Is Lychee good for Pregnancy?

Yes. Lychee is a highly nutritious fruit that contains beneficial elements during pregnancy. It's full of carbohydrates, fibre, vitamin C, folate, choline, phosphorus, and potassium and is good for the brain, liver, brain, and heart. Additionally, it also helps in maintaining blood pressure. ^{1, 2}

However, it's important to consume lychees in moderation to get the most out of their nutrients. Excessive consumption may cause inflammation. ³

Additionally, being a high glycemic index (GI) fruit, litchi can increase the risk of gestational diabetes by rapidly raising blood sugar levels.⁴ This is why, it's important you consult your doctor before consuming lychee during pregnancy.

While including nutritious foods in your pregnancy diet is important for your and baby's well-being, there are other steps you can take to secure your baby’s healthy future. Yes, you heard that right. All you have to do is bank your baby's cord blood stem cells at the time of birth.

Can You Eat Litchi During Pregnancy? A Comprehensive Guide

Pregnancy is indeed that special time for mothers-to-be, and the journey to nurturing your little one comes with many considerations, including what foods to consume. Among the varieties of fruits available, litchi pops up on the radar because of its sweet taste and refreshing nature. But can you eat litchi during pregnancy? In this blog, we are going to dig into the nutritional value, safety, and adverse effects of litchi in pregnancy. Further, we will also satisfy the curiosity about whether this tropical fruit can be enjoyed by the expectant moms during all trimesters. So, let’s dig in and start by knowing what makes litchi a valuable part of your pregnancy-friendly fruit bowl.

Nutritional Value Of Litchi

Litchi is not only a delicious fruit but also packed with nutritional value. This tropical fruit is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a healthy option for most people. Here are some key nutrients found in litchi:¹

Vitamin C: Litchi is rich in vitamin C, where one serving of this fruit gives a considerable amount of the daily recommended intake.¹ Vitamin C helps enhance immunity, collagen synthesis, and overall skin health.²

Copper:  it is important for the development of the nervous system of your baby, as well as for your bone and tissue health. ³

Potassium:  It regulates the fluid balance, helps with the blood pressure regulation in the body, and also improves muscle and nerve function.⁴

Fiber: Litchi contains fiber that aids in digestion and helps prevent constipation, a common issue during pregnancy.¹

Magnesium: Helps maintain healthy muscles and nerves, contributing to overall relaxation and reducing cramps.⁵
Considering the nutrient profile of litchi, it can be a beneficial fruit to include in your diet during pregnancy, but it’s essential to consume it mindfully.

Is It Safe To Eat Litchi During Pregnancy?

Litchi is generally considered safe for pregnancy when consumed in moderation as excessive consumption may cause inflammation.⁶ It provides numerous health benefits due to its high nutritional content, making it a very valuable addition to a balanced diet.¹ Yet there are still some things you must note before adding it in your diet during pregnancy.

In the first trimester, most women experience morning sickness and digestive issues; therefore, one should start slowly and gauge their body’s response to the fruit. ⁷, ⁸ Similarly, the second and third trimesters are characterized by increased blood volume and changes in metabolism.⁹ However, consuming litchi in moderate amounts is unlikely to pose any harm. Always ensure the fruit is fresh, clean, and properly peeled before eating.⁶

Is Litchi Juice Good For You?

Absolutely! As discussed earlier, litchi is safe for pregnant women when consumed in moderation, as is litchi juice. However, excessive consumption may lead to inflammation.⁶ Freshly squeezed juice will be safer compared to over-the-counter juice as they contain sugar additives & preservatives that can pose harm to the developing baby. On the other hand, fresh litchi juice provides hydration and a burst of vitamin C but should be consumed in limited quantities to avoid excess sugar spikes.¹, ¹⁰

What Happens If You Eat Too Much Litchi?

While litchi is a healthy fruit, it’s important to consume it in moderation, as overindulgence may lead to certain issues.⁶ Some of the possible outcomes of consuming too many litchis during pregnancy are:

Increased Blood Sugar: litchi has a high sugar content, and eating large quantities can spike your blood sugar levels. This is particularly important for those who have gestational diabetes or are at risk of it.⁶, ¹⁰

Digestive Distress: Too much litchi may cause digestive discomfort such as bloating, gas, or diarrhea, especially due to its high fiber content.¹¹

Allergic Reactions: While rare, some individuals may be allergic to litchi, leading to symptoms such as hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing.¹¹

Litchi Benefits In Pregnancy

There are various benefits associated with including litchi in your pregnancy diet. Here are some of the benefits of eating litchi during pregnancy:

Boosts Immunity: The high vitamin C content in litchi helps strengthen the immune system, which is vital during pregnancy when your body is more susceptible to infections.¹ , ⁶

Improves Digestion: Llitchi has high fiber levels, which will aid digestion and keep constipation at bay - a very common complaint amongst pregnant women.¹

Prevents Skin Problems: This fruit is also rich in antioxidants which help improve the overall skin health by reducing blemishes, and pigmentation, promoting a healthy glow.¹

Supports Hydration: Litchi has high water content that keeps you hydrated, which is essential for both you and your baby’s health during pregnancy.¹

Improves Circulation: It’s copper content aids in better blood circulation, providing oxygen and nutrients to the developing baby.¹, ³

Tips For Consuming Litchi Fruit During Pregnancy

Moderation Is Key: Ensure that you do not take too many litchis in a day to avoid exceeding recommended sugar levels and inflammation.^{6  10}

Fresh & Peeled: Always consume fresh litchi and peel the skin before eating. The skin may contain pesticide residues that are not safe for consumption.¹²

Combine With Other Fruits: If you are concerned about sugar content, combine litchi with apples and pears to have it as a balanced nutrition-rich snack.

Drink Fresh Litchi Juice:  In case you like to drink litchi juice, ensure that you get freshly squeezed juice which doesn't contain added sugars & other preservatives.

Precautions To Take While Eating Litchi In Pregnancy

Allergy Check:  If you have never tasted litchi before, try a small amount to be sure that you are not allergic to it.¹¹

Consult Your Doctor: If you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, hypertension or any other illness, then see your doctor before you add litchi to your diet.

Avoid Unripe Litchis: Unripe litchis contain toxins that can significantly lower blood glucose levels, so always make sure the fruit is fully ripe before consuming.¹³

How Many Litchis Can You Consume Per Day During Pregnancy?

Moderation is key when consuming litchis during pregnancy. Ideally, limit your intake to a small portion, such as 5-6 litchis per day, as consuming too many may lead to issues due to certain proteins in litchis that can cause allergic or inflammatory reactions. ⁶ To ensure safety and cater to your unique health needs, it’s always best to consult your healthcare provider or doctor before including litchis in your daily diet.

Final Thoughts

Litchi during pregnancy can be a healthy and delicious addition to your diet in moderation since it is chock full of excellent vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. It enhances your immunity, helps digest food, and improves general health for both you and the baby. However, it must be consumed mindfully and in moderation to avoid any risks. Along with maintaining a nutrient-rich diet, consider the added step of cord blood  banking at the time of birth, which can offer long-term health benefits for your baby and entire family. By prioritizing both your health and your baby’s future, you're ensuring a well-rounded approach to a healthy pregnancy.

FAQs

What happens if you consume a Litchi seed in pregnancy? 

It’s important to avoid eating litchi seeds, as they contain a toxic compound called MCPG, which inhibits glucose synthesis and can lead to dangerously low blood sugar levels.¹³

Is it safe to have Litchi during the first trimester? 

Yes, consuming litchi in moderation during the first trimester is generally safe. Just be sure to avoid overconsumption and follow your doctor’s advice.