Often, women in an "interesting position" ask themselves whether it is possible for pregnant dried apricots. We can positively answer this with confidence, since this dried fruit is not only very useful, but in some situations you can’t even do without it. However, they should not be abused either. We suggest today working out together why dried apricots are so good during pregnancy.
Dried Fruit Overview
As you know, in the autumn-winter period it is not easy to find fruits that would be really useful for the body of a future mother. Beautiful looking products that are imported to us from abroad, despite their attractive appearance, have practically lost all vitamins and minerals due to their processing with chemicals and preservatives. In addition, often such fruits are harvested unripe so that they finish the ripening process on the road. In this case, the fruits do not have time to accumulate enough vitamins and are also not beneficial to the human body. Dried fruits are a completely different matter! All useful substances, minerals, vitamins and minerals are stored in them. In addition, dyes, flavors and other chemicals are not used in the process of their production.
Of particular note are the palatability of dried fruits. They are very sweet, but they do not contain sugar, but fructose and glucose, which do not negatively affect the level of insulin in the blood, and also do not spoil the figure. One of the most popular dried fruits in our country, of course, is dried apricots. We offer a closer look at this dried fruit.
What is dried apricots?
This dried fruit is an apricot fruit dried in the sun. Dried apricots should not contain pits. If you came across them, then apricot, and apricot, became the basis for dried fruit. Dried apricots are produced mainly in Asian countries, as well as in Turkey, Ukraine and the Krasnodar Territory. However, you can buy it almost everywhere.
What is the use of dried apricots for pregnant women?
Oddly enough, there are not so many vitamins in this dried fruit - only A, B and C. However, dried apricots are very rich in minerals. So, iron, potassium, magnesium, calcium and phosphorus contain more than most fresh fruits. Magnesium helps not only in prevention, but also in the treatment of anemia and anemia. Calcium contained in dried apricots helps strengthen the bones of the developing fetus, and potassium - muscles.
Dried apricots during pregnancy is indicated for women who have problems with stools. After all, this dried fruit, as well as fresh apricot fruits, has a pronounced laxative effect.
Everyone also knows that a woman in a position often wants to try something sweet. But abusing sweets and chocolates during pregnancy is highly discouraged. Dried apricots come to the rescue. After all, this dried fruit has a sweet taste and not only does not harm the body, but also helps to strengthen the immune system, which is very important during this period of a woman’s life.
In addition, dried apricots help during pregnancy with edema, since it has diuretic properties.
Harm of dried apricots during pregnancy
As you know, when consuming all, even the most healthy foods, you must comply with the measure. An exception to this rule is not dried apricots. So, if you plan to use this dried fruit to combat constipation, then you should eat no more than 100 grams per day. Otherwise, you can get the opposite effect in the form of diarrhea. For the same reason, this product is not recommended if you suffer from an intestinal upset, as the situation can only worsen.
Also, dried apricots during pregnancy are contraindicated in women with low blood pressure, as it helps to lower it.
Indications for the use of dried apricots during pregnancy
In general, this dried fruit is recommended for almost all women who are in an interesting position. After all, dried apricots contribute to the replenishment of the body with minerals and the correct formation of the fetus in the womb of the future mother. If constipation worries you during pregnancy, there is no need to resort to medications, just include this dried fruit in your diet.
With pronounced toxicosis and heartburn, experts recommend drinking compote from dried apricots. In addition, to avoid problems with hair loss, brittle nails and tooth decay during pregnancy, it is advisable to use these dried fruits, rich in minerals and trace elements.
Ways to use dried apricots
There are many options for eating this dried fruit in food. Most often, dried apricots are eaten raw, because so it retains the largest number of useful trace elements. You can also add it to various salads or meat dishes. It goes especially well with chicken and beef.
In addition, baked goods with dried apricots are very tasty. However, it is not worth abusing it during pregnancy.
You can also cook compote from this dried fruit. It will be even tastier and more nutritious if, in addition to dried apricots, raisins, prunes and dried apples or pears are added to it .
Dried Fruit Recipes for Fighting Constipation During Pregnancy
In general, we can say that all dried fruits have a laxative effect, expressed to one degree or another. Dried apricots and prunes during pregnancy have a positive effect on intestinal motility, improving its functioning. With constipation, compotes and infusions of these dried fruits are excellent.
To prepare the infusion, you need to pour six pieces of dried apricots and the same amount of prunes with two glasses of boiling water and leave overnight. The next morning, drink the mixture on an empty stomach. After several days of use, you will notice how your bowels work better.
In addition, you can prepare a tasty, healthy and nutritious mixture that not only fills your body with nutrients, but also contributes to the fight against constipation. For this we need 200 grams of figs and the same amount of dried apricots and prunes. They need to be crushed using a meat grinder. Add 100 grams of honey to the mixture and take one teaspoon before bedtime, be sure to drink a glass of water.
If you need a laxative, whose actions do not have to wait long, we suggest using the following recipe. Take 300 grams of dried apricots and prunes, chop dried fruits, add 100 grams of honey and 50 grams of finely chopped aloe to them. All ingredients must be mixed well and consumed one spoonful twice a day. Alternatively, you can spread this mixture on bread and drink before bedtime with a glass of cold water.
How to choose dried apricots
In order for dried fruit to bring exclusively benefits to your body, you must carefully approach the process of purchasing it. After all, today it is no secret to anyone that some unscrupulous manufacturers do not disdain the use of sulfur vapor and other chemicals to give the product a more attractive appearance. Of course, such dried apricots during pregnancy will not only bring no benefit, but can also harm such an organism that is vulnerable at that time. Therefore, when choosing dried fruits, use a few tips:
- do not take the brightest orange fruits, since it is likely that they are processed with harmful substances;
- give preference to products that have a natural, even slightly “dusty” color with a gray or brown tint (this appearance indicates that the drying was carried out in natural conditions);
- keep in mind that dried fruits should not be sticky, as this indicates that they are under-dried;
- do not get shiny fruits, as this can also be the result of chemical treatment, it is best to purchase dried apricots with a dull surface;
- to the touch, the fruits should be elastic, bend under the fingers, but in no case be too soft.
Today we talked about how useful dried apricots for pregnant women, about its basic properties. We sincerely hope that this information is useful to you during such an important period for any woman as carrying a baby.