Can you eat kumquats when pregnant?

In this article we are going to answer: can you eat kumquats when pregnant, what are kumquats, are kumquats healthy to eat when pregnant, what is the risk of eating kumquats when pregnant and how can you add kumquats to your diet when pregnant. 

Can you eat kumquats when pregnant?

Yes, you can eat kumquats when pregnant. Kumquats are high in Vitamin C and folic acid. Kumquat fruit has been known to be especially beneficial for pregnant women. 

There are a few risks because eating kumquats one of them is that if not washed well, there is a small risk of toxoplasmosis contamination. Also, they can cause discomfort if eaten in high quantities. 

What are kumquats?

Kumquats or cumquats are a group of fruit that grows from the trees in a flowering plant named Rutaceae. It is very similar to orange in color and shape but is smaller, it is almost the same as a large olive. 

It grows in a plant with dark green and white flowers, very similar to citrus flowers. The kumquat tree, depending on its size, can produce thousands of fruits each year. 

The fruit can be consumed whole with skin and is mostly used in fruit salads. The skin of kumquats is composed of approximately 93% of limonene. Also, it has essential oils that contribute to its spicy and woody flavor. 

The most common varieties of kumquats are 

  • Nagami: is the most common in the United States and it is usually more tart than the Meiwa.
  • Meiwa: Meiwa kumquats are very popular in China. It is usually sweeter and rounder. 

Are kumquats healthy to eat when pregnant?

Yes, kumquats are a very healthy fruit to eat when pregnant. The skin of kumquats is especially healthy and high in Vitamin C. One kumquat contains 28 calories, 4 grams of carbohydrates of which 2 grams are from fiber, 1 gram of protein, 0 grams of fat, and 0 grams of sodium. 

Kumquats are high, especially in 6 micronutrients including vitamin C, fiber, copper, phosphorus, riboflavin, and thiamin. Also, they contain phytochemicals including flavonoids, lutein, and zeaxanthin. 

Some benefits from kumquats are

  • Support a healthy immune system
  • May boost collagen production
  • Benefits digestion 
  • Helps reduce inflammation

Support immune system

Vitamin C plays an important role in immune function especially when you have a cold. When you are pregnant, the immune system is weak because of hormonal changes and Vitamin C might help to stay strong. 

May boost collagen production

Vitamin C also plays an important role in collagen production. It regulates the body’s creation of collagen, a protein that keeps skin elastic and prevents damage from the sun. 

Benefits digestion

Kumquats are high in fiber, especially if you eat the skin. Per serving, they can give you up to 6.5 grams of fiber. Eating enough fiber is a good way to fight constipation, very common when pregnant. 

Helps reduce inflammation

Because kumquats are high in antioxidants, it helps reduce systemic inflammation and reduce the risk of heart disease. 

What is the risk of eating kumquats when pregnant?

There are a few risks of eating kumquats when pregnant, this includes allergic reactions. There have been some allergic reactions to kumquats as to other citrus fruits.

Kumquats should be eaten in moderation because too much fiber may pose a risk to lead to digestive distress, gas, or bloating. 

There is also a risk of toxoplasmosis contamination because Toxoplasma gondii can be found in soil. For a normal, healthy person, it usually doesn’t cause any symptoms but for pregnant women, it’s too risky, it can cause serious health problems.  One important thing to add is that once you contract toxoplasmosis you can’t contract it again. 

Symptoms include

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Chills and fevers
  • Muscle pain
  • In pregnant women, it may cause flu-like symptoms with fever and chills

How can you add kumquats to your diet when pregnant?

Kumquats can be added to your salad, marmalade, or martini. It can be eaten as a sweet snack with or without the skin and it can be added to your fruit and cheese plate. Because it is high in fiber, it is very popular found in chutneys and jams. 

Need some ideas on how to use kumquats? Follow this link. 

Other FAQs about Fruits that you may be interested in.

What fruit can boost sperm?

Can I eat fruit after food poisoning?

Can you eat kumquat skin?

Conclusion

This article answered can you eat kumquats when pregnant, what are kumquats, are kumquats healthy to eat when pregnant, what is the risk of eating kumquats when pregnant and how can you add kumquats to your diet when pregnant. 

Citation

https://www.checkyourfood.com/ingredients/ingredient/541/kumquats

https://www.myrecipes.com/how-to/cooking-questions/what-is-kumquat

https://www.thespruceeats.com/all-about-kumquats-2216542

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