Last Updated on May 1, 2023
Honeydew melons are a refreshing snack with their sweetness and juiciness. But are they safe to eat during pregnancy? Let’s take a look at the nutritional benefits of honeydew melons and whether or not they are safe to enjoy when you’re pregnant.
There are a few things to remember when eating honeydew melons during pregnancy. First, be sure to wash the melon thoroughly before eating it, even though you don’t eat the rind. Second, avoid eating pre-cut honeydew melon, to reduce your risk of foodborne illness.
Aside from the precautions mentioned above, honeydew melon’s benefits as a healthy fruit are also worth mentioning. So, what are those health benefits? Read on to find out.
Is it Safe to Eat Honeydew Melon When Pregnant?
There are two areas of caution when it comes to eating honeydew melons when you’re pregnant. The first is Listeria, which can sometimes be present on melon skin. Listeria and other pathogens can cause pregnancy complications, which is why it’s essential to take care when eating honeydew melon. Honeydew melons are safe to eat during pregnancy, provided they are washed thoroughly .
Pre-prepared or pre-cut honeydew melon should be avoided. This is because bacteria can transfer from the skin to the inside of the melon as it’s cut through. Therefore if you don’t know if the melon skin was washed, then avoid the pre-cut variety.
Since honeydew melons are grown on the ground, the possibility of toxoplasmosis is also possible. Toxoplasmosis is an infection that originates in soil, that can be harmful to pregnant women and their babies.
However, the risk of toxoplasmosis from eating honeydew melon is low. To reduce the risk of toxoplasmosis, the same washing of the honeydew melon will make it much safer to eat (source: CDC).
It’s worth pointing out that honeydew is often served with a variety of foods that might not be safe during pregnancy, like cured meats, or pre-prepared fruit salads – so if you’re eating honeydew with something else, it’s prudent to check that the other ingredients in the dish are safe, too.
When washed and made safe, honeydew can offer some nutritional benefits for pregnant women.
Is Honeydew good for Pregnancy? The Benefits
Like its look-alike cantaloupe, ripe honeydew is a healthy source of vitamins and minerals like:
- Vitamin C: This key nutrient helps support a healthy immune system and is important for the development of the baby’s bones and teeth (source: Indian Journal of Clinical Biochemistry). The recommended amount of Vitamin C during pregnancy is 60 milligrams per day (source: FDA).
A single cup of honeydew melon has around 32 mg of vitamin C (source: Department of Education California). - Folate: This healthy nutrient is important for the development of the baby’s neural tube (source: U.S. Pharmacist). The recommended amount of folate during pregnancy is 400 mg per day (source: CDC). A single cup of honeydew melon contains 33.6 micrograms of folate (source: Nutrition Data)
- Potassium: This beneficial nutrient is important for maintaining fluid balance in the body and for the development of the baby’s muscles. The recommended amount of potassium during pregnancy is 4000 milligrams per day (source: Annal of Nutrition and Metabolism Journal). A single cup of honeydew melon contains 404 mg of potassium (Source: Nutrition Data).
In addition to the vitamins and minerals mentioned above, honeydew melon als contains a little fiber.
- Fiber: Fiber is essential for maintaining regularity and preventing constipation, which is a common issue during pregnancy. The recommended fiber intake during pregnancy is 28 grams per day (source: Nutrients Journal). A single cup of honeydew melon contains approximately 1.4 grams fiber (source: Department of Education California).
Honeydew melons also have high water content. This can help you stay hydrated, which is important during a healthy pregnancy, too, and may prevent the common complaint of pregnancy-related constipation.
So, there you have it. Honeydew melon is safe to eat during pregnancy and offers a number of benefits. So go ahead and enjoy a slice of this delicious fruit!
| This article has been reviewed and approved for publication in line with our editorial policy. |