Can Pregnant Women Eat Salak? Check the Facts Here

Illustration of salak fruit (photo: Pixabay/WonderfulBali)

YOGYAKARTA - Can pregnant women eat salak? This question arises because there is a myth that says that the consumption of salak during pregnancy can make the baby's skin scaly. As a result, many pregnant women are hesitant, even avoiding this fruit.

It is worth noting that salak is a typical Indonesian tropical fruit from the palm family (Salacca zalacca). This fruit has a scaly skin with white or cream colored flesh.

Salak fruit has a distinctive taste, namely sweet, slightly sour, sticky, and fresh. The unique blend of tastes makes salak liked by many people, including pregnant women.

So, is the myth of eating jackfruit while pregnant true? Let's find out the facts below.

Can Pregnant Women Eat Salak?

The answer is, yes, pregnant women can eat salak. Until now, there is no scientific evidence that consuming salak can cause the baby's skin to be scaly or have a negative impact on the fetus. The myth arose only because the salak skin has a scaly texture, then it is mistakenly associated with the baby's skin condition at birth.

In fact, there is no relationship between the skin of the jackfruit and the skin of the baby. In addition, jackfruit is consumed without its skin, so these concerns are unfounded. In fact, this fruit has a number of benefits that are good for pregnant women's health.

Another assumption that often arises is that salak can cause constipation during pregnancy. In fact, salak contains dietary fiber which actually helps to improve digestion and make it easier to defecate.

Benefits of Eating Salak for Pregnant Women

It is worth noting that salak contains various important nutrients, such as carbohydrates, fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, iron, and phosphorus.

In 100 grams of jackfruit or about one fruit, there are approximately 77 calories. This content makes jackfruit useful to support the health of pregnant women and the development of the fetus.

Here are some of the benefits of jackfruit that pregnant women can get if consumed in reasonable amounts:

Adds energy

Hormonal changes during pregnancy often make pregnant women easily tired. The content of carbohydrates, iron, and zinc in jackfruit can help increase energy and stamina.

Helps prevent anemia

Salak contains iron of about 4.2 mg per fruit, which can help meet the daily iron needs of pregnant women and reduce the risk of iron deficiency anemia.

Increase the body's resistance

Vitamin A and vitamin C in jackfruit play an important role in maintaining the immune system, so pregnant women are not easily sick during pregnancy.

Reduce nausea and vomiting

The content of potassium and antioxidants in salak can help relieve morning sickness, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Launch digestion

The fiber in salak fruit helps soften the stool and prevent constipation, which is often experienced by pregnant women.

Tips for Safe Consumption of Salak While Pregnant

In order for the benefits to be optimal, the consumption of jackfruit should not be excessive. Pregnant women are also advised to combine jackfruit with other fruits so that the intake of nutrients is more diverse. If after eating jackfruit there are complaints such as nausea or stomach discomfort, you should stop for a while and consult a medical professional.

That's the explanation of whether pregnant women can eat salak. For other news updates, read VOI.id.