What are the benefits and risks for eating bitter melon for my baby?

Pare is often a side dish for dumplings or stir-fried vegetables for eating rice. If you have been craving bitter melon recently, maybe you are wondering whether to eat bitter melon while pregnant? Now to know the answer, read on this article, yes!

What are the nutritional content in bitter melon?

This green, serrated fruit, which tastes bitter, is commonly used as a constipation medicine in several Asian and African countries. How about the nutrition?

Reporting from Mom Junction, bitter melon is a high-carbohydrate fruit that is low in calories and low in fat. In addition, bitter melon is enriched with fiber, folic acid, riboflavin, vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, iron, zinc, copper and manganese which can help meet your nutritional needs during pregnancy.

What are the benefits of eating bitter melon during pregnancy?

There are several benefits of eating bitter melon during pregnancy, namely:

1. Supports fetal development

Pare fruit contains high levels of folic acid which is needed to maintain a healthy pregnancy. Folic acid supports the development of the nerves of the brain and spine and nerves of the fetus during pregnancy, as well as reducing the risk of birth defects. In addition, bitter melon also contains pantothenic acid, magnesium, and other nutrients that are important for fetal development.

2. Overcoming digestive problems during pregnancy

Stomach upset, constipation, and acid reflux are some of the common digestive problems experienced by pregnant women. These various conditions can be triggered by changes in the body's hormones during pregnancy. Eating fiber during pregnancy can help you overcome these problems because bitter melon is high in fiber.

3. Prevent gestational diabetes

Some pregnant women have a higher risk of developing gestational diabetes. Pregnancy hormones can prevent insulin from metabolizing into energy, causing blood sugar to rise.

Pare contains quite a lot of antidiabetic agents such as charantin and polypeptide-P which function to balance blood sugar levels

4. Strengthens the immune system

During pregnancy, your immune system weakens, making you more susceptible to disease attacks. Pare contains lots of antioxidants and vitamin C which can increase stamina.

5. Controlling weight gain

The insoluble fiber in bitter melon keeps you full longer so it can prevent unhealthy snacking cravings. In the end, eating bitter melon during pregnancy can help you control your weight and stay healthy to support the baby's growth and development.

Side effects of eating bitter melon during pregnancy

Pare is a high-nutrient food that is safe to eat during pregnancy. However, before consuming bitter melon during pregnancy, you should first consult with your doctor.

There are several reasons why it is not recommended that you eat too much bitter melon while pregnant. Excessive consumption of bitter melon can cause diarrhea, flatulence, and stomach cramps. In addition, several studies have shown that consuming too much bitter melon can cause problems with the uterus, which in turn can increase the risk of preterm labor.

In addition, bitter melon seeds contain vicine which can trigger favism, an anemic condition characterized by fever, headache, stomach ache, and coma.

Pare is also traditionally used for abortion. That is why you should consult your doctor before eating it. If the doctor gives you the green light, then then you can enjoy eating bitter melon while pregnant to reap the benefits.

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