When it comes to pregnancy nutrition, simple foods can often become valuable additions to a balanced diet. Karishma Tanna’s nutritionist, Shweta Shah, recently shared one such suggestion, recommending a banana as part of a wholesome pregnancy routine and suggesting that it can be paired with a pinch of elaichi (cardamom) powder.
Shah’s broader advice was to listen to the body, eat according to the season and choose nourishing foods.
But can eating a banana actually help with pregnancy anxiety?
The answer needs some context. A banana can provide useful nutrients during pregnancy and may help with issues such as nausea or low energy for some women. However, there is no reason to treat banana or cardamom as a treatment for an anxiety disorder.
Persistent anxiety during pregnancy deserves attention in its own right.
Why are bananas considered a good pregnancy food?
Consultant dietitian Garima Goyal explains that bananas are a good source of potassium, a mineral that plays several important roles in the body.
They also provide carbohydrates for energy and contain fibre, which can support digestion.
For some pregnant women, banana may also be an easy food to tolerate when appetite is affected by morning sickness.
According to Goyal, bananas can provide quick energy, may help with nausea during early pregnancy and contribute potassium that can be useful for women experiencing muscle cramps.
That makes a banana a convenient addition to an overall balanced pregnancy diet.
However, individual nutritional requirements can vary considerably during pregnancy. Women with conditions such as gestational diabetes or other medical concerns may need personalised dietary advice from their doctor or registered dietitian.
Does banana reduce pregnancy anxiety?
This is where it is important to separate nutrition from mental-health treatment.
There is no basis for claiming that eating one banana a day can treat pregnancy anxiety.
Pregnancy can bring significant physical and emotional changes, and occasional worries are common. But when anxiety becomes persistent, overwhelming or interferes with everyday life, it should not simply be addressed through food.
Obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Payal Narang has explained that worries and negative thoughts can occur during pregnancy, particularly during a first or unexpected pregnancy.
Women who have previously experienced anxiety or depression may also require additional support during pregnancy.
What does pregnancy anxiety feel like?
Pregnancy anxiety can involve persistent worry about the pregnancy, the baby’s health, childbirth, finances, parenting or other possible outcomes.
Some concerns are a normal part of preparing for a major life change. The concern becomes more significant when the worry is difficult to control or begins affecting sleep, daily activities, relationships or overall quality of life.
Pregnancy can also involve normal mood changes. However, prolonged sadness, hopelessness or significant anxiety should not automatically be dismissed as routine pregnancy symptoms.
If emotional distress persists, speaking with an obstetrician, gynaecologist, midwife or mental-health professional can help determine whether additional support is needed.
What about cardamom during pregnancy?
Cardamom, or elaichi, is commonly used as a spice and flavouring in Indian cooking.
Adding a small amount to food can make a meal or snack more appealing, but it should not be promoted as a treatment for anxiety.
Pregnant women should also be cautious about concentrated herbal preparations, supplements or medicinal doses of spices without professional advice. “Natural” does not automatically mean appropriate in every pregnancy.
For everyday food use, however, cardamom is generally consumed in much smaller quantities than concentrated supplements or extracts.
What else can help support mental well-being during pregnancy?
Good nutrition is only one part of maintaining well-being during pregnancy.
Dr Narang recommends several practical measures that can support physical and emotional health.
1. Avoid putting unrealistic pressure on yourself
Pregnancy can bring expectations about how you should feel, eat, exercise or prepare for motherhood. Being realistic about your energy and abilities can help reduce unnecessary pressure.
Taking breaks when needed is also important.
2. Stay physically active when medically appropriate
Regular movement can be beneficial during pregnancy for many women.
However, exercise recommendations depend on individual health and pregnancy circumstances. Anyone starting a new exercise routine should first check with their doctor or midwife.
3. Eat regular, nutritious meals
Going for long periods without eating can leave some people feeling tired and uncomfortable.
A varied diet containing appropriate amounts of carbohydrates, protein, healthy fats, fruit, vegetables and other nutrient-rich foods can help support pregnancy nutrition.
A banana can be one convenient component of that diet.
4. Stay connected with supportive people
Pregnancy can feel isolating when worries are kept private.
Spending time with people who make you feel comfortable and supported can help. Connecting with other expecting parents may also provide reassurance and a sense of community.
5. Accept help
There is no need to manage every part of pregnancy independently.
If family members, friends or others offer practical support, accepting it can make daily life easier. And if support is needed, asking for it is equally important.
6. Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs as a coping mechanism
Using alcohol or drugs to manage stress or anxiety can create additional health risks during pregnancy.
Anyone struggling to cope should speak with a healthcare professional instead.
When should pregnancy anxiety be taken seriously?
Occasional worry does not necessarily mean someone has an anxiety disorder.
However, professional help is worth considering when anxiety is persistent, increasingly intense or interfering with normal life.
The same applies to prolonged sadness, hopelessness, loss of interest in usual activities or other significant changes in mood.
Pregnancy mental health deserves the same attention as physical health.
The bigger picture behind the banana advice
Shweta Shah’s recommendation to include a banana fits into a broader approach to pregnancy nutrition: choosing simple, wholesome foods and paying attention to what the body needs.
Bananas can offer useful nutrients, including potassium and fibre, and may be a convenient snack for some pregnant women.
But the fruit should not be viewed as a solution for anxiety.
A healthy pregnancy involves more than any single food. Adequate nutrition, appropriate physical activity, rest, medical care and emotional support all have a role to play.
For pregnant women experiencing ongoing anxiety or low mood, the most important step is not finding a particular food to fix the feeling. It is speaking to a qualified healthcare professional and getting the right support.
