It is recommended that at least one seasonal fruit ( ऋतु कालोद् भव ) be eaten every day during pregnancy.
“द्राक्षा फलोत्तमा वृष्या चक्षुष्या सृष्ट् मूत्रविट् !!” (अ.ह.सू – 6/113)
According to Ayurvedic literature grapes are the best of all fruits when in season they are highly recommended. They should be washed thoroughly and soaked in salted water for a few hours before eating. In other season ‘raisins’ ( मनूके) can be consumed instead. 10-15 raisins’ at the time is ideal .They should also be soaked in water for a few hours.They nourish blood and ensure proper bowel movements.

“नारिकेलोदकं स्निग्धं स्वादु वृष्यं हिम लघु
तृष्णा पित्तानिलहर दीपनं बस्तिशोधनम् !!”
– ( अ.हू .सू- 5/19 )

Fresh coconut water is another healthy fruit drink during pregnancy for adequate amniotic fluid in the womb coconut water is essential.
It is quite common to see that amniotic fluid suddenly decreases in the 7th or 8th month of pregnancy.coconut water is both prevention and cure in such cases. The coconut tender pulp is easy to digest, nutritious and Pacifies ‘ पित्त दोष’.
Ripe and tender coconut nourishes मांस धातू , Healthy and glowing.
Grated coconut,fresh or dried can be used in the preparation of vegetables or chutney (चटणी).

●Other fruits Apple, pomegranates, sweet oranges, swee tangerines, figs and amla can be taken during pregnancy. Figs, pomegranates and Apples nourish the blood directly .
Pomegranate – “दाडिमं द्वदं लघु स्निग्ध ग्राही रोचनदीपनम् ||”
Pomegranate nourishes heart. light to digest, appetizer, has positive effect on bowel movement .It helps to produce well formed stool,one of the best fruit in anorexia, nausea and vomiting i.e Hyperemesis gravidarum which occurs during first 3 months of pregnancy.

पालवेत (सफरचंद/Apple)
‘ रुच्यम त्यग्निशमन…|
( अ.ह्र.सू.6/133)
Apple improves the taste.its good when there is loss of appetite & taste. It also helps to pacify the increased excess digestive fire (भस्मकाग्नि).

●Sour Fruits such as oranges ,sweet limes, tangerines and amla are rich in Vitamin C and indirectly also help the development of blood.
The Pregnant lady should regularly drink half glass of undiluted orange, sweet lime or tangerines juice . The juice should have no additives .It will help nourish the ‘रसधातू’. ,encourage the proper development of the fetus and promote the production of Brest milk after delivery.

“वृषाम्लं ग्राहि रुक्षोष्ण वातश्लेष्महर लघु..!!”
कोकम सरबत – ( Kokam Sherbat)

Concentrated with water is good for the pregnant women ,to this the addition of sugar and rock salt(सैंधव) ,will help to Pacifiy पित्त दोष’ and improve digestive capacity, this will help to reduce nausea, dry renching and general loss of taste and appetite.

● Mango is one of the most well liked and nutritious fruit but if eaten it in excess it can lead to digestive imbalance and loose motion. it is best eaten with a pinch of dry ginger ( सुंठ ) powder.
Mangoes should also be soaked in water for 2-3 hours before consumption.
Raw green mangoes ( कैरी ) if taken regularly, increase पित्त in the body.
Occasionally it can be added in dal (आमटी ) or used in chutney . Tamarind should also be used occasionally during pregnancy .
Kokam and lemon can be used instead for tangy flavor in the food.
Even if pregnant women craves tamarind or raw mangoes their consumption, should be kept to minimum .

● Sour fruits – Pineapple, Strawberry , Wood Apple ( कपित्थ – कवठ), bor should only be consumed occasionally.

●Non seasonal fruits should be avoided.

● Custard apple , guava , pear, chikoo, Rose apple ( जांभुळ) and water melon may all be eaten occasionally during pregnancy .

● Papaya which is known to cause uterine contraction and which could induce miscarriage ,should never be eaten by pregnant women .

●Fresh fruit which has been cut and freshly squeezed fruit juice should both be consumed immediately, as the nutritive quality of cut fruits diminish very quickly. Fruits should be eaten during the day and not after sunset. Commercially available canned juices are best avoided,as they contain chemical preservatives.

● ‘Milk shake’ are very popular beverage, but Ayurvedic philosophy does not advocate consuming milk and fruit together. milk
Shakes during pregnancy , could be one of the reasons for the increased occurrences of allergies , weak lunges , or skin ailments , common among new born babies.

● Dry Fruits:-
Almonds are a must for the expecting women .3-4 Almonds , soaked overnight peeled ,and eaten in the morning help to improve and maintain health and also nourish the brain of developing fetus.

● One dried date – ( खारीक)- should be eaten properly everyday . OR A teaspoon of dried date powder and glass of milk should be taken everyday.

● Fresh dates can also be consumed. one or two fresh dates eaten daily with 2 teaspoon of pure homemade desi cow ghee help the fetus gain weight properly.

● Dry figs consumed directly or other being soaked in Water are good for the baby.

● Apricots (जर्दाळू) – Provide nourishment to the growing baby’s brain and may be eaten.

● Walnuts are heavy to digest but are nourishing and may be eaten occasionally.

● Cashew nuts, pistachio and charoli increase the पित्त , therefore can be consumed rarely.

 

वै. सुहास शिंदे
मनोमय आयुर्वेद व पंचकर्म सेंटर
www.manomayhealthcare.com
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