Eating bananas while pregnant is not a taboo as some people may think. Still, pregnant women typically need to watch nearly everything they eat. Their diet should be more healthful as it provides the fetus with essential nutrients for development. A nutritious diet is crucial because it improves the overall health of an individual. A healthy diet also enables the body to function effectively and develop stronger immunity.
Yes, bananas are great for pregnancy because they help remedy a number of pregnancy-related issues such as morning sickness, constipation, nausea, and vomiting. Bananas achieve these benefits because they are a good source of fiber, potassium, vitamin B-16, and vitamin C.
Other than oranges, mangoes, avocados, and lemons, bananas are among the best fruits to consume during pregnancy.
Pregnant women can consume about 3 – 4 servings of banana each day.
How many Bananas can You Eat a Day while Pregnant?
According to recommendations by the National Institute of Health, pregnant women can consume eating 2-3 bananas a day. This amount provides sufficient nutrients without being in excess or less.
Bananas should be on top of the list of your diet constituents as a pregnant woman. If possible, eat bananas throughout the pregnancy. As long as you consume a standard amount of bananas, your health will flourish and your baby’s too.
In circumstances where the pregnant is suffering from disorders, it is necessary to consult a health professional or a doctor. For instance, a pregnant woman suffering from diabetes or kidney malfunctions is advised not to eat bananas every day.
Suppose a pregnant woman whose kidney is malfunctioning consumes excess bananas. The level of potassium in the body will build up above normal. And because the kidney can’t remove the excess, the blood pressure of the woman will increase and affect the baby’s as well.
Benefits of Bananas for Pregnancy
Many people are acquainted with the knowledge of a healthy diet. People believe that a healthful diet should comprise of plenty vegetables, fruits, lean protein, and whole grains. Of course, it is a fact. However, they may not realize that fruits like bananas are crucial and have particular benefits during pregnancy.
The following are the benefits of a banana during pregnancy;
1. Bananas boost energy
Bananas contain three simple sugars which boost the energy of an expectant woman. The three natural sugars (glucose, sucrose, and fructose) combine with fiber and provide an instant sustained substantial energy boost.
It takes roughly 15-20 minutes for a banana to release energy and give an individual strength. Pregnant women snacking on bananas have their blood sugar level constant and are barely prone to morning sickness.
2. Bananas are cooling fruits.
Bananas can lower the emotional and physical temperatures of an expectant mother. Potassium, a mineral filled in bananas can help to relieve an individual from tension.
The fruit also contains tryptophan, an amino acid that induces the formation of melatonin and serotonin. Serotonin is a feel-good hormone while melatonin is a sleep hormone. So, bananas are great for soothing and pacifying the mind because they contain tryptophan.
Vitamin B6 and folate are also key to releasing serotonin and regulating blood sugar levels. Serotonin can also reduce anxiety and improvise the mood of an expectant woman.
3. Bananas reduce digestive disorders
Constipation has become rampant and a big threat among pregnant women. Bananas are good at smoothening bowel movements and checking abdominal bloating.
Bananas contain a lot of fiber. Pectin, a soluble fiber contained in a banana, absorbs water and thus keeps the stools large and soft. In this way, bananas are claimed to prevent constipation and improve the movement of stool in the digestive tract.
While ripe bananas are loaded with fiber that reduces constipation, green bananas can cause constipation. If you are pregnant, you should note that eating green bananas is risky and not recommended for you. Green bananas aren’t harmful but they can cause severe constipation.
4. Reduces the risk of Anemia
Acute anemia is caused by a lack of enough red blood cells in the body. Pregnant women are rendered susceptible to this complication in their late stages of gestation. Anemia is also common after the delivery of a baby especially when a lot of blood is lost in the process of giving birth.
Meanwhile, iron contained in a banana stimulates the production of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is much needed as a remedy for anemia and its associated complication during pregnancy and delivery. Moreover, vitamin B6 a pregnant woman obtains from bananas can aid in the following;
- Development of the cell and central nervous system (CNS) of the fetus.
- Producing norepinephrine and serotine.
5. Bananas are a good source of calcium and potassium
Calcium helps in the development of the fetus’ bones and skeletal system. Calcium also aids in quickening the neurotransmitter during muscle contraction in the development of the fetus. The mother’s bones are also strengthened.
During pregnancy, getting enough potassium is crucial. Potassium helps in maintaining the balance of electrolytes and fluids in your body cells. It is therefore recommended that a pregnant woman should eat fresh bananas rich in potassium.
Chronic vomiting or diarrhea can cause a low potassium level in the body. Potassium is also important for muscle contraction and sending nerve impulses.
6. Bananas provide folic acid
During the early development of a baby in pregnancy, folic acid helps in forming the neural tube. Folic acid prevents major birth defects in the fetus’s brain and spine. It also prevents the baby from being born prematurely.
At what time should a pregnant woman it bananas?
Consuming bananas before breakfast or making them part of your stable meal is the best. It will allow maximum utilization of the banana nutrients and provide enough support to your digestive health. Eating a banana at your convenient time is not dangerous anyway.