Durian is a large-sized fruit with a strong odor. It is commonly found in Southeast Asia. While you may love it for its unique taste, you may wonder if it is safe to eat durian during pregnancy. Pregnant women have to be careful about everything they eat. However, while you may read the label on packed food, it is not as easy to know about fruits and vegetables’ contents and nutritional value. Read on to know about the safety, health benefits, and if you can eat durian during pregnancy.
What Is Durian?
Durian is a type of fruit, hailed as the king of fruits in Southeast Asia. Its strong odor is its specialty as well as a put-off for some. It has a husk covered in thorns. While it is available in various forms, only one type of durian fruit is available in the international market.
Is It Safe To Eat Durian During Pregnancy?
There are no proven studies that effectively state any negative effects of eating durian while you are pregnant. Similarly, there are no studies that say it is good to eat durian during your pregnancy. Before you eat it, speak to your doctor who can guide you best about whether or not you should eat durian now, depending on your health. Durian is a powerhouse of sugar as well as carbohydrates. One medium-sized durian has 885 calories (1). It is also a food with a high glycemic index, which can lead to sharp spikes in blood glucose (2). It is important to limit your intake of durian while you are pregnant, even though it is considered safe for consumption during pregnancy. If you have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes, you should stay away from eating durian, as it has a high amount of sugar. It is also important to note that the region where durians originally came from, South East Asia, does not encourage eating it during pregnancy. In fact, many Asian communities recommend pregnant women to refrain from eating durian when they are pregnant, as they believe that eating the fruit can heat the body up and harm the unborn baby.
Health Benefits Of Eating Durian Fruit During Pregnancy
Here are a few health benefits of eating durian (1):
