Dried apricots during pregnancy - the benefits and harm

The nutrition of the future mother plays an important role in the development of the fetus and in maintaining the vitality of the woman. The diet during this period should be balanced and rich in nutrients. Everyone knows that eating a fruit, a pregnant woman not only improves her mood, but also is a supplier of vitamins and minerals to a developing baby. Store shelves are overflowing with berries, vegetables and fruits, but during the winter, the quality of the purchase inspires doubts. People are more confident about acquired dried fruit.

To find out if dried apricots are useful during pregnancy, it is worth exploring its composition in more detail. There is a generally accepted view that it strengthens all body systems and participates in the building functions of the developing organism.

The dried apricots are two halves from an apricot, without a stone. 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 benefits of dried fruit 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 producing red blood bodies in a developing child's body. Relaxes smooth muscles and is useful for hypertonia.
3. Potassium and iron - develop muscular muscles. Responsible for heart health. Deficiency of elements can lead to abnormal development, and sometimes to the loss of a child. Thanks to potassium, water-salt balance is maintained.
4. Vitamin PP - reduces the amount of harmful cholesterol.
5. Ascorbic acid is an antioxidant that protects against infections.
6. Tocopherol - stimulates the function of the adrenal glands, is involved in the formation of the respiratory tract of the fetus.
7. Vitamins of group B (thiamin, riboflavin). B1 - regulates the nervous system, improves sleep and gives peace of 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. Displays excess fluid. Facilitates the work of the kidneys and relieves tissue swelling.

Just dried apricots:

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

After examining the benefits of dried apricots, you can enjoy them if you wish, or you can use them purposefully with the first symptoms that cause discomfort in the intestines. The main problems faced by every pregnant woman 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 forbidden to use with the following pathologies:

• Low pressure.
• Allergic reaction.
• Bronchial asthma.
• Diarrhea.
• Individual immunity.
• The problem with overweight.
• Diabetes.

The conclusion is simple. When consuming dried apricots for any purpose, it is important not to overdo it. A single dose of intake must be limited to two or three dried fruits in combination with cottage cheese or cereals. If you consume excessively, you can provoke an upset stomach, which will not allow the valuable components of the fruit to be absorbed and will provoke the excretion of nutrients, not less important substances.

Daily rate

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

When choosing dried fruits for consumption by a pregnant woman, it is necessary to understand that they have special requirements.

What to look for when buying?

Despite the fact that the eye attracts bright, dull fruit, it is better to ignore them. Introduced dyes - this is a good commercial move, not carrying the benefits, and a fragile and vulnerable body, it may even harm.

Stopping your choice on the muted frosted tones of the fruit, also pay attention to the purity, the absence of traces of insects, cobwebs, moldy fragments, 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.

Odor should not have impurities mold, chemicals, rancidity. Apricot should smell naturally, despite the look of its workpiece, and be elastic, but not hardened.

Recommendations for use

1. By abusing heat treatment, you can significantly reduce the valuable properties of the fruit. From this it follows that the product is more valuable raw.
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 for processing dried fruits.
3. Store in a glass container without moisture and light. This will save vitamins and trace elements without loss.

How to cook dried apricots

Dried fruits are versatile. 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 the heaviness in the legs, relieve swelling and is considered a natural diuretic.

1. A decoction of dried apricots. Fruits (500 g) are poured with boiling water (2 l), boiled on minimal heat for 20 minutes under a closed lid. Cool.
2. Compote from dried apricots. The fruits of prunes (100 g), dried apricots (150 g) pour boiling water, set aside (15 minutes). Water is drained, the dried apricots are washed, put in a container, pour a fourth of a glass (200 g) of granulated sugar, pour in cold water (2 l). Bring to a boil, torment 7 minutes. Insist hour.
3. Energy cocktail. Fruits (250 g) are poured with boiling water (2 l), boiled on minimal heat for a quarter of an hour. Strain, thick is passed through a sieve.The liquid in which apricots and mashed potatoes were boiled is combined. Set aside for 30 minutes, add honey and bring to uniformity by means of a blender.

Interesting facts about the dried fruit

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

Video: the useful apricots