Muskmelons are tasty and nutrition-packed fruits mostly available in the summer months. There are numerous muskmelon benefits. Thus, you may consider having muskmelon during pregnancy to meet your daily dietary requirements. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) suggests that women should consume two cups of fruits daily when pregnant, and muskmelons can be a good way to achieve the same (1). Call this fruit cantaloupe, rockmelon, sweet melon, or kharbuja, it remains as sweet and tasty. Continue reading this post to know more about eating muskmelon when pregnant, its health benefits, and the safest way to eat the fruit.
Is It Safe To Eat Muskmelon During Pregnancy?
Yes, you can eat muskmelon but in moderation. They are extremely beneficial during pregnancy and provide the best of nutrients while catering to the taste buds. Moderate in calorie count and high in nutritional value, muskmelon is good for pregnant women. These are one of the to-be-eaten fruits for the growth and development of your baby. However, do not be surprised if your doctor tells you to avoid the fruit, as it could contain listeria bacteria on the outside. It is safe as long as you wash well, peel the outer cover, cut, slice and eat the inside pulp carefully. So, why did we categorize this fruit as ‘to-be-eaten’?
Cantaloupe’s Nutrition Facts
Muskmelons contain the most vital components essential for the growth of your fetus. We advise you to add a decent amount of muskmelon in your weekly diet because 100 grams of muskmelon provides you with the following nutrition (2):
Energy – 34 Kcal Carbohydrate – 8.16gm Protein – 0.82gm Fat – 0.18gm Sugar – 7.88gm Dietary fiber – 0.8gm Niacin (B3) – 0.694mg Folates – 14µg Choline – 7.6mg Vitamin A – 232 RAE Vitamin E – 0.05mg Vitamin C – 10.9mg Vitamin K – 2.7mcg Potassium – 157mg Sodium – 30mg Calcium – 9mg Phosphorus – 17mg Iron – 0.38mg Zinc – 0.44mg Magnesium – 13mg
If you are asking, “How are these nutrients going to be helpful to me?”, then here is the answer.
Muskmelon Benefits During Pregnancy
The nutritional value of cantaloupe is immense. It balance fluids and electrolytes within the body and manage the body’s heat. The super advantages of having cantaloupe are:
1. Enhances baby’s cognitive development
Vitamin A is critical for the growing fetus to develop healthy cognitive functions and ward off any congenital disabilities. It supports the growth of your baby’s heart, lungs, kidneys, eyes and bones (3). Muskmelon contains a good amount of vitamin A. Being rich in folic acid, it also helps prevent neural tube defects (4).
2. Helps in formation of healthy bones and teeth
The calcium content in muskmelons helps in forming healthy bone and tooth structures in your baby. Calcium is vital for both mother and child during pregnancy.
3. Prevents pregnancy anemia
The amount of iron in muskmelon helps in the healthy production of hemoglobin (5). A good count of red blood cells prevents anemia in pregnant women. It also improves the blood flow through the uterine cavity with sufficient oxygen for the baby.
4. Phosphorus induces muscle contractions
Phosphorus is essential for active muscle contractions during labor. It also helps in blood clotting, kidney function, nerve conduction, tissue repair and heart function.
5. Anticoagulant property
Muskmelons contain abundant anticoagulants, otherwise called blood thinners, which prevent the formation of blood clots. The clots pose the risk of blood vessels blockage, kidney failure, and heart stroke in mothers. Muskmelon has the right amount of anticoagulants.
6. Fights common infections
Vitamin C helps you to battle those annoying minor infections such as a cough, cold and flu during pregnancy. This vitamin is also necessary for the growing baby to develop a healthy immune system. Drinking muskmelon juice in moderation may help replenish vitamin C in the body. Also, carotenoids (beta-carotene and lycopene) present in cantaloupes can help strengthen the immune system of both the mother and the baby by fighting various life-threatening conditions such as cancer (6).
7. Treats constipation
The high water content in muskmelons prevents fluid and electrolyte loss from the body. Its coolant property manages the heat produced inside the body and thus provides relief from constipation, which is a major issue during pregnancy.
8. Vitamin B1 treats various issues
Thiamine or vitamin B1 helps in the healthy formation of central nervous system in your baby while fighting several prenatal issues. The vitamin also helps control the extreme sense of nausea and morning sickness during the first trimester of pregnancy. It is also important for improving the quality of breast milk after delivery.
9. Regulates blood pressure levels
Potassium in cantaloupe regulates the fluctuating blood pressure levels through the course of pregnancy (7).
10. Ideal for overweight pregnant women
Overweight during pregnancy could pose a high risk of miscarriage, preterm labor, and high blood pressure. Calories in muskmelon are negligible, so it is an excellent alternative for fatty foods. It is a fat and cholesterol-free substitute.
11. Aids in digestion
Cantaloupe aids in the digestion of the food you take. It helps you stay away from heartburn, acidity, gas formation or any other digestive issues.
Are There Any Side Effects Of Eating Muskmelon In Pregnancy?
Muskmelon does not pose any side effects or allergies unless you consume a pesticide-ridden fruit. The only reason for the fruit to be “kept away when pregnant” is due to the bacterium listeria. In the year 2011, the US experienced a terrible listeria outbreak (8), and it was found that muskmelon was the source of the infection. There are chances for the bacteria to enter into the fruit when cut, and can initialize the infection in pregnant women. If affected, listeria could lead to stillbirth, preterm labor, and miscarriage. Then, what is the right way to eat the fruit?
Safe Way To Consume Cantaloupes
The fruit should be washed before you consume. It would help in washing off food-borne diseases such as listeriosis and toxoplasmosis (9). Scrub and wash the rinds before cutting the fruit. Also, wash your hands after handling the melons. Once cut, eat the fruit immediately, and avoid refrigeration for a long period.
