Indians are not known for their love affair with the apricots because we are the Mango' people, but today we are going to elaborate on the benefits of apricot during pregnancy.
When pregnant, women get cravings for sweet and tangy sour items and also desire some weird combination of foods. Apricots, ladies and gentlemen, are sweet with a tangy and could be everything an expectant mother needs. Here we present to you a good read about the benefits of apricot during pregnancy.
Enjoy the cravings. Don't deny yourself anything. Eat and enjoy the surplus benefits of nature as you and your baby need it! These are some standard encouragement during pregnancy.
Apricots are great for pregnancy health care, and we tell you why, but before you read about the benefits of apricot during pregnancy, let's tell you everything else about this temperate fruit.
Golden eggs of the Sun!
Apricots were hailed as €˜Golden eggs of the sun' by Alexander the Great in the 14th century when he came across the velvety fruit during one of his military expeditions.
Also, apricots are not peaches!
Yes, they might look alike, but they are not related. Apricots have a sweet and tangy taste while peaches are known to be sweet.
With a velvety texture that is smooth, apricots are juicy and a natural ridge running in the between, which divides the fruit into two halves. The velvety skin also has a slightly red tinge usually due to sun exposure.
Nutritional Content of Apricots
According to United States Department of Agriculture, 100 grams of apricot have
1. 48 calories
2. 11.2 grams carbohydrates
3. 2 grams of fibre
4. 1.4gram protein
5. Good amounts of Vitamin A, C, E and K.
6. 0.1mg of Vitamin B6
7. 9mcg Folate
8. 259mg of Potassium
9. 0.2mg Zinc
10. 23 mg Phosphorus
Health Benefits of Apricots in Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a very delicate phase where even a sneeze is looked after with such care. To ensure that the baby and mum are doing fine, relatives and doctors often monitor the diet intake. Apricots and their benefits don't come up in pregnancy conversations, but this little heart-shaped goodie has many health benefits, especially for pregnant women.
1. Eye the immunity:
Apricots are rich in vitamin A, which helps with the immunity, cell growth and vision of the baby in the womb. Of course, it works in the same way for the mothers as well. Apricots have beta-carotene in them, which gets converted to Vitamin A.
2. Balance the blood pressure:
Potassium is essential when it comes to maintaining blood pressure. In pregnancy, high or low blood pressures are strict NO-NO. Apricots are rich in potassium and help in keeping blood pressure at normal levels. It also averts kidney stones and bone loss. These are indeed some significant and excellent benefits of apricot during pregnancy.
3. Baby's tissues:
Vitamin A is the most essential factor for embryonic growth. The baby needs it for the development of lungs, heart, eyes, kidney, central nervous system, circulatory system and bones. But, keep the vitamin A intake in check as too much of it is also harmful.
4. Energy needs:
Did you know that an expectant mother needs an extra dose of 300 calories during pregnancy so the baby can grow and develop well? That is only a cup of dried or fresh apricots. Also, females who are anaemic benefit from eating apricots because of their iron (folate) density.
5. Relieves Constipation:
Dried or fresh apricots help treat constipation. Apricots have a fairly fibrous and help pregnant women deal with issues like bloating and constipation.
When to Avoid Consuming Apricots?
In Indian culture, there is a theory that there are warm-and cold-natured foods. It is said that during pregnancy, warm-natured food should not be eaten! Many feel that apricots are warm, but they are safe to be eaten in pregnancy in reality.
One should avoid the kernels of the fruit, as this part contains a chemical known as cyanide. Now, cyanide is a toxin and can harm the baby and mother. Please enjoy the fruit in moderation to reap the benefits of apricot during pregnancy.
Apricot kernels also contain another compound known as €˜amygdalin' which is an anti-cancer agent. Hence chewing apricots kernels during pregnancy can be harmful.
Which Version of Apricot is Better: Dried or Fresh?
The dried form of apricot is just the fruit's dehydrated form without compromising their nutrient value. However, pay heed that apricots should be consumed in fewer quantities due to their high calories. If you feel uneasy after eating the fruit, consult a doctor.
Discover the Nutritious Side of Apricots
We should not underestimate the benefits of apricot during pregnancy, as only half a cup of this tasty fruit gives excellent good health to baby and mom.
Apricot, the heart-shaped plump fruit, is considered exotic but is harvested in India as well. Being a temperate fruit it grows in cooler areas of the country, like Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Shimla and Uttar Pradesh.
