Can you eat pawpaw and its seeds during pregnancy?
1. Pawpaw (Fruit):
- Pregnant women can consume pawpaw in moderate amounts as it offers essential nutrients.
- It provides vitamins (A, C, and E), potassium, folate, and dietary fiber.
- Regular and moderate intake of pawpaw can help alleviate morning sickness due to its soothing effect on the digestive system and nausea relief properties.
- However, overconsumption might cause diarrhea due to its high water and fiber content.
2. Pawpaw Seeds:
- There is limited scientific evidence regarding the safety of pawpaw seeds during pregnancy.
- Some sources claim that pawpaw seeds have abortive properties, but conclusive evidence is lacking.
- As a precaution, it is generally advised to avoid consuming excessive amounts of pawpaw seeds during pregnancy.
- If you have any concerns or conditions during pregnancy, consult your healthcare provider before consuming significant quantities of pawpaw seeds.
Recommendation:
- It's best to consult with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian to determine the right dietary choices and intake levels for pawpaw and pawpaw seeds during pregnancy.