Dried apricots during pregnancy - benefits and harms

The nutrition of the future mother plays an important role in the development of the fetus and the maintenance of the vitality of a woman. The diet in this period should be balanced and saturated with nutrients. Everyone knows that eating fruits, a pregnant woman not only improves her mood, but is also a supplier of vitamins and minerals to a developing baby. The store shelves are full of berries, vegetables and fruits, but in winter, the quality of the purchase is doubtful. More confident people relate to acquired dried fruits.

To find out whether dried apricots are useful during pregnancy, it is worthwhile to study its composition in more detail. There is a generally accepted opinion that it strengthens all body systems and takes part in the construction functions of a developing organism.

Dried apricots are two halves of apricot, without a seed. During the drying period, excess water evaporates, leaving a concentrate consisting of vitamins and minerals without loss on the residue.

Useful properties of dried apricots

The use of dried fruit is due to the composition:

1. Phosphorus and calcium - form a strong skeleton of the fetus.
2. Magnesium - saturates the blood and eliminates anemia. Responsible for the production of red blood bodies in a child’s developing body. It relaxes smooth muscles and is useful for hypertonicity.
3. Potassium and iron - develop muscle muscles. Responsible for heart health. Deficiency of elements can lead to abnormal development, and sometimes to the loss of a child. Thanks to potassium, the water-salt balance is maintained.
4. Vitamin PP - reduces the amount of bad cholesterol.
5. Ascorbic acid is an antioxidant that protects against infections.
6. Tocopherol - stimulates adrenal function, is involved in the formation of the respiratory tract of the fetus.
7. B vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin). B1 - regulates the functioning of the nervous system, establishes sleep and gives peace to mother and baby.
8. Organic acids and pectin - contribute to the elimination of toxins, salts of heavy metals and radionuclides. Positive effect on the development of memory. Removes excess fluid. Facilitates the work of the kidneys and relieves swelling of tissues.

Also dried apricots:

1. It is considered a natural diuretic.
2. Normalizes pressure.
3. It adjusts intestinal motility, is used to prevent constipation and to solve existing problems.
4. Enriches blood structure. Does not allow anemia.
5. It is a sweet that can satisfy a woman’s need with benefit due to its high content of fructose and glucose. A great solution for those who are contraindicated in sugar.
6. It takes care of nails, hair and teeth by means of minerals. Does not allow them to collapse.
7. Stimulates digestive function. Helps deal with heartburn.
8. Facilitates the manifestation of toxicosis.
9. Supports immunity and barrier functions of the body.
10. In the winter period does not allow the development of vitamin deficiency.
11. It improves the function of the thyroid and pancreas.

Having studied the benefits of dried apricot, you can feast on it if you wish, or you can use it purposefully for the first symptoms that cause discomfort in the intestine. The main problems that every pregnant woman faces are edema, heartburn, constipation and toxicosis.

Contraindications

Despite the seductive list of useful positive actions, dried apricots also have contraindications. Apricot drying has a strong effect on the body and at the time of gestation it is prohibited for use with the following pathologies:

• Low pressure.
• Allergic reaction.
• Bronchial asthma.
• Diarrhea.
• Individual immunity.
• Overweight problem.
• Diabetes.

The conclusion is simple. Using dried apricots for any purpose, it is important not to overdo it. A single dose should be limited to two or three dried fruits in combination with cottage cheese or cereals. Overuse, it can provoke an upset stomach, which will not allow the valuable components of the fruit to be absorbed and will provoke the removal of nutritious, no less important substances from the body.

Daily rate

Given the concentration of the product, the maximum allowable daily allowance should not be more than 100 g. For comparison: this amount in terms of iron content will be equivalent to beef liver (300 g) or equal to 40 g of a preparation containing iron.

When choosing dried fruits for eating by a pregnant woman, it is necessary to understand that special requirements are put forward for them.

What to look for when buying?

Despite the fact that the eye is attracted by bright, dull fruits, it is better to bypass them. Dyes introduced are a good commercial move that is not beneficial, and it can even harm a fragile and vulnerable organism.

Opting for muted matte tones of fruits, they also pay attention to cleanliness, the absence of traces of the vital activity of insects, cobwebs, moldy fragments, and worms. The natural product may be dark yellow as well as brown and have a grayish tint. Advantages on the side of the Turkish manufacturer.

The smell should not have extraneous impurities of mold, chemicals, rancidity. Apricot should smell naturally, despite the appearance of its workpiece, and be resilient, but not hardened.

Recommendations for use

1. Abusing heat treatment, you can significantly reduce the valuable properties of the fruit. It follows that the product is more valuable in its raw form.
2. Before eating, it is important to rinse with warm water, soak for a quarter of an hour. This will protect the body from sulfur dioxide, which is often used to treat dried fruits.
3. Store in a place without moisture and light in a glass container. This will save vitamins and minerals without loss.

How to cook dried apricots deliciously

Dried fruits are universal. They can be eaten as a self-sufficient dessert, combined with cereals, dairy products and even meat. For pregnant women, the main form of consumption is decoction. It is able to relieve heaviness in the legs, relieve swelling and is considered a natural diuretic.

1. A decoction of dried apricots. Fruits (500 g) are poured with boiled water (2 l), they simmer for 20 minutes at minimum heat under a closed lid. Cool down.
2. Stewed apricots. The fruits of prunes (100 g), dried apricots (150 g) are poured with boiled water, set aside (15 minutes). Water is drained, dried apricots washed, stacked in a container, pour a quarter of a glass (200 g) of granulated sugar, pour cold water (2 l). Bring to a boil, simmer for 7 minutes. Insist hour.
3. Energy cocktail. Fruits (250 g) are poured with boiled water (2 l), boiled for a minimum of a quarter of an hour. Filter, thicken through a sieve. The liquid in which apricots and mashed potatoes were cooked are combined. Set aside for 30 minutes, add honey and bring to uniformity using a blender.

Interesting facts about dried fruit

1. A few years ago, dried fruit was banned for use by pregnant women. Since it was believed that dried apricots harm the development of the child and the mother's body.
2. Dried fruits belong to dietary products, despite the high amount of sugar in the composition.
3. It is better absorbed than a freshly picked fruit. Does not cause heaviness in the stomach and unpleasant rumbling.

Video: what is the use of dried apricots