Bananas are one of the world’s most popular yet contentious fruits. Some people love them, and some people hate them. But if you’re pregnant, you should definitely include them in your diet.
Is It Safe to Eat Bananas While Pregnant?
Pregnant women have to be very careful about what they eat. Luckily, bananas are completely safe. Bananas are mostly composed of fat, sugar, and vitamins, none of which can hurt your baby.
There are two major exceptions to this statement of safety. First, if you’re allergic to bananas, you shouldn’t eat them while you are pregnant. Second, if your baby has gestational diabetes, then they might not be able to process the high amounts of sugar found in bananas. Your doctor will tell you if gestational diabetes is a concern.
It’s also definitely not safe to eat bananas that are rotten or which may have been exposed to fruit flies. Only purchase bananas from a grocery store that you trust, and if it looks funny, don’t eat it.
Reasons Why You Should Eat Bananas
Bananas are an important source of nutrients that are vital for a successful pregnancy. The rarest one of these is folic acid, which is needed for brain development. Folic acid deficiency can cause birth defects or premature delivery. Luckily, eating bananas will provide enough folic acid to prevent these problems.
Next, bananas are heavy in iron, which is important for both you and the baby. Pregnancies come with an increase in blood flow, and if you don’t consume enough iron, you might experience a condition called anemia.
Eating bananas can actually help with your morning sickness. The nutrient at work is Vitamin B6, which will reduce your nausea and increase your energy levels. Bananas won’t stop the vomiting, but adding them to your diet will make your morning sickness less intense.
Bananas are also a healthy way to keep your blood sugar up. Pregnant women often experience low blood sugar, which comes with symptoms like headaches, irritability, and exhaustion. Bananas are easy to eat and raise your blood sugar quickly; if you’re having blood sugar problems, this fruit should be your go-to snack.
And finally, bananas are full of Vitamin C, potassium, healthy fats, and a host of other nutrients. Eating bananas regularly will fill you with energy and help the baby grow. So forget the apple-a-day philosophy, and eat a banana every day instead.
Adding Bananas to Your Pregnancy Diet
Bananas are great because you can eat them without any cooking or planning; just peel and go. But if you’re looking to mix it up a little, try adding them to smoothies or making banana bread. You can also freeze bananas and add them to ice cream for a cold and delicious treat.
Unless the pregnancy cravings say otherwise, limit your banana intake to between one and three servings every day. Too much of anything isn’t good for the baby. Talk to your doctor if you’re not sure how many bananas to eat.
