jackfruit Be Eaten During Pregnancy? Benefits, Risks & Expert Advice

Jackfruit, often called a "superfood" is a popular tropical fruit in South Asia. Due to its impressive nutritional profile, it is known to offer several health benefits. However, if you are pregnant and looking to include it in your diet, it's crucial to know if it is the right fit into your everyday diet routine. So, "Can jackfruit be eaten during pregnancy?"

Let’s explore its benefits, risks, and expert recommendations to help you make an informed choice.

Can Jackfruit Be Eaten During Pregnancy? 

Yes, jackfruit is generally safe to eat during pregnancy when consumed in moderation. There is no scientific evidence that claims the negative effects of jackfruit on pregnant women or their babies. So, most medical professionals generally consider it safe to add to your balanced diet during pregnancy. However, if you have certain health conditions like gestational diabetes, allergies, or kidney issues, consult your gynecologist before adding it to your diet.

A moderate amount of jackfruit is safe, but excessive consumption may cause digestive issues or blood sugar spikes.

Recommended Serving Size: 

• 150 grams (as a meat substitute)

• 75 grams (if diabetic)

Precautions When Eating Jackfruit During Pregnancy

Consider these precautions while eating jackfruit during pregnancy to avoid potential risks:

• Eat in moderation: As jackfruit is highly abundant in calories and sugars, overconsumption can cause a spike in blood sugar levels or weight gain.

• Avoid unripe jackfruit: Unripe jackfruit is fiber-rich and may cause digestive discomfort.

• Cook the Seeds Before Eating: Raw seeds are hard to digest; always boil or roast them before consumption.

• Check for allergies: If you're allergic to birch pollen or latex, you might also react to jackfruit. Start with a small portion.

• Limit If You Have Gestational Diabetes: If you have gestational diabetes (increased blood sugar levels during pregnancy), avoid it completely as the natural sugar present in Jackfruit can further raise blood sugar levels.

• Avoid in case of kidney issues: If you are living with chronic kidney disease, excessive consumption of jackfruit can lead to hyperkalemia (increased potassium levels in the blood). This happens as this fruit is already highly rich in potassium. 

• Avoid If You Have Diarrhea: If you are dealing with diarrhea, do not eat it as it can worsen the condition due to being highly abundant in fiber.

Note: Always consult your gynecologist before making dietary changes, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions.

Benefits of Jackfruit During Pregnancy

Jackfruit is a nutrient-dense superfood that offers multiple benefits for expecting mothers:

• Improves Digestion: Being highly rich in fiber, jackfruit can prevent common pregnancy discomforts such as bloating and constipation.

• Strengthens Immunity: The vitamin C content in it helps boost the immune system, thus fighting off infections during pregnancy.

• Promotes Healthy Skin: The abundance of Vitamin A in it aids in preventing acne and other skin issues.

• Regulates Blood Pressure: The potassium in it maintains blood pressure, which is vital for fetal as well as maternal health.

• Supports Iron Absorption: Iron and folate in jackfruit aid in red blood cell production, preventing iron deficiency anemia.

• Supports Fetal Brain Development: Folate and iron contribute to the baby’s nervous system and brain development. 

• Boosts Energy Levels: Natural sugars in jackfruit provide quick energy, combating pregnancy fatigue.

Nutritional Value of Jackfruit (Per 100g)

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in 100 grams of raw jackfruit, you get:

Did You Know? Jackfruit is one of the richest plant-based sources of vitamin B6, essential for a baby’s brain development!

Can Pregnant Women Consume Jackfruit In All Trimesters?

Yes, pregnant women can eat jackfruit throughout all trimesters, provided it is consumed in moderation. Here’s how it benefits you in each stage:

First Trimester:

• Boosts immunity 

• Reduces nausea 

• Promotes baby's neural tube development

Second Trimester:

• Prevents constipation 

• Supports healthy skin

• Boosts energy levels 

Third Trimester:

• Prevents anemia 

• Promotes hydration 

• Regulates blood pressure levels 

Does Jackfruit Affect Hormonal Levels?

No scientific studies confirm that jackfruit affects hormonal levels during pregnancy. However, the better idea is to avoid taking risks. So, if you are pregnant and are struggling with or have a history of hormonal imbalances or issues associated with it, it is very important to seek medical advice before adding jackfruit to your diet. 

How To Choose And Store Jackfruit?

Here is a quick guideline on how to choose and store jackfruit for safe usage:

Choosing the Best Jackfruit:

• In the case of raw jackfruit, choose the one with hard green thorny projections and intact skin.

• If you want to eat ripe jackfruit, select fresh, heavy, and yellowish ones which also contain soft thorny projections.

• Avoid infected and lightweight jack fruits that have bruises, spots, and wrinkles on them as they can be contaminated and unhealthy.

Storage Tips:

• Keep at room temperature for up to 5 days.

• Refrigerate for up to 6 weeks for long-term storage.

You can use fresh, good-quality jackfruit in different ways.

Healthy & Safe Ways to Eat Jackfruit During Pregnancy

Here are pregnancy-friendly ways to enjoy jackfruit:

• Fresh Jackfruit: Eat a ripe, sweet-tasting flesh of jackfruit as a refreshing snack.

• Jackfruit Smoothies: Blend fresh fruit with milk, yogurt, or your favorite fruits to prepare a nutritious and delicious smoothie.

• Jackfruit Chips: Have baked or air-fried chips of jackfruit as a crunchy and healthy snack.

• Jackfruit Curry: Cook unripe jackfruit in your tasty curries as the best substitute for meat.

• Jackfruit Salad: Mix jackfruit with other vegetables or fruits to make a refreshing and vibrant salad.

• Jackfruit in Desserts: Use ripe jackfruit in puddings, ice creams, or cakes for a natural sweetness boost.

• Jackfruit Seeds: Roast or boil the jackfruit seeds and mix some seasonings, or prepare a hummus.

Remember to consume jackfruit in any form in moderation for the best results! 

Pregnancy-Friendly Jackfruit Recipes To Try

Try these jackfruit recipes using ingredients at home during pregnancy:

1. Jackfruit Chips

Ingredients:

• Raw jackfruit

• 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric

• Salt

• Vegetable oil (for deep frying)

Direction:

1. Mix turmeric, water, and salt in one bowl.

2. Cut the jackfruit into slices and lay them on a cloth until its moisture fades away.

3. Heat vegetable oil in a wok.

4. Add the slices to a wok and fry them till they don't turn golden brown.

5. Drain the extra oil and sprinkle some salt.

6. Toss them well and enjoy or store them in an airtight container.

2. Jackfruit Curry

Ingredients:

• 1/2 raw jackfruit

• ¼ teaspoon of turmeric

• 3 teaspoons of coconut grate

• 1 ½ tablespoons of coriander seeds

• 2 garlic cloves and red chilies

• 1 teaspoon of pepper, cumin seeds, and mustard seeds

• 1 teaspoon of urad dal

• 1 sprig of curry leaves

• Oil

• 1 onion

• Salt

Directions:

1. Cut a jackfruit into small pieces, soak them in a bowl of buttermilk or rice water for about 10-15 minutes, then take excess water.

2. Boil some water and then jackfruit pieces, salt, and turmeric. Cook until they turn soft.

3. Now blend garlic cloves, red chilies, coriander seeds, coconut grates, pepper, and cumin seeds to prepare a paste.

4. Heat a wok with oil in it, and then add mustard seeds, onions, curry leaves, and urad dal (black gram). Fry until the onions become soft.

5. Add paste and softly-cooked jackfruit and again let them fry on a medium flame, and then sprinkle some salt.

6. Cook the curry for 15 minutes and have it with rice or chapattis. 

3. Mango & Jackfruit Smoothie

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of chopped mango

• 1 cup of chopped jackfruit

• Milk to maintain consistency

• Honey

Directions:

1. Blend jackfruit and mango in the blender to prepare a smooth paste.

2. Add milk and honey to it to set a consistency.

3. Pour the smoothie into the glasses, add mango chunks as a topping, and enjoy.

Debunking Common Myths About Jackfruit and Pregnancy

These are some myths about jackfruit use during pregnancy, but they are not backed by science:

Final Thoughts

So, can jackfruit be eaten during pregnancy? Yes! When consumed in moderation, it provides essential nutrients, supports digestion, boosts immunity, and prevents anemia. However, if you have gestational diabetes, allergies, or kidney issues, consult your doctor before adding jackfruit to your pregnancy diet.