Can pregnant women eat dried apricots?

Pregnancy is probably the most interesting period in the life of any woman. But at the same time, at this time, any woman should pay special attention to her health. After all, now you have to think not only about yourself, but also about the unborn child. During this period, certain adjustments are made to the diet of a pregnant woman. Sweet foods are best replaced with dried fruits. Among them is dried apricots. But not all women can use it. You should understand this issue in more detail.

Useful properties of dried apricots

This dried fruit is a fairly high-calorie product. It contains 241 kcal in terms of 100 g of product. Together with it, a sufficient amount of vitamin and mineral substances enter the body. This is due to the richness of its chemical composition:

Potassium
It is contained in an amount of 1162 mg. This is half of the daily needs of the body during pregnancy. This element is necessary in order for muscles to work normally, including the heart. During pregnancy, cramps may occur. Therefore, potassium is essential for pregnant women. It will help get rid of heart rhythm problems.

Potassium is involved in maintaining the proper water-salt balance of cell structures. It interferes with processes that ensure water retention in the body. During pregnancy, almost any woman is prone to edema. From here it becomes clear what the role of calcium is for a pregnant woman.

Potassium deficiency is undesirable not only for the woman herself, but also for her unborn child, since such a condition can lead to the threat of miscarriage.

Silicon
In dried apricots it contains 44 mg, which is half of the need for it per day, which is experienced by the body of a pregnant woman. With the participation of silicon, cartilages and bones of the fetus are formed. In addition, he is involved in the processes that are responsible for blood coagulation. With the participation of silicon, the baby’s nervous system gets its development.

Magnesium
In dried apricots it contains such an amount that it can cover 10% of the daily needs of the body. This element, in conjunction with vitamin D and potassium, promotes better absorption of calcium. No need to explain what role calcium plays for the fetus. It contributes to the formation of strong bones. The presence of magnesium helps relax smooth muscles. This will have a positive effect if the uterus is in a state of hypertonicity. In late pregnancy, this is an effective measure to prevent preterm birth.

Iron
Dried apricots also satisfy 10% of the daily requirement for iron. This element is involved in the processes of hematopoiesis, in which red blood cells are formed. Due to them, the fetus and all its internal organs receive oxygen. If iron does not enter the body enough, anemia of iron deficiency develops. In this case, the fetus is in a state of hypoxia. This entails a lag in development, and in the most unfavorable outcome - death.

Beta carotene
Its dried apricots contains 4.5 mg. It exhibits a pronounced property of antioxidants, the effect of which is manifested in the inhibition of the formation of free radicals, which cause damage at the intracellular level. It is a precursor of vitamin A, which leads to a significant strengthening of the body's immune forces. Thanks to it, regeneration processes are accelerated.

Thiamine
With it, sleep improves and a pregnant woman becomes calmer. With it, the cardiac and circulatory system comes in order. This vitamin is also useful for the baby, more precisely for its nervous system.

Riboflavin
Bone and muscle tissue is associated with vitamin B2. There is an increase in general immunity, and the healing of small wounds is accelerated.

Ascorbic acid
Vitamin C in dried apricots contains 1 mg. This representative of the organic acid series exhibits powerful antioxidant properties. As a result, resistance to infectious diseases increases. Especially relevant is the sufficient intake of ascorbic acid in the autumn and spring. This is due to the fact that during this period the forces of the body are significantly weakened.

Tocopherol
The dried apricots contains Vitamin E in amounts 25% satisfying the daily requirement. Vitamin E is especially useful for a pregnant woman in the early stages, since it provides effective assistance in bearing a child. Under the influence of this vitamin, the adrenal glands improve their work. This gland of internal secretion produces hormones. As a result of this, the hormonal background comes to normal.

Under the influence of vitamin E, the correct formation of the fetal respiratory system occurs. In addition, this vitamin has a beneficial effect on the skin, and this is far from indifferent to any woman.

Pectin
Thanks to pectin substances, the binding of salts of heavy metals occurs and their removal from the body is ensured.

Simple sugars
They are represented by fructose and sucrose. Provide a sweet taste to the product.

Alimentary fiber
Their content in dried apricots allows a woman to get rid of constipation, which during pregnancy is common.

Contraindications

Not all pregnant women can eat dried apricots. It is contraindicated in the following conditions:

• Hypotension.
• Allergy.
• Bronchial asthma.
• Diabetes.
• Cases of individual intolerance.

Product Recommendations

To achieve the maximum expected result from dried apricots, it is necessary to use it correctly:

1. It is generally accepted that the highest quality apricots are those brought from Turkey. The product has a matte finish and dark yellow color.
2. If dried apricots with a bright orange color, it is assumed that the product has been treated with sulfur dioxide.
3. The product is a product with a high concentration of various substances. Therefore, it should not be abused. If you eat a handful a day, then this will be quite enough to replenish the body with the necessary amount of vitamins and minerals.
4. Dried apricots will be absorbed better if consumed as part of various cereals.

A woman can prepare various dishes from dried fruits. You can also make delicious compote from dried apricots.

Video: what is the use of dried apricots