Jackfruit During Pregnancy: 8 Benefits And 4 Side Effects

Image: Midjourney/ MomJunction Design Team

Jackfruit, a tropical fruit native to South Asia, is renowned for its unique taste, texture, and rich nutritional profile. The versatile fruit can be eaten raw or cooked and used to make tasty snacks, such as pumpkin bread, to fight hunger pangs. But is it safe to eat jackfruit during pregnancy? Most gynecologists advise pregnant women to eat almost all fruits, including jackfruit, in moderate amounts when pregnant.

However, several mothers hesitate to include this nutritious fruit in their pregnancy diet due to several myths surrounding jackfruit’s safety for pregnant women. Keep reading as we tell you more about the safety of jackfruit for expecting mothers, its health benefits, possible side effects, and ways you can safely consume jackfruit during pregnancy.

Is It Safe To Eat Jackfruit During Pregnancy?

Yes, it is safe to eat jackfruit during pregnancy as long as you consume it in moderate quantities. The fruit is rich in vitamin B6 and other nutrients, including potassium. Furthermore, jackfruit contains easily digestible, antioxidant-rich flesh called bulbs, making it a valuable part of pregnancy nutrition and one of the best fruits to eat during pregnancy.

Infographic: Jackfruit Recipes To Try During Pregnancy

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Trista Best

, a registered dietician at Whitfield County Health Department in Georgia, says, “Jackfruit may produce more than normal heat in the body, and it may be harmful for the fetus.” Therefore, do not overeat the fruit.

Is Jackfruit Safe During Early Pregnancy?

Yes, you can have jackfruit during early pregnancy, but moderately.

What Are The Benefits Of Eating Jackfruit During Pregnancy?

The significant benefits of jackfruit in pregnancy are as follows:

1. Vitamins

Jackfruit is a rich source of vitamins A, B, and C that help in strengthening the immune system. It, therefore, lowers the risk of common infections (1).

2. Dietary fiber

Constipation is common during pregnancy. Jackfruit contains high dietary fiber which helps relieve digestion and reduce constipation (2). It also enables you to meet the recommended daily allowance of fiber.

Lark Begin, a nutrition specialist in Toronto, adds, “High fiber content of jackfruit can also help keep the uterus healthy and functioning.”

3. Potassium

An excellent source of potassium, this fruit helps lower blood pressure, reducing the risk of cardiac diseases and helping maintain proper maternal health (3).

5. Folate

Excellent levels of folate and iron in this fruit help in normalizing the hemoglobinⁱA protein in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen to the tissues of the body levels and prevent anemiaⁱA condition where the body lacks red blood cells for oxygen transport to body tissues (2).

6. Magnesium

The magnesium content in the fruit promotes bone health in both the mother and the fetus. It improves bone strength and lowers the risk of osteoporosisⁱA condition in which where bones weaken and become brittle due to aging and lack of calcium in the diet, leading to a higher risk of fractures  (4).

7. Natural sugars

Jackfruit has natural sugars (fructose and sucrose) that boost your energy and might help satiate your pregnancy cravings (1).

8. Aids fetal development

Vitamin A also plays a vital role in the development of fetal eyesight and cells .

Kelsey Moore, a registered dietitian based in Vancouver, Canada, says, “In westernized foods, jackfruit is often used in plant-based meals to replace the protein portion of the meal, however, it is not considered a good source of protein. Adequate protein for the mother is vital for the growth and development of an unborn baby, so ensure you are consuming a source of protein at every meal.”

Read on to learn about the nutritional values of this fruit.

Trivia

Jackfruit contains more protein than most other fruits (7).

How Do Jackfruit Seeds Benefit During Pregnancy?

While the pulp is packed with nutrition, jackfruit seeds also contain essential nutrients. The seeds have good nutritional value, containing notable nutrients such as vitamin A, calcium, and phosphorus (5). Furthermore, the seeds have prebiotics that aid in maintaining intestinal microbial balance (6).

Jackfruit seeds can be eaten boiled like peanuts and chestnuts or ground and blended with wheat flour to produce baking flour. You can also make a spread out of it by mashing up cooked jackfruit seeds and mixing them with chili, onion, garlic, and grated coconut. You may also add a dash of lemon juice and salt for added taste.

Nutritional Facts Of Jackfruit

100g of raw jackfruit contains (7):

g=grams; mg=milligrams; mcg=micrograms

While eating a reasonable amount of jackfruit is good for you, overindulging in this nutrient-dense food might be bad.

Possible Side Effects Of Eating Jackfruit During Pregnancy

There are some potential risks of eating jackfruit when you are pregnant.

1. Can cause allergies

If you have never eaten jackfruit, pregnancy is not the time to experiment with it because you do not know if you are allergic to it (8).

“Because the expecting mother’s immune system is suppressed during pregnancy, it is possible to experience new allergies or sensitivities. An expectant mom with a known latex allergy needs to avoid jackfruit because there is a link between these two allergies,” adds Trista Best.

2. Leads to tummy upset

Overconsumption of jackfruit can lead to indigestion and diarrhea since it has high fiber content.

3. Coagulates blood

If you have any blood disorders, then avoid it during pregnancy as it can increase blood coagulation.

4. Raises blood sugar levels

Due to its high natural sugar levels, jackfruit may affect blood sugar levels. Therefore, you should exercise caution if you have gestational diabetes.

It’s important to talk to your healthcare provider before making dietary modifications during pregnancy, especially with foods like jackfruit that can have varying effects based on individual health conditions.

Some women even worry that jackfruit consumption may affect their pregnancy and avoid it altogether. There is no need for it.

Does Jackfruit Cause A Miscarriage?

Jackfruit is not likely to cause a miscarriage unless taken in excess amounts. There is no scientific backing for this.

Excess consumption of the fruit may be bad, but there are not many serious risks of eating jackfruit when you are pregnant, which makes it safe.

Other Myths About Jackfruit During Pregnancy

Some traditional beliefs have led to misconceptions about eating jackfruit during pregnancy (9):

• In some cultures, foods with a sticky texture, such as tender jackfruit, are avoided during pregnancy. The belief is that these foods might interfere with clearing the vernix (the waxy coating) from the newborn’s body.
• Another unfounded myth suggests that eating jackfruit could lead to fetal abnormalities.
• Some also hold the traditional belief that the sticky sap from jackfruit could accumulate in a pregnant woman’s womb, potentially making childbirth more difficult.

It’s important to note that these are all myths without scientific backing. Modern medical knowledge does not support these claims. Next, we tell you about selecting the right fruit that is healthy for you and the baby.

How To Select And Store Jackfruit?

• If you want a raw fruit, select the ones that are green and hard with hard, thorny projections and with the skin intact.

• If you like ripe fruit, select fresh, yellowish and heavy fruits with soft thorny projections.

• Avoid lightweight and infected fruits that can be identified with their spots, wrinkles or bruises.

Once you have the perfect fruit, you can consume it in different ways: either eat the ripened fruit or make a dish of your choice with the raw fruit.

Quick tip

Fresh jackfruit may be stored at room temperature for up to five days or may be refrigerated for up to six weeks (10).

Ways To Consume Jackfruit During Pregnancy

Before you eat the fruit, you should master the technique of cutting it open.

Jackfruit gives out a sticky sap; therefore you should oil your hands, the work surface or cutting board and the blade of the knife with which you are cutting the fruit. Once you slice it in half, remove the yellow fruit pods along the skin and core. Remove the seeds, and you will have the sweet-tasting flesh that you can eat.

Image: IStock

• Jackfruit’s flesh can be consumed plain when sweet. It can be chopped and added to yogurt, oatmeal, smoothies, or even sprinkled over ice-cream.

• Raw/ unripe fruit tastes great in savory dishes such as wraps, salads, tacos, and carnitas.

• Raw fruit can be incorporated into soups or curries as well.

• You can also make jackfruit chips, which make a great snack during pregnancy.
• Jackfruit seeds are also edible. You can boil or roast them, and mix with seasonings, or use them to prepare hummus.

Did you know?

Jackfruit, especially unripe, can be used as a meat substitute in various recipes (10).

1. Jackfruit curry

Image: Shutterstock

You will need:

• ½ raw jackfruit (tender variety)
• 1 onion
• ¼tsp turmeric
• Salt as required
• 3tbsp coconut grate
• 1 ½tbsp coriander seeds
• 1tsp cumin seeds
• 2 garlic cloves
• 2 red chilies
• 1tsp pepper
• Oil as required
• 1tsp mustard seeds
• 1tsp urad dal
• 1 sprig curry leaves

How to:

1. Take the flesh without seeds and cut it into small pieces.
2. Soak them in a bowl of rice water (water drained after washing rice) or buttermilk for about 10 to 15min. Take them out and squeeze the water.
3. Boil some water with salt and turmeric, and add the jackfruit pieces. Cook them until they turn soft.
4. Now blend coconut, coriander seeds, garlic cloves, cumin seeds, red chilies and pepper along with some water to make a paste.
5. Heat some oil in a wok, and add mustard seeds, urad dal (black gram), curry leaves and onions. Fry them until the onions turn soft.
6. Now add the paste and cooked jackfruit. Fry everything on a medium flame, and sprinkle some salt.
7. Keep stirring at regular intervals, and the curry will be ready in 15 minutes.
8. You can have it hot with chapatis, rice or a salad.

Quick tip

Use a pressure cooker in step 3 to reduce the preparation time. Takes about 12 to 15 minutes to cook.

2. Jackfruit chips

Image: Shutterstock

You will need:

• Raw jackfruit (1 whole fruit or half)
• 1/2tsp turmeric
• 3tbsp water
• Salt as required
• Vegetable oil, enough for deep frying

How to:

1. Combine turmeric, salt, and water in a bowl and mix well.
2. Slice the fruit lengthwise and transfer to a bowl.
3. Spread them on a clean cloth until the moisture evaporates.
4. Add enough oil in a wok and heat it.
5. Add the jackfruit and fry them until they turn golden brown.
6. Drain the excess oil, and add some salt and red chili powder.
7. Toss them well and store in an airtight container.
8. Serve as crispy snacks or as a side dish to the main course.

Preparation time:

10min
Servings: 5

Illustration: Jackfruit During Pregnancy: 8 Benefits And 4 Side Effects

Image: Dalle E/MomJunction Design Team

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Reviewer Expert Author Editor Fact Checker

Dr. Girija WaghMD

Dr. Girija Wagh has nearly 30 years of experience in high-risk obstetrics and her extensive practice focuses on all gynecological procedures including, fertilization, impregnation and childbirth complications. Dr. Wagh is currently runs her private practice Girija Hospital  in Kothrud, Pune.

Read full bio of Dr. Girija Wagh

• 
  Kelsey MooreBSc. RD Kelsey Moore is a registered dietitian with a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics from the University of British Columbia. She has worked as a sports and retail dietitian and holds three years of experience in her field. She is currently a nutrition advisor at BBQRevolt.com.
  
  Kelsey Moore is a registered dietitian with a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics from the University of British Columbia. She has worked as a sports and retail dietitian and holds three years of experience in her field. She is currently a nutrition advisor at BBQRevolt.com.
• 
  Lark BeginBA

  Lark Begin is a fitness trainer in Toronto who provides virtual and in-home training services. She has over ten years of experience and specializes in the field of Nutrition. She has completed her B.A. in Psychology and Environmental Studies from Carleton University.

  
  

  Lark Begin is a fitness trainer in Toronto who provides virtual and in-home training services. She has over ten years of experience and specializes in the field of Nutrition. She has completed her B.A. in Psychology and Environmental Studies from Carleton University.

• 
  Trista K. BestMPH, RD, LDN Trista Best is a registered dietitian at Balance One Supplements, Environmental Health Specialist, and Adjunct Nutrition Professor. She completed her Masters of Public Health Nutrition from Liberty University and BS Dietetics from the University of Alabama before getting Dietitian Registration in 2018.
  
  Trista Best is a registered dietitian at Balance One Supplements, Environmental Health Specialist, and Adjunct Nutrition Professor. She completed her Masters of Public Health Nutrition from Liberty University and BS Dietetics from the University of Alabama before getting Dietitian Registration in 2018.

Swati PatwalM.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA

Swati Patwal is a clinical nutritionist, a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) and a toddler mom with more than a decade of experience in diverse fields of nutrition. She started her career as a CSR project coordinator for a healthy eating and active lifestyle project catering to school children.

Read full bio of Swati Patwal

Rebecca MalachiBSc

Rebecca is a pregnancy writer and editor with a passion for delivering research-based and engaging content in areas of fertility, pregnancy, birth, and post-pregnancy. She did her graduation in Biotechnology and Genetics from Loyola Academy, Osmania University and obtained a certification in ‘Nutrition and Lifestyle in Pregnancy’ from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU).

Read full bio of Rebecca Malachi

Aneesha AmonzMSc

Aneesha holds a Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology from USTM, Meghalaya and Master’s degree in Applied Microbiology from VIT, Vellore. With two years of experience, she has worked on different research projects in the field of Food Sciences.

Read full bio of Aneesha Amonz