Prunes during pregnancy - benefits and harms

Critical attitude to food will always contribute to health. But this approach is especially relevant during the bearing of a child. And if the benefits of vegetables and cereals are well known, then many dried fruits rarely fall into the diet of expectant mothers. And in vain - they differ not only in their original taste, but also in a tremendous beneficial effect on the body. And prunes are one of the most popular varieties of dried fruits available to any woman.

Prune Overview

Prune is a plum fruit dried in the sun or wilted industrially. Most often, Hungarian varieties or greenclods are used for this.

Dried fruit is found in many cuisines of the world as a component for sauce or the main note in desserts. Its popularity is due to its widespread availability.

An important feature of prunes is their high calorie content. For 100 grams of product (10 average fruits), 230 kcal. Therefore, they should not get involved, even despite the fact that dried plums improve metabolism, which contributes to weight loss.

What is the benefit of prunes during pregnancy?

All dried fruits are considered sources of vitamins and minerals, and prunes are no exception. During the bearing of a child, it should be added to the diet, since its composition includes:

1. Vitamin A, which improves vision and is a powerful antioxidant. It protects the body from the negative effects of free radicals and is involved in cell growth processes.
2. Potassium, one of the main purposes of which is transmission of a nerve impulse. Its sufficient blood level also protects against leg cramps, which many pregnant women experience. Women need to consider that this mineral merges with severe vomiting and diarrhea.
3. Sucrose and fructose, contributing to an overall increase in energy tone and performance.
4. B vitamins involved in the formation of red blood cells, as well as protein, carbohydrate and fat metabolism.
5. Phosphorus, necessary for the full formation of bone tissue and developing in the womb of the fetus.

The most common use of this dried fruit is to combat constipation. Due to the fact that it contains both pectins and fiber, prunes optimizes intestinal motility, contributing to daily stool.

Prunes are also valuable because of their ability to lower blood pressure. Therefore, it is worth paying attention to women hypertensives. Due to its bactericidal properties, prune infusion can be used to fight infections of the oral cavity.

Prunes are considered a natural antidepressant. The beneficial sugars present in its composition will help women in a position to maintain a general energy tone without overeating simple carbohydrates.

Potential Harm of Prunes

Most dried plums subjected to improper drying techniques have a high percentage of acrylamide. It is a known neurotoxin and carcinogen that affects the kidneys, liver and nervous system. Therefore, during pregnancy, it is better to refuse to purchase prunes in natural markets and in unverified sources. For additional protection, it is also worth limiting the number of fruits eaten - 3-4 pcs. a day is enough.

It should be completely abandoned in case of high blood sugar and individual intolerance.

Is it possible to eat prunes with HS?

With caution, prunes should also be used by women who are breastfeeding, since it can provoke intestinal colic in a child. As a safe alternative, experts recommend drinking infusion. To prepare it, you will need 100 g of prunes, which must be soaked in warm water for several hours, and then pour one glass of boiling water. Dishes should be covered and preferably left to infuse overnight. Next, the infusion must be filtered and drunk in full (preferably before going to bed).

How to choose prunes?

A few words about the quality of drying. Ideally, plums should languish in the shade for several months. But a rare company can wait so long. Therefore, to speed up the process, fruits are placed in gasoline or gas ovens. There, under the influence of high temperatures, they crack, and carcinogens seep through the damaged skin into the prunes. Well, there is no need to talk about the safety of any useful components with such processing technology.

The “right” prune should be dark, dry and ugly. Also give preference to fruits with seeds, if they are in the assortment. And be sure to sniff the product - the aroma of smoke and gasoline indicates a chemical treatment. The taste of natural prunes should be slightly sweet, with a characteristic acidity.

How to store prunes at home?

There are two safe ways to store this dried fruit:

• in a wooden container or ordinary glass jar in a dry and cool place;
• in small bags with zip lock. They do not need to be completely closed and can be left on the refrigerator door.

Naturally dried prunes are a great addition to many dishes. Pregnant women can eat it raw, cook compotes and infusions from it. Its numerous healing properties make it possible to abandon medications in case of anemia and gastrointestinal problems.

Video: 10 reasons to love prunes