Soursop (Annona muricata) is a tropical fruit known for its numerous health benefits, including those for pregnant women.
Do you enjoy eating soursop, Mom and Dad? Did you know that this spiky-skinned fruit contains a variety of nutrients beneficial for the body? Soursop, or Annona muricata in Latin, grows well in tropical climates and is commonly found in countries such as Indonesia.
What Nutrients Does Soursop Contain?
Soursop is packed with essential nutrients, including vitamins B and C, fiber, carbohydrates, potassium, phosphorus, and folate.
Here are some of the nutritional values of soursop (per 100 grams):
Water: 81.7 g
Tanya Mincah tentang Promil?
Fiber: 3.2 g
Calcium: 14 mg
Folate: 14 mcg
Vitamin B2: 0.08 mg
Vitamin C: 20 mg
Beta-carotene: 10 mcg
Potassium: 289.9 mg
Phosphorus: 27 mg
Sodium: 14 mg
These nutrients play an important role in supporting maternal health and fetal development during pregnancy.
What Are the Benefits of Soursop for Pregnant Women?
The variety of nutrients found in soursop provides significant health benefits for expectant mothers. Consuming a nutrient-rich diet during pregnancy supports the optimal growth and development of the baby.
Here are some benefits of consuming soursop during pregnancy:
1. Helps Relieve Nausea (Morning Sickness)
Morning sickness is one of the most common pregnancy symptoms, especially in the first trimester. It may be triggered by heightened sensitivity to smells, hormonal changes, or nutritional deficiencies.
Soursop contains fiber, which helps reduce stomach acid production, and potassium, which helps maintain fluid balance and prevent dehydration caused by nausea and vomiting.
2. Boosts the Immune System
Soursop is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants such as luteolin, quercetin, and tangeretin. These compounds protect cells from oxidative stress and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases caused by free radicals.
Vitamin C also plays a key role in strengthening the immune system, which helps prevent infections during pregnancy.
3. Prevents Constipation and Supports Digestion
Hormonal changes during pregnancy often lead to constipation. Meeting daily fiber and fluid needs is essential for digestive health.
Soursop contains about 3 g of fiber and over 80 g of water per 100 g serving, making it beneficial for relieving constipation in pregnant women.
4. Helps Regulate Blood Pressure
Potassium in soursop not only balances body fluids and electrolytes but also supports heart health, maintains vascular elasticity, and helps regulate blood pressure.
This is especially important for pregnant women, as pregnancy-induced hypertension can interfere with blood flow from mother to fetus and affect fetal growth and development.
5. Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Mood swings are common during pregnancy, ranging from happiness to anxiety or stress. However, excessive stress should be avoided as it can negatively affect both mother and baby.
Soursop contains anti-inflammatory and anxiolytic compounds that may help relieve stress and anxiety. A study titled “Characterization of Anxiolytic Compounds from Annona muricata Leaf Extract” (Lallier, 2014) suggests that extracts from soursop possess properties that help reduce anxiety.
Summary
Soursop is safe to consume during pregnancy in moderate amounts as part of a balanced diet.
Avoid excessive intake, especially if you have low blood pressure, kidney problems, or are undergoing specific medical treatments.
Always consult with your obstetrician before adding soursop as a regular part of your pregnancy diet.
Source:
Lallier, B., et al. (2014). Characterization of anxiolytic compounds from Annona muricata leaf extract.
Viera, GHF., et al. (2010). Antibacterial effect (in vitro) of Moringa oleifera and Annona muricata against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo, 52(3), 129–132.
Zamudio-Cueves, Y., et al. (2014). The antioxidant activity of soursop decreases the expression of a member of the NADPH oxidase family. Food Funct, 5(2), 303–309.
