Mangoes are popularly known as the king of fruits and in their raw unripe form they have an interesting tangy taste. Raw mangoes are an integral ingredient of pickles and preserved snacks and can also be consumed in a raw form when tempered with salt, chilly and a little sugar. If you are wondering about whether consuming raw mangoes is safe during pregnancy here is all the information that you will need to make your decision.
Can I Eat Unripe Mangoes during Pregnancy?

Unripe mangoes are on almost every pregnant woman’s crave list because of their delicious tangy taste. Mangoes are recommended by nutritionists for their high nutritive value and antioxidants and are generally considered to be quite safe for consumption if consumed in moderation. However, there are specific issues which can arise with unripe mango consumption like allergic reaction, stomach upset, diarrhoea etc; which can be prevented by taking precautionary measures.
Overall mangoes are safe for consumption as a part of your pregnancy meal plans. But you must consult your doctor before including raw as well as ripe mangoes in your diet because each pregnancy is different.
Harmful Effects of Eating Unripe Mangoes during Pregnancy

As such there is no specific component in unripe mangoes which can be harmful for the mother and baby during pregnancy. However, sometimes mangoes are sprayed over by Calcium Carbide which is banned by the 2006 Indian Food and Safety Standard Act. Sometimes this chemical also contains traces of arsenic and phosphorus.
Some harmful effects that can arise from eating chemically treated unripe mangoes are stomach problems, sleepy and dizzy feeling, constant headache, mood swings, numbness in the hands and feet etc. In some extreme cases seizures can also happen.
Do not consume unripe mango without getting yourself tested for mango latex allergy after consulting a doctor as you may suffer from the following warning signs. If you experience itching feeling on the mouth, tongue, lip swelling, mouth ulceration, respiration problems, diarrhoea etc; then these are signs that you are allergic to unripe mango latex. In this case it is better to avoid eating them.
Benefits of Eating Raw Mangoes during Pregnancy

Mangoes in their raw form have lots of Vitamin C which helps to meet the calcium requirement of the body and strengthens the bones. Vitamin C has anti inflammatory properties and also helps in reducing the incidence of blood circulation problems. There is a lot of pressure exerted on the blood vessels during pregnancy and the consumption of raw mangoes helps in strengthening the blood vessels. Vitamin C aids increasing new RBC and reduces the chance of spotting during pregnancy period.
Eating unripe mangoes during pregnancy can help reduce the intensity and occurrence of morning sickness.
Acidity and constipation are common side effects of pregnancy and the consumption of raw mangoes helps in relieving both symptoms because of the high content of alkali and rich reserves of fibre present in the fruit. Eating raw mangoes with some salt and honey will help in fending off gastrointestinal problems.
Vitamin B6 contained within mangoes is necessary for the production of GABA inside the brain. This vitamin contains the level of homocystiene inside the blood and this reduces the chances of incurring coronary arterial disease in pregnant women.
Mangoes are naturally rich in phytonutrients like carotenoids and members of the polyphenol group and they reduce the incidence of free radical damage inside the body.
Is it Healthy and Safe to Eat Unripe Mangoes during Pregnancy?

Mangoes are a powerhouse of nutrients and extremely delicious in taste which makes them one of the most popular fruits in the world. If like most pregnant women you crave for sour things then the tangy taste of raw mangoes is sure to attract you.
Mangoes are very good for you and your baby and can benefit you in several ways provided that you do not suffer from Mango Latex Allergy. You must also make sure that you do not eat ripe or unripe mangoes excessively.
You should definitely get an allergy test done and then decide a meal plan including mangoes based on the result of the test. Also only organic chemically untreated mangoes are safe so make sure you buy mangoes only from farm fresh or organic stores.
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