The durian is extremely nutritious. As the saying goes, "the entire durian is a treasure." It is rich in protein and lipids, providing excellent nourishment to the body. Many people say that eating durian during pregnancy is a great supplement. In fact, not only is it not a great supplement, but it may also pose four major risks.
1. The Nutritional Value of Durian
Can pregnant women eat durian? First, let's look at the nutritional value of durian. As the saying goes, "one durian is equivalent to three chickens," which shows how high its nutritional value is. Therefore, many families with pregnant women buy durian as a supplement. So, can pregnant women eat durian? The durian flesh contains various vitamins, is rich in nutrients, and has a unique fragrance, earning it the title "King of Fruits." From this perspective, pregnant women can certainly eat durian. Specifically, durian is very nutritious. Besides its high sugar content, it contains 11% starch, 13% sugar, 3% protein, and also various vitamins, fats, calcium, iron, and phosphorus.
2. The Dangers of Eating Durian During Pregnancy
Risk One: Eating Durian During Pregnancy Can Lead to Macrosomia
Although durian is highly nutritious, this very fact can potentially affect the baby's development. Because durian is high in calories and sugar, 500 grams contains 500 kilocalories. If a pregnant woman frequently eats durian as a supplement, it can lead to elevated blood sugar, making the baby more prone to being overweight and increasing the chance of delivering a macrosomic infant. Therefore, pregnant women should eat little to no durian.
Risk Two: Eating Durian During Pregnancy Can Cause "Fetal Heat"
Durian is actually a relatively "heaty" fruit, and eating too much is not good for the mother or the baby. Durian is considered "warm" in nature; eating too much can easily lead to "internal heat" (上火), causing symptoms like a sore throat, irritability, and insomnia. It can also trigger "fetal heat" in the pregnant woman, harming the newborn's health.
Risk Three: Eating Durian During Pregnancy Can Worsen Constipation
Constipation is a major problem for expectant mothers. And did you know that eating durian can worsen it? Although durian is rich in fiber, it absorbs water and expands in the digestive tract. Excessive consumption can actually block the intestines, leading to constipation. For pregnant women who are already prone to constipation, this adds to their burden. Those who already suffer from constipation and hemorrhoids should especially avoid eating durian.
Risk Four: Eating Durian During Pregnancy May Trigger Gestational Diabetes
Durian is high in calories and sugar, so obese people should eat it in moderation, and diabetics should avoid it altogether. Therefore, pregnant women should also limit their durian intake to avoid the trouble of developing gestational diabetes.
Tip: It's not an absolute rule that pregnant women cannot eat durian. If you are seeking nutrition, you can choose other alternatives. However, if you really enjoy durian, it is recommended to eat only a small segment at a time during pregnancy, and it's best to eat it with mangosteen. Additionally, durian is a very "heaty" food. If a pregnant woman happens to eat too much, consuming some "heat-clearing" foods would be a good choice. For example: strawberries, which are not only delicious but also have good medicinal value. Traditional Chinese medicine believes strawberries have a great "heat-clearing" effect, offering the amazing benefits of clearing summer heat, reducing fever, and relieving irritability. Soybeans can also have a good heat-clearing effect. While nourishing the body and "clearing heat," soybeans can also replenish the protein that is depleted in hot weather, a dual benefit that is better for pregnant women. Tomatoes, although common year-round, are most abundant, sweetest, and most nutritious in the summer. Tomatoes can also achieve the amazing effects of clearing heat and toxins, as well as calming the liver and "clearing heat."