Ice Apple (Nungu/Tadgola) in Pregnancy: Is It Safe? Benefits & How Much

The name ice apple arouses curiosity among those unfamiliar with this fruit. Cooled ice apple, also known as palm fruit, is highly consumed during summer but is it safe to have palm fruit during pregnancy? In this article, we will explore the benefits and risks of consuming ice apple during pregnancy to help expectant mothers make informed decisions about their diet.

What is ice apple (nungu or tadgola) and is it eaten during pregnancy?

Ice apple, called nungu in Tamil, tadgola in Marathi, and munjal in Telugu, is the translucent seed of the Asian palmyra palm. This summer fruit has soft jelly-like flesh with a sweet watery kernel, is widely sold across South and West India from March to June, and has been used for centuries to cool the body during pregnancy.

Ice apple or palm fruit, commonly known as 'nungu' or 'nongu', is mostly found in southeast Asia and south India. Palm fruit vendors are a familiar sight in the streets of Tamil Nadu. The fruits grow in a bunch on palm trees known as Borassus flabellifer. The size of a matured palm fruit is similar to a coconut, and it has a black shell. Its colourless transparent jelly-like appearance gives it its name. The ice apple is filled with sweet water and is energising like coconut water. That is why consuming ice apple in pregnancy is encouraged.

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What is the nutritional value of ice apples during pregnancy?

Each ice apple has just 43 kcal and contains around 9g carbs, 0.5g protein, plus calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, and B-complex vitamins. It's nearly 87% water, making it excellent for hydration during Indian summers. The fruit also supplies Vitamins A and C, supporting foetal development and boosting maternal immunity with almost no fat content.

The palm fruit is known for its health benefits. It is good for digestive ailments and regulates bowel movement. The high water content of ice apple makes it popular during summer. It is low in calories and enriched with calcium and phytonutrients. Ice apple contains vitamins A, E, and B7, which are great for skin and hair. Consuming it in a moderate amount is advised to prevent dehydration in patients with diarrhoea and vomiting. Hence, it is also ideal to have ice apple during pregnancy to relieve the fatigue and nausea that accompanies pregnancy.

Is it safe to eat ice apple (palm fruit) during pregnancy?

Yes, fresh ice apple is safe and beneficial during pregnancy when eaten in moderation - roughly 2-3 fruits per day. It cools the body, eases heartburn, and prevents dehydration common in Indian summer pregnancies. Only eat fresh, tender nungu from hygienic sources, avoid roadside-cut fruit, and skip it if you're diabetic or have had allergic reactions before.

Now, let us learn if it is safe to have ice apple during pregnancy. Eating ice apples during pregnancy is safe because the fruit is naturally grown and is a rich source of energy, folate, and vitamins. Some precaution is always good, especially during pregnancy. Before purchasing ice apples, make sure they are not sprayed with chemicals.

As palm fruit spoils quickly, make sure what you buy from stores or the roadside is fresh. However, it is always good to consult your gynaecologist before introducing anything different to your diet during pregnancy. Moreover, it is important to eat everything in moderation and add a variety of fruits and vegetables to get the optimum nutrition.

What are the benefits of eating ice apple during pregnancy?

Ice apple benefits during pregnancy include natural cooling for acidity and heartburn, hydration (87% water), relief from constipation and morning sickness, steady energy from natural sugars, and minerals that reduce leg cramps. Its low 43 kcal per fruit supports healthy weight gain, while Vitamins A and C aid foetal eye and immune development - especially valuable in the third trimester's hot months.

Here are five benefits of consuming ice apple during pregnancy:

1. Aids Digestion

Ice apple is known to aid digestion. It contains dietary fiber, both soluble and insoluble, which helps regulate bowel movements and reduces the risk of constipation during pregnancy.

2. Rich Source of Energy

Ice apple is a rich source of energy, making it a good snack during pregnancy. It provides the necessary energy required to sustain the body and helps combat fatigue during pregnancy cause by nausea and vomiting.

3. Good Source of Folate

Ice apple is a good source of folate, which is essential for the development of the fetal brain and spinal cord. Adequate folate intake during pregnancy lowers the risk of birth defects and promotes healthy growth.

4. Contains Vitamin K

Ice apple is also a good source of vitamin K, which is important for blood clotting and bone health. Adequate vitamin K intake during pregnancy can reduce the risk of excessive bleeding during delivery.

5. Natural Coolant

Ice apple is often used as a natural coolant. Consuming it during summer months helps reduce the risk of dehydration and heat exhaustion, which is a common concern during pregnancy.

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While consuming ice apple in pregnancy has its benefits, it should be eaten in moderation, along with other seasonal fruits, and as part of a healthy, varied diet. It may not be suitable for some people, and there are many other fruits with similar nutritional benefits.

What are the risks of eating ice apple during pregnancy?

Risks include contamination from unhygienic vendors (causing food poisoning, diarrhoea, or typhoid), allergic reactions in sensitive moms, and blood sugar spikes if eaten excessively - especially risky for gestational diabetes. Overripe or fermented ice apples can cause stomach upset. Always inspect fruit for mould, avoid pre-cut pieces, and limit intake to 2-3 fresh fruits a day.

There are no known risks of consuming palm fruit during pregnancy; instead, there are plenty of ice apple benefits in pregnancy. However, as the fruit has sugar content, it's best to eat it in moderation. Please consult your doctor before consuming ice apple in pregnancy. Make sure to buy matured and ripe fruit to avoid digestion problems and stomach aches.

How can I include ice apple in my pregnancy diet?

Eat 2-3 fresh ice apples plain as a mid-morning snack, add them to fruit salads with muskmelon and pomegranate, blend with coconut water for a hydrating summer mocktail, or top with rose syrup and basil seeds for a traditional falooda-style dessert. You can also pair ice apple with curd rice for a cooling South Indian meal.

Remember to buy fresh palm fruit and consume it soon. You may simply cut the flesh and mix it in a bowl with its water and have it. If you want to enjoy the eating process, go for the traditional style, which is more fun. Peel off the skin and slurp the sugary water inside. Chew the flesh properly before swallowing it. Those who like it spicy can sprinkle the fruit with chilli powder and a pinch of salt. Sometimes pregnant women crave sweets, and nungu kheer or a milkshake with this magical fruit can hit the spot.

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How should I store ice apples to keep them fresh?

Store fresh, unpeeled ice apples in the refrigerator's vegetable drawer for up to 3-4 days. Once peeled, keep the tender kernels in an airtight container with a splash of water and refrigerate, consuming within 24 hours. Avoid freezing (it destroys the jelly texture), and never store at room temperature in Indian summer heat - they ferment within hours.

As palm fruit spoils easily, always keep it refrigerated. Peel the fruit and store it in a tightly sealed container, or it will lose flavour and colour and spoil due to oxidation. Make sure you buy only fresh ice apple during pregnancy. One way to know if it is fresh is by checking the dark shell for shrinkage. If it was cut long ago, you would see signs of shrinking, such as dehydrated skin.

The Bottomline

In conclusion, consuming ice apple during pregnancy can have significant benefits for both the mother and the baby. As we have discussed, it can aid digestion, provide energy, and act as a natural coolant. Additionally, it is a good source of folate and vitamin K, which are essential for fetal development. However, it is important to consume ice apple in pregnancy moderately and after consulting with a doctor. While there are no known side effects of consuming palm fruit during pregnancy, it is always better to err on the side of caution and follow the recommendations of medical professionals.

References

1. Sundram K, Sambanthamurthi R, Tan YA. (2003). Palm fruit chemistry and nutrition. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr

Tags

Ice Apple During Pregnancy: Benefits & Risks in Hindi, Ice Apple During Pregnancy: Benefits & Risks in Tamil, Ice Apple During Pregnancy: Benefits & Risks in Telugu, ⁠Ice Apple During Pregnancy: Benefits And Risks in Bengali

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is ice apple safe in first trimester?

A: Yes, ice apple (nungu/tadgola) is safe in all trimesters. Excellent for hydration and cooling. Especially beneficial in summer pregnancy. [HIGH PRIORITY]

Q: How many ice apples per day during pregnancy?

A: 3-4 ice apples per day is safe. They're mostly water and low in calories. Great for pregnancy hydration.

Q: Can ice apple cause cold during pregnancy?

A: No, ice apple does not cause cold. This is a myth. It's a cooling fruit that helps regulate body temperature naturally.

Q: What is ice apple called in different languages?

A: Nungu (Tamil), Tadgola (Marathi), Thaati Munjalu (Telugu), Ice Apple (English), Tal (Bengali). Same fruit, different names.

Q: Is ice apple good for gestational diabetes?

A: Yes, ice apple is very low in sugar and calories. One of the best fruit choices for GD management. Hydrating without sugar spike.