Lactating women may be unsure about their dietary choices because whatever they eat will be shared with their infants. One such doubt is whether or not to eat pineapple during breastfeeding. Pineapple is a hydrating fruit that contains several essential nutrients, dietary fiber, and bioactive components that support long-term health (1). Most of these nutrients can be passed through breast milk and could help the baby too. But pineapple is acidic and can cause diaper rash in breastfeeding babies. This post addresses the most prevalent questions about pineapple, including its benefits for nursing mothers and ways to incorporate it into a breastfeeding diet.
Can Nursing Mothers Eat Pineapple?
Yes. Pineapple is a nutritious fruit that you can consume when nursing. There are no research studies to corroborate the belief that breastfed babies get diaper rash due to their mother’s intake of acidic fruits. Instead, it’s the babies’ consumption of acidic fruits, such as citrus fruits, which may lead to diaper rash, especially in sensitive babies (2). Nevertheless, if you suspect any food, including pineapple, is affecting your baby, eliminate it from the diet for a few days and observe the change. If your baby shows improvement in their health, it is most likely that the food item was affecting them through breast milk.
Nutritional Value Of Pineapple
Pineapple has several varieties with varying nutritional values. On average, one cup of pineapple (165g) can offer a nursing mother the following nutrients to contribute to her nutritional needs during the lactation period and beyond (3)(4). Source: USFDA and Dietary Guidelines For Americans 2020-2025
- RDA for lactating mothers between the ages of 19 and 30 years. AI = Adequate intake – nutrient level assumed to ensure nutritional adequacy.
Possible Health Benefits Of Pineapple
Pineapple is known to have several medicinal and therapeutic properties. Most of these properties are attributed to bromelain, an enzyme found in the fruit and stem of pineapple (5). Here’s a brief overview of some of the benefits you could reap from eating pineapple as a part of your well-balanced breastfeeding diet. Besides these benefits, pineapple is known to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antimicrobial properties. Perhaps, it’s why the use of pineapple flesh and juice is prevalent in treating ailments, such as sore throat and seasickness, in folk and traditional medicine (9).
Tips To Select And Store Pineapple
Proper selection and storage of pineapple are vital to ensure you reap its benefits to the fullest. Here are some simple tips you can follow while buying pineapple. Selecting a pineapple Storing a pineapple
Ways To Add Pineapple To Your Breastfeeding Diet
You can consume fresh or frozen pineapple in a salad or make its juice (with pulp) and prepare nutritious lactation smoothies. Alternatively, you can use pineapple to tenderize tough meat cuts or enhance a sweet or savory dish’s flavor. Irrespective of your choice, remember the following points.
Eat pineapple in moderation as a part of a well-balanced diet.
Use fresh pineapple as much as possible. If fresh pineapple isn’t available, you can opt for frozen pineapple.
Use canned pineapple cautiously. Most canned fruits are preserved in sugar syrup, so they are high in calories. Therefore, look for canned pineapple preserved in its juice or water.
